With luxury compact offerings like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series gaining traction, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to claim a bigger piece of the action with its all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Mercedes-Benz has teased us ever since, stating that the A-Class would be completely new, stylish, and packed with safety and high-tech features normally found on more expensive models like the S-Class.
Opting for the AMG Sport trim nets 18-inch wheels, aggressively styled bumpers, red-painted accent pieces, and what the automaker calls a diamond-look front grille mesh.
Three gas-powered four-cylinder engines with displacements ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters will feature direct injection and turbocharging and will output 115 hp (A180), 156 hp (A200), and 211 hp (A250). On paper, it appears Mercedes-Benz has a strong contender in America's burgeoning premium compact segment.
"Applying the new dynamic style of Mercedes-Benz to the compact class was a challenge that we thoroughly enjoyed", explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. "The almost sculptural lines of the A-Class are very typical for Mercedes. The feature lines, particularly along the sides of the car, then give the A-Class structure and tautness."
All trim surfaces feature an electroplated finish in "silver chrome", giving them a genuine metallic surface with "cool touch" effect. "This is just one example of the way in which the quality of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class's interior is not defined by classic trim elements but by consistent design and by the specific materials used", explains Hartmut Sinkwitz, Head of Interior Design.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sport features exclusive 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 235/40 R18 tyres all round and painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake callipers.
The dynamism promised by the design and drive system is realised by the suspension. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the only vehicle in its class to feature as standard a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions.
ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
Brake HOLD function (standard)
Hill-Start Assist (standard)
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Active Parking Assist
The appearance of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class reflects the new Mercedes-Benz design strategy. Defined edges and tautly drawn surfaces mark out the exterior design of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The design of the headlamps, together with the configuration of the light functions within them, is a key element of the design concept.
The silhouette reveals smooth, flowing lines finishing in a flat edge. The side view is distinguished by sensuously moulded sculptural side panels and distinctive lines. The interior: excellent high-quality feel and consistent application of design.
Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available, for example, as an optional extra with all design and equipment lines.