OFFICIAL: this is the new Mercedes A-Class

Mercedes launched the fourth generation Mercedes A-Class this evening in Amsterdam. Based on the MFA2 platform, the new A-Class offers a larger interior, a new layout for the dashboard with the new MBUX multimedia systems and new engines. Here are the full official informations.

With over 620,000 compact models sold in 2017, the compact range from Mercedes is the most successful in the premium segment. But the bestseller is not the A-Class but the CLA, B-Class and the GLA.

In 2011, at the former generation, Mercedes launched first the B-Class followed by the A-Class in 2012. But now the role was changed and the A-Class is the star and the first model of the range based on the MFA2 platform, an evolution of the current MFA platform.

Read here about all four Mercedes A-Class generations.

The official informations confirm what we wrote some months ago. The car is slightly longer with a length of 4,419 mm, 161 mm more than the VW Golf.

The new A-Class offers more interior space and a bigger luggage. The wheelbase has increased to 2,729 mm (plus 30 mm) which will increase the kneeroom for the rear passengers.

The new A-Class has 1,796 mm in width (plus 16 mm) and 1,440 mm in height (plus 7 mm). As a result, all the interior dimensions have increased: more shoulder-room (front +9 mm, rear +22 mm), more elbow-room (front +35 mm, rear +36 mm) and more headroom (front +7 mm, rear +8 mm).

The luggage compartment will have a capacity of 370 liters – 29 liters more than before, while the access to the luggage will be easier thanks to the new two-section rear lights which increased the loading aperture by 20 cm. In the same time, the length of the luggage floor is 11.5 cm longer.

The front visibility will be improved thanks to the new A-pillars which are 10% thinner. With an active radiator grille used for the first time in the compact class by Mercedes, the  Cx figure starts from 0.25, which make the new A-Class the aerodynamic leader in its segment.

The drive train has been also improved. Like all its predecessors, the new A-Class has a McPherson front suspension. The new thing is the transverse control arm below the wheel centre which is made from forged aluminium.

The rear axle is available in two configurations: with torsion beam for the A 200 and A 180 d and with four link suspension for the A 250 and all 4Matic versions. The adaptive drivetrain Dynamic Select (with Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual mode) is standard for the whole range while the adaptive suspension is on the option list. The 4Matic system has been modified. The multiplate clutch integrated in the rear axle differential is no longer electro-hidraulically controlled but instead electro-mechanically.

Three types of suspensions are available:

• Comfort suspension with steel springs
• Comfort suspension lowered by 15 mm and more sporty configuration for the springs and dampers
• Active damping control suspension

The 16 inch wheels are standard and up to 19 inch wheels can be ordered depending on the engine and equipment lines.

As we already announce, the engine range is also new.

Three versions are available at the market launch:

• A 200 with the new 1.33 liter Renault origin engine combined with 7G-DCT double clutch gearbox or 6 speed manual gearbox.
• A 250 with the new 2.0 liter Mercedes engine combined with 7G-DCT double clutch gearbox
• A 180 d with the 1.5 dCi Renault origin engine combined with 7G-DCT double clutch gearbox

The new 1.33 liter engine from Renault was modified by Mercedes to meet the requirements of the A-Class. The M282 engine in A 200 has cylinder shutoff (in combination with the 7G-DCT transmission) and multi-hole injection nozzles centrally located in the combustion chamber. In the partial load range between 1,250 and 3,800 rpm, and depending of the power requirement, the intake and exhaust valves of the second and third cylinder are closed by valve clearance adjustment.

The 2 liter turbo M 260 Mercedes engine is a further development of the previous M 270 and feature variable valve timing for intake Camtronic, balance shafts for smooth engine running, particulate filter and has an output increase of over 6% compared to its predecessor. Is available with 7G-DCT double-clutch gearbox in the A 250.

The entry level diesel engine OM 608 in the A 180 d is a new development based on the OM 607. It is more powerful (116 HP, 6 HP more), has further reduced emissions and complies with EU 6d norm. It has an improved turbocharger with variable turbine geometry integrated into the exhaust manifold, new aluminium cylinder head, weight-optimised steel pistons, particulate filter and the pressure of the common rail injection system has been increased to 2,000 bar from 1,600 bar.  A large AdBlue tank with a capacity of 23.8 liters ensures long refilling intervals. It is available at start in conjunction with 7G-DCT double-clutch gearbox.

Mercedes claim that further new engines will follow. We learned that the same 1.33 liter new engine will deliver 136 HP in the A 180.

The new 2 liter diesel launched in the new E-Class will deliver 150 HP in the A 200 d and 190 HP in the A 220 d.

Two AMG versions will be available for sport fans: AMG A 35 and AMG A 45.

One year later will follow the Plug-In Hybrid version which promise a 70 km electric range based on a 13.7 kWh battery.

The interior of the new A-Class was revealed in December 2017. The classical dashboard indicators and the old 4:3 format multimedia display have disappeared. Both were replaced by a new elongated screen, placed on the upper half of the dashboard. You can find the main switches of the air conditioning system below the three new central sporty vents in a turbine-look, but the AC display has been integrated into the central screen. The new steering wheel was carried over from the S-Class and feature the touch controls on the left and right side.

The A-Class is the first Mercedes model to feature the completely new multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience. Even the standard version will have digital main indicators with two 7-inch screens. Two optional versions will follow: one with a 7-inch and with a 10.25-inch display and one with two 10.25-inch screens. The multimedia system can be controlled from the touchscreen, touchpad on the centre console and touch control buttons in the steering wheel.

The hard-disc navigation available for MBUX on the basis of HERE map data predicts destinations in advance, suggests interesting destinations (POIs – Points of Interest) or navigates to the next filling station. The onboard navigation also works without an online connection.

The ambient lighting with 64 colours and ten colour worlds (optional) allows different moods to be created in the interior and numerous individual settings to be selected.

A head-up display is offered for the first time in the new A-Class. A system of lenses and mirrors projects a full-colour image measuring around 24 x 8 centimetres into the windscreen. It appears to float above the bonnet at a distance of around 2.5 metres. The head-up display is activated using the left touch-control button in the steering wheel. It is configured via a settings menu in the display itself, a first in this vehicle class.

Three types of seats are available for the new A-Class:

• Standard seats
• Comfort seats
• Sporty integral seats in combination with equipment linesThe seats can be configured optional with comfort features from higher segments, like the seat climate control, Multicontour Seat package inclusive massage function.

Three equipment lines are available: Style, Progressive and AMG Line. The Night package is available in combination with Progressive and AMG Line. The A-Class will be available also as an Edition 1 for around one year after the market launch.

The new platform MFA2 is packed with the most modern assistance systems:

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Active Steering Assist function between 0 and 210 km/h
• Active Speed Limit Assist
• Active Lane Change Assist function between 80 and 180 km/h
• Active Emergency Stop Assist
• Active Brake Assist
• Evasive Steering Assist frunction between 20 and 70 km/h and help the driver to avoid a pedestrian detected by the assistance systems.
• Active Lane Keeping Assist function between 60 and 200 km/h
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
• 360 degree camera

  The new Mercedes A-Class will presented at Geneva Motorshow. The car can be ordered from march and the first deliveries will follow in May 2018. The production of the new compact family will begin in five plants on three continents: Rastatt (Germany), Kecsemet (Hungary), Beijing Benz Automotive (China), Valmet Automotive (Finland) and Aguascalientes (Mexico).