After unveiling the 4th-gen A-Class long wheelbase sedan in China earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled the A-Class sedan. The new car will be revealed to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, which will be held from October 4-14, 2018.

The A-Class sedan measures 4,549 mm long, 1,796 mm wide, 1,446 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,729 mm. The rated boot space is 420 litres. Dimension wise, it is 130 mm longer than the A-Class hatchback while the width and wheelbase are the same. The car has a drag coefficient of 0.22, which Mercedes claims is the lowest for a production car in the world.

The front is similar to the A-Class hatch. It gets a low set grille with a single silver slat in the middle and the star logo, a large air dam, two smaller side vents and LED headlamps with inverted DRLs. The sedan gets bigger rear doors and a longer rear overhang, when compared to the hatchback. The rear comes with wraparound tail lamps, dual chrome exhaust tips and a prominent lip on the boot. It also gets new design 16 to 19-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, the car gets a dual tone scheme with a wooden trim. It comes with circular AC vents, dual screens with a choice of 7-inch and 10.25-inch displays, 64-colour ambient lighting and a Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system.

The A-Class sedan will be available with a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine. The 1,332cc M 282 turbocharged petrol engine develops 161 BHP / 250 Nm, while the 1,461cc OM 608 turbocharged diesel engine makes 114 BHP / 260 Nm. Both engines are paired to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox and power is sent to the front wheels.

In terms of safety, the A-Class sedan borrows kit from the S-Class. It comes equipped with radar-based systems for the Driving Assistance Package, lane assist, automatic emergency braking, and PRE-Safe. It also comes with dual front and side airbags, a driver knee airbag and side curtain airbags as standard. Rear side airbags are optional.

The car will be made in Aguascalientes, Mexico and Rastatt, Germany. Production is expected to start later this year.

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new infotainment system on the recently unveiled A-Class. Called as the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX), the system gets a 'LINGUATRONIC' voice assistant that responds to users when called upon by saying 'Hey Mercedes'. One of the reasons for development of standalone and new voice assistants when there are already established ones like Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri and Alphabet's Google assistant is because many car makers would not like to let a 3rd party access their car's systems.

The Alexa-like voice assistant will be able to access the car’s navigation, phone, audio and air-conditioning functions. The self-evolving system will also be able to understand the driver's habits and anticipate their requirements. Users will be able to speak instructions to the MBUX for simple things like changing the volume to adjusting the cabin temperature and handling navigation duties. Voice recognition software from Massachusetts' Nuance Communications, will be used to handle requests when there will be a lack of internet connectivity.

Apart from the voice assistant, the system consists of a large touchscreen interface, a touchpad and steering mounted touch-control buttons to access the various functions of the infotainment system. The touchpad is capable of recognising handwriting while the steering touch-controls are used for the infotainment system, instrument cluster and the head-up display. Mercedes Me connect services are included in MBUX. They include navigation based on Car-to-X communication, real time vehicle location as well as warn owners in case of a hit on the car or when towed. Car-to-X communications will display alerts real time based on conditions like wet roads, nearby emergency services, etc. on the map. The Me App will also remind users to leave on time (depending on traffic conditions) for the next appointment.

As the technological development progresses, the future assistant systems will be even more closely linked together into the car's various computers and will be able to control many other systems.

Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser video of the exteriors as well as interiors of the 4th-gen A-Class. The car is scheduled to be revealed on February 2, 2018 in Amsterdam.

The new A-Class is reported to measure 4,419 mm in length and 1,796 mm in width with a wheelbase of 2,729 mm. These are increments by 120 mm, 16 mm and 30 mm respectively compared to the current car. The boot space of the car has been increased by 29 litres and now measures 370 litres.

Going by the spy images and the video, the car gets a new low-set grille, that is similar in design to some AMG models. The car also gets all-LED headlamps, a revised bumper with a large air dam and two smaller side vents with horizontal slats, a downward-sloping roof and a strong crease running from the headlights to the tail lamps. The car is also reported to get 19-inch alloy wheels.

