Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the 4th generation A-Class in Amsterdam. Besides the new design and added features, the new A-Class will be able to drive semi-autonomously for the first time.
Exterior
The new A-Class adopts the Sensual Purity design language we saw in the latest CLS. Multibeam LED headlamps are offered as an option. Another new thing is a two-section Airpanel (optional), claimed to be the first in compact class, this louvre system behind the radiator grille opens its adjustable louvres depending on the cooling requirement. There is an additional louvre system in the air inlet below the registration plate to further improve system performance.
Overall, the new design has resulted in a drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd.
Interior
The new A-Class’ interiors were revealed back in November 2017. The new thing here is the MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience.
The “Widescreen Cockpit” as Mercedes likes to call it, will have two 10.25-inch screens, the right one being a touchscreen. The steering has small touchpads on either side which control the respective screens, the left one controls the left and the right one controls the right screen.
The customer will have a choice of two 7-inch displays or one 7-inch and one 10.25-inch, or two 10.25-inch as demonstrated in the video above.
The touchpad on the centre console, a part of the MBUX, can also be used to control the screen.
There is also intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition, which is activated with the code word “Hey Mercedes”. A head-up display is available as well.
Via Mercedes me app, the MBUX can display current filling station prices or the availability of parking spaces in a multi-storey car park.
The interior space has also been increased. More on that here.
Autonomous
For the first time, the A-Class will be able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. The car keeps a close eye on the traffic situation: improved camera and radar systems allow it to see upto 500 m ahead.
The A-Class also uses map and navigation data for assistance functions. For example, Active Distance Assist Distronic, part of the Driving Assistance package, is able to support the driver in numerous route-specific situations, and predictively and conveniently adjust the speed e.g. when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts. Also on board are Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Lane Change Assist.
Extended Active Brake Assist comes as standard. Depending on the situation, this can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether, said the company.
Pre-Safe Plus can be had as an option. The system can recognise an imminent rear-end collision. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the brakes of the vehicle when stationary, thus minimising the risk of injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear.
The new A-Class is also the first Mercedes-Benz model to have been developed at the new Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety (TFS).
Powertrains
Three engines will be available at launch. The M 282 1.4L petrol with cylinder shutoff, M 262 2.0L petrol, and OM 608 1.5L diesel.
The 1.4 petrol develops 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque, and can be had with 7G-DCT or 6-Speed MT. The 2.0 petrol develops 224 hp and 350 Nm of torque, paired to a 7G-DCT.
The diesel makes 116 hp and 260 Nm of torque, paired to a 7G-DCT.
The 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive system with fully variable torque distribution can be had as an option.
As standard, the new A-Class is equipped with a comfort suspension with steel springs and Dynamic Select.
Order books open from March onwards, and the market launch commences in the spring.
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