About five years after the introduction of the current A-Class, Mercedes is now introducing a facelift. It brings a few visual changes and new technology. There will no longer be a manual switch.
Mercedes is treating its A-Class, which was introduced in spring 2018, to a facelift. In the five-door and sedan, it provides a fresh look, more equipment, improved infotainment functions and a longer electric range.
The revised A-Class can be recognized, among other things, by the two power domes in the bonnet, and the front apron and the radiator grille have been revised with the star carried by a transverse clasp. The optional LED headlights have new graphics. A modified rear diffuser and the now standard LED taillights ensure a fresh look on the back.
The basic equipment of the A-Class has been expanded. It now includes a reversing camera, the USB package and a new steering wheel with double bars and nappa leather cover. The Progressive equipment is expanded to include LED headlights, lumbar support and a parking and mirror package. In the future, the parking package will offer parallel parking and a 360-degree camera image of the area around the vehicle. A USB-C port and a fingerprint sensor that the driver can use to identify themselves are new features in the cockpit.
As before, there is a cockpit with two displays. The one behind the steering wheel is available in 7 or 10.25 inch format, the central touchscreen is now 10.25 inches in size. Speed ??dial buttons and trackpad in the center console are omitted. The display offers the three newly designed styles “Classic”, “Sporty”, “Understated”. The MBUX infotainment system, the most recent version of which is being used in the A-Class, is controlled via the right-hand touchscreen. With the activation of online services of the “Mercedes me” app, the language assistant should be able to communicate and learn and explain vehicle functions. A new tour guide provides information about sights along the route.
When it comes to the drives, the petrol engines with between 100 kW/136 hp and 165 kW/225 hp are now supported by a starter generator that provides an additional 10 kW/14 hp. The previous petrol versions A 160, A 200 4Matic and A 250 are no longer available. All other engine variants are exclusively combined with automatic transmissions. The manual transmission flies out of the program.
In the case of the plug-in hybrid version, the higher usable energy content allows a longer electric range. Instead of a maximum of 78 kilometers in the past, the power supply will in future be sufficient for up to 82 kilometers. In addition, the power of the electric motor has increased by 5 kW/7 hp to 80 kW/109 hp. At the same time, the top speed was reduced by 10 to 225 or 230 km/h (sedan). Charging with alternating current will be possible with 11 kW in the future. Alternatively, there is a choice of three diesels with 85 kW/116 hp, 110 kW/150 hp and 140 kW/190 hp.
The modified A-Class can be ordered at the end of October. The first deliveries will take place at the beginning of 2023. Prices should start above 30,000 euros.