The interiors of the A-Class have also been revamped. The cabin is larger in size than the outgoing car and the dashboard is new with five circular air vents and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which can be controlled through a 6th-gen COMAND interface. A 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a new 3-spoke steering wheel has also been provided. Lower variants will either get a pair of 7-inch displays or one 7-inch and one 10.25-inch display. The car also gets MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) interface, navigation, 360-degree camera, adaptive high-beam assistant with city and highway headlight functions and ambient lighting with 64 colours.

The new A-Class is reported to be underpinned by a revised version of the MFA platform, called MFA-2. According to media reports, this platform gets aluminium parts along with steel. The car is expected to come in both - petrol and diesel versions.

Petrol engine options are likely to include a new 1.4-litre petrol engine (code name M282) developed along with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and a 2.0-litre petrol unit (code name M260). The 1.4-litre engine is expected to feature cylinder activation and come in three states of tune - 108 BHP (A140), 134 BHP (A160) or 161 BHP (A180). The 2.0-litre engine is also expected to come in three states of tune - 188 BHP (A200), 221 BHP (A250) and 302 BHP in the four-wheel drive AMG model. The AMG version is also expected to get a 48V electric system.

Among the diesel engines that are likely to be offered is a 1.5-litre (OM608) unit based on the OM607 motor supplied by Renault. This engine is expected to come in two states of tune - 94 BHP and 234 Nm of torque (A160d) and 114 BHP and 281 Nm of torque (A180d). The 2.0-litre OM654 unit that is found in other Mercedes cars is expected to be used in the new A-Class as well. It is also expected to come in two states of tune - 148 BHP and 320 Nm of torque (A200d) and 188 BHP and 400 Nm of torque (A220d). The A200d and A22d are expected to be offered in both - front and four-wheel drive configurations.

Transmission options are expected to include a 6-speed manual, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Source - Autocar UK

Mercedes-Benz has been testing the fourth-gen A-Class for a fairly long time. It was first spotted testing in June last year, while several camouflaged mules snapped over the following months. However, a recent set of spy shots have revealed details about the upcoming model's interiors.

Though the test mule's cabin has been disguised with mild camouflage, the images indicate that the 2018 A-Class will get a fully digital instrument cluster. This will be replacing the twin-pod analogue instrumentation found on the current-gen model sold in India. The digital instrumentation system will likely be offered only on the top-end variants. The images also point towards a larger infotainment display mounted on top of the centre console.

The new-gen A-Class will be based on the company's MFA2 platform. It will be slightly bigger in every dimension, while overall structure and silhouette will likely be inspired by the current model. Reports also suggest the Mercedes will be equipping the new A-Class with various semi-autonomous technologies that will be borrowed from its larger siblings like the S-Class and E-Class.

The fourth-gen Mercedes A-Class is expected to be unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Source: Motor1

Mercedes-Benz has launched special editions of the A-Class and the B-Class in India. Called the Night Edition, these cars get black detailing on certain parts of the exteriors along with some feature additions. Mercedes will be selling only 100 units each of the A-Class and B-Class Night Editions.

The Night package adds black detailing on select design elements on both - the A-Class and the B-Class. These include ORVMs, 17-inch alloy wheels, grille and front & rear bumpers. The cars also get a Night Edition badge on the tailgate. On the inside, the special edition models come with an 8-inch media display, which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Both the A-Class and B-Class are available with petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol variants are powered by a 1.6-litre unit that develops 121 BHP and 200 Nm of torque, while the diesel model draws power from a 2.0-litre unit rated at 134 BHP and 300 Nm. Both engines are available with a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.

Prices (ex-showroom, Pune):

• A 180 - Rs. 27.31 lakh

• A 200 d - Rs. 28.32 lakh

• B 180 - Rs. 29.34 lakh

• B 200 d - Rs. 30.35 lakh

Mercedes-Benz India has launched a series of Sport Edition models of the A-Class, CLA and GLA. These new Sport Edition Mercedes cars mark the start of the 2016 UEFA Euro Championship which commenced last week in France. The German automaker will limit the number of Sport Edition models to just 54 for the A-Class, and 108 each for the CLA and GLA. This number too has been chosen for a reason, as there would be 54 teams that would participate in the UEFA EURO 2016 championship.

