DESIGN

Though based on the platform of the previous A-Class, the new model is completely revised, with a 30mm longer wheelbase and 14mm wider front track. The body structure is more rigid, which benefits both handling and refinement, there are different axle mountings and more sound deadening to accentuate that luxury car feel. For the exterior, the front has the new ‘predator’ design treatment with an AMG-inspired trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights tapering into the wings with a class-leading 0.25 drag coefficient for the sleek new design. Inside, passengers and driver enjoy more shoulder, elbow and headroom as well as an all-new design with ambient lighting, free-standing widescreen cockpit and turbine-style air vents for the ‘wow’ factor. Materials are plush throughout and the ambience of the interior owes a lot to the S-Class, right down to the design of the multifunction steering wheel.
Among the optional luxuries are front seats with seat climate control, multi-contour support and massage function.

TECHNOLOGY

Key to the technology in the new Mercedes A-Class is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience system (MBUX), with a Siri-like ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command to unlock a wide range of actions. As well as voice command, you can also control infotainment by touchscreen, a touchpad on the centre console or touch-sensitive panels on the steering wheel. As standard the A-Class comes with a pair of 7-inch screens, of which the one in the middle of the dash is a touchscreen. You can also upgrade to one or event two 10.25-inch touchscreens. A head-up display is another option. MBUX can be programmed to user preferences, but it also uses artificial intelligence to adapt to your needs. So if you phone the same people or listen to the same radio show each day it will remember that; if you’re on a familiar route it will anticipate your destination and show traffic conditions en route, whether or not you set the sat nav. Another option, augmented reality navigation, will superimpose useful information on the map like house numbers.

SAFETY

Mercedes-Benz is proud of its reputation for safety and the new A-Class uses advanced technology to protect both occupants and other road users. This includes Active Brake Assist (which can mitigate the effects of a rear-end collision or even prevent it completely) and Attention Assist, which warns the driver if they are showing signs of fatigue. The Active Distance Assist Distronic system, which features technology from the S-Class, even allows semi-autonomous driving in certain circumstances. It will maintain a set distance behind the vehicle in front and give steering assistance, even in corners. It also uses map data to adjust the car’s speed approaching bends or roundabouts.

FEATURES

Style really does meet versatility with the A-Class family. With a wide choice of trim levels across the A-Class hatchback range including SE, Sport, AMG Line and Exclusive variants, you have the capability to style your Mercedes-Benz exactly how you want it. Alongside the powerhouse MBUX infotainment system, enjoy mobile accessibility from your phone with Mercedes Me, and choose from features such as the iconic diamond radiator grille, ambient lighting with 64 colours, or augmented reality navigation. Enhance your MBUX experience with the stunning 10.25" digital instrument cluster and entertainment console, and enjoy your music collection to the fullest through the advanced Mercedes-Benz 225w advanced sound system. The Mirror package includes electrically folding mirrors, automatically dimming driver's side and rear view mirror and the parking package provides 180 degree visibility of your surroundings, rear view camera and parking sensors front and back. The MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with adaptive high-beam assist consist of 18 individually-controllable high-performance LEDs per MULTIBEAM LED module to split the main beam with 16 controllable individual segments, to avoid dazzling vehicles in front or oncoming traffic.