The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class premium hatchback with widescreen cockpit and technology usually only found on top-end luxury models, goes on sale here from today.
The compact Mercedes model features a new interior, new infotainment and safety features, and is slightly longer and wider than the previous A-Class.
All models of the new A-Class are powered by new and more efficient petrol engines and operate in conjunction with a 7G-DCT transmission. Available from today will be the A 200 model, powered by a new four cylinder 1.33 litre engine, producing 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Mercedes Benz says the combined fuel economy of the A 200 is 5.7L per 100 km.
The models feature the MBUX system, which the company describes as an “intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension feature, activated by the keyword ‘Hey Mercedes’.”
This supports many infotainment functions, including destination input, phone calls, music selection, and writing and hearing messages.
Mercedes Benz says that conventional voice control systems in cars call for certain fixed commands from their users, but the MBUX LINGUATRONIC system obeys “virtually every command, recognises and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation.”
Read more: We drive the fourth-generation A-Class in Croatia
The intelligent language assistance is activated through a button on the steering wheel or with the “Hey Mercedes” command.The wide screen dashboard replicates features currently found on larger and more expensive models such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-Class sedans.New standard equipment not seen before in previous A-Class models include: new 18 inch aero alloy wheels, MBUX multimedia system with widescreen cockpit (2 x 10.25" digital screens) and Touchscreen Central Display with NTG 6 MB Navigation. Standard LED headlights with adaptive high beam Assist, keyless start and wireless charging.
tandard safety equipment such as nine air bags (front, pelvis side and window bags for driver and front passenger, side bags for rear occupants and knee bag for driver), Active Brake Assist with semi-autonomous braking function, Active Parking Assist inc. PARKTRONIC, Active Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist with exit warning, Traffic Sign Assist and reversing camera.
The first model in the A-Class range to arrive is the A 200, which has a Mercedes recommended retail price of $60,900.
Timing and information about other models in the A-Class range, including the entry-level A 180, and the A 250, will be available later this year.