Cosmetic changes on the Sport Edition models of the A-Class, CLA and GLA include AMG front and rear bumpers, carbon fibre ORVM cover, side skirts, a 'Sport Edition' badge, stainless steel sport pedals, and black hub caps.

Additionally, owners of the Sport Edition Mercedes cars will also be given merchandise products of the official German football team.

Ex-Showroom Mumbai prices of the Sport Edition models are as follows:
• A 180 - Rs. 25.95 lakh
• A 200 d - Rs. 26.95 lakh
• CLA 200 - Rs. 33.24 lakh
• CLA 200 d - Rs. 34.25 lakh
• GLA 200 - Rs. 34.23 lakh
• GLA 200 d - Rs. 35.26 lakh

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been spotted testing for the first time. This new A-Class will be the successor of the third-generation model which has been on sale for more than four years. The car spotted testing wore heavy camouflage, indicating that Mercedes might introduce significant design changes in its new hatchback.

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class will be built on an all-new MFA2 platform. This new platform is an improved version of the MFA platform, which underpins the current-gen B-Class, CLA, GLA, and CLA Shooting Brake.

Proportions of the A-Class spotted recently look similar to that of the model currently on sale. But there are some significant design updates that are visible even under the thick camouflage. These include a thick C-Pillar and a sloping roofline.

The new A-Class will get LED headlamps and taillights. Moreover, features on offer would include an adaptive cruise control, an advanced infotainment system and semi-autonomous driving system.

The next-gen Mercedes A-Class will continue to be powered by the same petrol and diesel engines that are found in the current A-Class: a 1.6 litre petrol engine that develops 122 BHP, and a 2.2-litre diesel unit rated at 136 BHP. Both these engines can be coupled with either a manual or an automatic gearbox. But since the current-gen A-Class sold in India is offered with only an automatic, the same strategy might be followed when the 2018 A-Class is launched in the future.

The new A-Class is expected to make its debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, with deliveries to start in Europe in early 2018.

Source: Motor1

Mercedes-Benz revealed the facelifted A-Class earlier this year and around 5 months after its unveiling, the car has been launched in India. Prices start at Rs. 24.95 lakh for the petrol A 180 Sport and Rs. 25.95 lakh for the diesel A 200 d Sport (both prices ex-showroom Mumbai).

The A-Class petrol is powered by a 1.6L, 4-cylinder engine that makes 121 BHP @ 5,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque @ 1,250 - 4,000 rpm. The A-Class diesel is powered by a 2.2L, 4-cylinder engine that makes 134 BHP @ 3,200 - 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque @ 1,400 - 3,000 rpm. The engines come paired with a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission with the "economy", "sport" and "manual" transmission modes.

The car features subtle changes and gets revised headlamps with optional LED lights, revised tail lights, new alloy wheel designs and tweaked bumpers with the tail pipes integrated into the rear bumper. In the cabin, the car features a new 3-spoke, nappa leather draped steering wheel with 12 integrated buttons, leather draped shift lever, a multifunction colour display integrated into the instrument cluster, and an updated infotainment system which also supports Mercedes-Benz apps. Mercedes-Benz Apps provides internet connectivity through apps like Tunein Radio, Weather, Mercedes-Benz Radio, RSS Newsfeeds, HRS Hotel search, News and Morningstar finance.

As before, the car comes loaded with safety tech and gets features like 6 airbags, ABS, brake assist, ASR, ESP, attention assist and hill start assist. The new A-Class will be available in an a new ‘Elbaite Green’ colour in addition to options like Cirrus White, Jupiter Red, Cosmos Black and Polar Silver. 

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will launch the facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class in India on December 8, 2015.

