~ Auto Buzz ~: New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review: Breaking Down Its Key Features

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class just made its world premiere in Amsterdam. Once again, its maker never failed to impress with its array of features that include stylish exterior, luxurious interior, new range of engines and more advanced tech.

Here is a quick rundown of the top 4 key features of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class:

Exterior

There is a major overhaul with how the A-Class looks. The hatchback benefits from the “Sensual Purity” design language of Mercedes. It offers more sophisticated surfaces showing more curvaceous corners and better integration of body lines.

The front of the A-Class surely reminds us of the new CLS. However, by looking at its overall appearance, we can say that Mercedes was successful in making the hatch stand out from its other passenger cars.

Interior

The interior of the A-Class is sportier and more luxurious than its predecessor. The familiar stitching patterns on the high-end leather seats are still there, but the dashboard and controls of the car are a huge leap from its older model.

Tech

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience or MBUX showcased at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas makes its way to the new A-Class. Actually, putting the earlier photos of the MBUX with the images below, we could see that the interior shown in the event was that of the A-Class.

According to Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG. Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, the MBUX “combines intuitive and natural operation with intelligent, learning software.” Reviewing its presentation at the 2018 CES, the smart functions of the MBUX are similar to Siri or Alexa.

Then, some of the tech carried by the A-Class already provide semi-autonomous driving. Thanks to the driving assistance systems that were trickled down from the latest S-Class, the A-Class now has improved camera, radar, mapping, navigation and safety features.

The notable assistance functions available in the new A-Class include Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist and Attention Assist plus more options provided by Mercedes package such as Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC.

Engines

The new A-Class is available in three trims at launch. These are the A 200, A 250 and A 180.

The A 200 is equipped with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine capable of 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Its power is managed by a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.

The A 250 comes with 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission that distributes its 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine’s 224 hp and 350 Nm of torque to the front wheels.

The A 180 gets a 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 116 hp and 260 Nm of torque partnered with a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission.