Mercedes A class

  • Mercedes presented the redesigned A class PHOTO/VIDEO Mercedes presented the redesigned A class

    As expected, the visual changes compared to the current model are minimal.

    Halfway through its life cycle, Mercedes refreshed the entire A-Class range, including the sedan version. Cosmetic changes are minor and include slightly revised headlights with optional LED lights along with a redesigned radiator grille with a texture made up of miniature three-pointed stars.

    At the rear, the German premium brand has installed a new diffuser and standard LED stop lights. Four new wheel design options have also been added, and the dimensions of the alloy wheels go up to a maximum of 19 inches.

    In the passenger cabin, the updated steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather as standard, while the center console has received some minor revisions.

    The latest MBUX multimedia system continues to use two digital screens as standard. The smaller, 7-inch one is placed in front of the driver and serves as an instrument panel, while the right one, sensitive to touch, has a diagonal of 10.25 inches.

    In addition, a configuration with two 10.25-inch displays is available as an option.

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    As for the engine, the petrols have received the "mild" hybrid treatment and are paired with a seven-speed or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.

    Electric 48-volt technology provides an additional 13 horsepower (10 kW) of power.

    In the plug-in hybrid version, the electric motor now delivers an additional 7 hp (5 kW), so the total electric power is now 109 hp (80 kW).

    Owners can charge the battery with alternating current on a charger of up to 11 kW or direct current up to 22 kW. In the case of the latter, it takes 25 minutes to charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent capacity.

    Mercedes also presented the AMG A35 versions in hatchback and sedan formats, while the A45 S remains available only as a 5-door model.

    The weaker of the two performance models gets stylish ones that visually bring it closer to the top range. In addition, the AMG A35 gets a "light" hybrid system and switches to an eight-speed DCT, instead of the previously used seven-speed automatic.

    Power remains unchanged, 306 hp (225 kW), with 400 Nm of torque.

    The Mercedes-AMG A45 S gets a Street Style edition with an assortment of visual enhancements. The Limited Edition is painted in Mountain Gray Magno and features an aero kit as well as new 19-inch matte black wheels with red brake calipers.

    You'll also notice retro decals on the body, along with bright orange accents inside, along with aluminum trim.

    The Mercedes A 45 S still has 422 hp (310 kW) and 500 Nm, but it is no longer the most powerful four-cylinder engine installed in a production car.

    Placed longitudinally in the new AMG C63, the same M139 generates an incredible 476 hp (350 kW) and 545 Nm. The smaller version of the four-cylinder still allows the AMG A45 S to reach 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h.

    It will be interesting to see if there are any plans to put a more powerful engine in the compact car, but one should not hope too much for that.

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