The refreshed A-Class was revealed earlier this year. It gets optional LED headlights, redesigned bumpers, reworked tail lights, and restyled tail pipes.

The interiors of the car feature a new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, instrument cluster, galvanized switches, ambient lighting with twelve colours and five dimming levels, and new materials. The vehicle is also equipped with an updated infotainment system. It comes with an optional 8-inch display and support for Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink.

The A-Class is expected to retain the same engines as the outgoing model:

• 1,595cc, 4-cylinder, petrol, 121 BHP @ 5,000 rpm, 200 Nm of torque @ 1,250-4,000
• 2,143cc, 4-cylinder, diesel, 134 BHP @ 3,200-4,000 rpm, 300 Nm of torque @ 1,400-3,400 rpm

Both engines are mated to a 7-speed dual clutch, automatic transmission.

The smallest offering from the Mercedes-Benz stable has been revealed in its refreshed avatar. The German automaker has taken an "if-it's-not-broken-don't-fix-it" approach to the new A-Class's exterior. The car features reworked bumpers, optional LED headlamps, revised tail lights and tweaked tail pipe finishers.

On the inside, the car gets an updated infotainment system with an optional 8-inch screen and the system supports Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink. The interior also features galvanized switches, ambient lighting with twelve colours / five dimming levels, and new interior materials, while retaining the same core design.

The new A-Class features an updated range of engines:

Petrol:

- A 160: 1,595 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 101 BHP @ 4,500-6,000 rpm and 180 Nm of torque @ 1,200-3,500 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 10.6 seconds with the top speed rated at 190 km/h.

-A 180: 1,595 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 121 BHP @ 5,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque @ 1,250-4,000 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 8.9 seconds with the top speed rated at 202 km/h. The Blue EFFICIENCY Edition produces the same output figures, but has lower CO2 emissions and the top speed is capped at 190 km/h.

- A 200: 1,595 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 154 BHP @ 5,300 rpm and 250 Nm of torque @ 1,250-4,000 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 8.1 seconds with the top speed rated at 224 km/h.

- A 220 4MATIC: 1,991 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 180 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque @ 1,200-4,000 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 6.9 seconds with the top speed rated at 228 km/h.

- A 250 / A 250 4MATIC: 1,991 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 208 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm of torque @ 1,200-4,000 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 6.5 seconds with the top speed rated at 240 km/h.

- A 250 Sport / A250 Sport 4MATIC: 1,991 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 215 BHP @ 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm of torque @ 1,200-4,000 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 6.4 seconds with the top speed rated at 240 km/h.

- A 45 AMG 4MATIC: 1,991 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 375.5 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 475 Nm of torque @ 2,250-5,000 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 4.2 seconds with the top speed rated at 250 km/h.

Diesel:

- A 160 d: 1,461 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 88.5 BHP @ 2,750-4,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque @ 1,700-2,500 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 13.8 seconds with the top speed rated at 180 km/h.

- A 180 d: 1,461 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 107 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and 260 Nm of torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm. . 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 11.3 seconds with the top speed rated at 190 km/h. The Blue EFFICIENCY Edition produces the same output figures, but has lower CO2 emissions.

- A 200 d / A 200 d 4MATIC: 2,143 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 134 BHP @ 3,200-4,000 rpm (4MATIC = 3,400-4,400 rpm) and 300 Nm of torque @ 1,400-3,000 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 9.3 seconds with the top speed rated at 210 km/h.

- A 220 d / A 220 d 4MATIC: 2,143 cc, 4-cylinder engine that makes 174 BHP @ 3,600-3,800 rpm and 350 Nm of torque @ 1,400-3,400 rpm. 0-100 km/h comes up in a claimed 7.5 seconds with the top speed rated at 224 km/h.

In select markets, the new-generation A-Class can be ordered from 3rd July, 2015 with dealers getting the cars at the end of September, 2015. The A-Class is sold in India as a direct import. A launch here can be expected towards the end of 2015 or early 2016.