New-gen Mercedes-Benz A-Class breaks cover

Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the wraps off the new-gen A-Class in a special event in Amsterdam. The hatchback enters into its fourth generation now and debuts the most advanced version yet of the Mercedes’ Comand infotainment system which is now called MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). 

The new A-Class (W177) is the most mature model till date, said Dieter Zetsche, chairman and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. It is so mature that it has features which are available in the S-Class but in a smaller package. It has undergone extensive testing for better rigidity and sound insulation resulting in a refined ride, said Zetsche. Based on the revised MFA platform, the new A is bigger than the outgoing car. The A-Class appears modern as well carrying the design philosophy laid down by the Concept A saloon and first seen on the newly-launched CLS. 

The wraparound headlights are rather angular with Multibeam LED lighting signature and flank the AMG-like grille. The front bumpers are kept subtle while overall shape is unmistakably that of the A-Class. Meanwhile, the rear is contrastingly curvaceous with bulbous tail lights and a narrow rear window similar to the older car. The rear bumpers get diffusers and integrated chrome exhaust tips for a sportier stance. The new A-Class comes with large 19-inch wheels for the first time.

The new A-Class grows in size. The length is increased by 120mm and now measures 4,419mm, width increases by 16mm to 1796mm and at 1440mm the height is increased a tad bit too with 2,729 wheelbases. Thus resulting in increased cabin space overall while the boot space increased by 19 litres to 370 litres. The cabin is plush, feature loaded and ‘mature’ than before claims the Three-Pointed Star. Scrounged from the S-Class there are – two seven inch displays, one seven and one 10.3inch or two 10.3 inch free-floating display – with touch interface featuring the advanced MBUX system which is basically an in-car smartphone. 

Under the hood, there will be three engine choices, to begin with. The A200 is powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder unit with 160bhp and 250Nm. The A250 gets a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 221bhp and 350Nm. Meanwhile, the oil burner is the A180d with a 1.5-litre four-pot unit 260Nm. More powertrain options are expected to join later too. The A200 can be had with the five-speed manual while the seven-speed 7G dual-clutch transmission comes standard. A nine-speed unit with 4Matic all-wheel-drive is also on the cards. 

The new A-Class is an important car for Mercedes. It is first of the eight new model line-up expected to arrive by 2020 including the new A-Class sedan. The hatchback will make its public debut at the Geneva stage with sales expected thereafter. Mercedes-Benz will promptly introduce the new-gen A-Class in India once it goes on sale internationally.