Mercedes-Benz A-Class: What we know so far

Mercedes-Benz is all set to reveal the new-generation A-Class tomorrow at a special event in Amsterdam. The hatchback will celebrate its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The A-Class has been the highest selling vehicle in Mercedes portfolio and hence the new one is very important for the carmaker. Here is everything we know so far about the upcoming W177 A-Class.

Design 

The new-gen A-Class will adopt the all-new design philosophy seen in the newly-launched CLS-Class. The headlights will adopt a wedged-style motif with LED treatment while the tail lights will also have a new lighting signature with Stardust finish. Being based on the new platform, the A-Class will grow in size making it more practical and spacious and at the same time it will shed some unwanted weight as well. 

Advance cabin

Showcased at the CES already, the A-Class debuts an all-new cabin with what Mercedes calls MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience in the new infotainment system. The hatchback will receive the large floating display which has directly trickled down the flagship S-Class. So there will be a dual screen stacked atop the dashboard and an all-digital instrument cluster. These screens are available in three versions – two seven-inch (17.78 cm), one seven and one 10.25-inch (26 cm) or with two 10.25-inch displays.

Powertrain

The new A-Class will also benefit from the Daimler-Renault alliance in terms of powertrain. The turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine derived from the alliance will be present with different states of tune. Apart from that, the newly developed 2.0-litre turbo diesel will also find its way under the hood of the new A-Class. A plug-in hybrid version of the A-Class is also on the card. Transmission could be an eight-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels. The high-performance AMG spec will debut sometime later.

Positioning 

The new A-Class is very important car for Mercedes. The German carmaker claims it to be more premium than before when it moves into its fourth generation. The carmaker wants to continue the high demand for the supermini with the new generation. The new A will set up a new benchmark for the segment when it arrives. It will also spawn an all-new A-Class sedan which will be positioned below the CLA-Class as the entry level sedan in the Three-Pointed Star’s portfolio. 

India debut

After its international debut at the Geneva stage, the German hatchback will promptly make its way to India. However, with the new generation, if Mercedes prices the entry-level hatch in between Rs 20-25 lakhs, it could become a volume seller in the country. Thus it would make sense to even locally assemble the car here in India at the carmaker’s Pune facility.