All-New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Debuts, Introduces MBUX Infotainment System

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the all-new A-Class in Amsterdam. The company says that the new model is as youthful and dynamic as ever, but now more grown up and more comfortable than before.

The all-new A-Class is the second model after the new CLS-Class to be designed under Mercedes’ Sensual Purity design language.

In terms of dimensions, the all-new model comes in at 4,419 mm long (+127 mm), 1,796 mm wide (+16 mm) and 1,440 mm tall (+13 mm). This allows the all-new A-Class to boast a boot capacity of 370 litres, an increase of 29 litres over the model it replaces. Additionally, shoulder room, head room and elbow room has been further increased over the W176-generation A-Class, on top of easier ingress and egress into the rear. 

Up front, the all-new A-Class gets a low front bonnet featuring a pair of flat LED headlights with a torch-like daytime running lights neatly integrated into the headlights. The front grille is now wider, with the base opening outwards, features pins in a diamond look coupled with a central louvre to highlight the sportiness of the new model. Elsewhere, the all-new A-Class can be had with the company’s two-section AIRPANEL, featuring a louvre system integrated behind the radiator grille that adjusts the louvres, depending on cooling requirements.

Towards the sides, the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class can be had with 16- to 19-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, the rear end is wider than the front, giving the A-Class a more muscular appeal. The rear end receives slim, two-section type tail lights.

Moving inside, Mercedes-Benz has completely redesigned the all-new A-Class’ interior. The dashboard is now divided into two three-dimensional, horizontal sections, with the lower section visually separated from the upper section by a trench, allowing it to appear to float in front of the dashboard.

Another highlight of the interior is the free-standing display, which is available in three configurations:

• Base Two 7-inch displays
• Extended which consists of one 7-inch display and one 10.25-inch display
• Larger system that is made out of two 10.25-inch displays

The free-standing display houses Mercedes-Benz’s all-new infotainment system called Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), with the company emphasizing on the system’s artificial intelligence, allowing the infotainment system to adapt to the user.

The base two 7-inch displays set up features touch control buttons on both sides of the steering wheel, Bluetooth and a USB Type C connector, quite possibly the first-ever production car to feature it.

Moving one level up is the extended version, which features a predictive function and theme support plus a WiFi hotspot.

For an extra cost, customers opting for the extended or larger system are able to add a touch pad, HD navigation that is inclusive of three years of Live Traffic, Car-To-X communication and map updates, a head-up display plus a Burmester surround sound system. Qi wireless charging is also available.

MBUX can be triggered via the code word “Hey Mercedes”, though users can also navigate though the system via the touchscreen, touchpad on the centre console and touch control buttons on the steering wheel.

Infotainment system aside, Mercedes-Benz also added that the all-new A-Class comes, as standard, with DYNAMIC SELECT, with active damping control available as an option.

More powerful variants of the all-new A-Class, including the A250 and all 4MATIC models receive a four-link rear suspension, while entry-level A200 and A180d models receive torsion beam rear suspension.

Also standard on the all-new A-Class is the comfort suspension with steel springs, which have been lowered by 15 mm. Those opting for the suspension with active damping control will allow drivers to choose their preferred damping characteristics.

In terms of powertrain, the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class will feature the company's new line of petrol and diesel engines. The first is a 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine codenamed M282, which features cylinder shutoff when combined with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. This engine is able to output 163 hp and 250 Nm. The M282 engine was developed by Mercedes-Benz in cooperation with Renault and is produced at the Kölleda plant. Mercedes also added that the M282 engine will be produced in China at a later date.

Then there's the 2.0-litre M260 four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that premieres the company's unique CONICSHAPE cylinder bore to minimize piston friction and improve fuel economy. The M260 is able to output 224 hp and 350 Nm, which sends drive to either the front wheels or all four wheels via the 7G-DCT transmission. The M260 is also produced at the Kölleda plant.

Last but not least is the 1.5-litre OM608 four-cylinder turbodiesel. This turbodiesel engine is rated at 116 hp and 260 Nm, paired to the 7G-DCT transmission. The OM608 was also co-developed with Renault, with Mercedes-Benz supplying various components including the flywheel, DCT, engine mounts, engine control software and ECO start/stop feature.

At launch, the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available in four variants – the entry-level A200, A250 and diesel-powered A180d, with the entry-level A200 being available with a six-speed manual or 7G-DCT. 

Customers in Europe can order the all-new A-Class from March onwards, while the market launch is expected in Q3 2018.