2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Raises the Entry Level Luxury Bar

Unlike the previous A-Class, we’ll be receiving this new version in North America. We probably won’t be getting the hatchback variant shown here, however – with US and Canadian Mercedes dealers getting the yet-to-be-shown sedan version instead. That said, the sedan will be virtually identical to the hatch from the B-pillar forward, sharing the same platform, engines and in-car technology.

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The A-Class benefits from a mature styling makeover that follows Mercedes’ “Sensual Purity” corporate design language. It now has better proportions, partially the result of a slightly longer wheelbase, and benefits from a sporty-looking, square stance. The compact also has a slippery drag coefficient of 0.25, making it the most aerodynamic car in its segment. Enhancing its ability to slice through the air with ease is an optional ‘Airpanel’ system, which opens and closes louvres behind the radiator to improve fuel economy when additional cooling is not needed.

SEE ALSO: Is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Getting a Plug-in Hybrid Variant?

Available gas engines for the new A-Class will consist of a 160 hp 1.4-liter turbo and a 221 hp 2.0-liter turbo. On the diesel side of things is a 113 hp 1.5-liter, but Mercedes says additional oil-burning options will be available at a later date. The 1.4-liter can be had with a 7-speed dual clutch automatic or a six-speed manual, but the 2.0-liter and diesel are available with the seven-speed only. The automaker’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system will be available as well and can be adjusted through a standard drive mode system called Dynamic Select. Additionally, the drive select system can also adjust the suspension settings through active damping control.

The centrepiece of the A-Class’ cabin is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system. It will be available in three versions: with two 7-inch screens, with one 7-inch and one 10-inch screen and with two 10-inch screens. The system can be controlled through the touchscreen, steering wheel buttons or center touchpad, and does everything your standard multimedia system would, from navigation to smartphone integration and audio control. It also has an intelligent voice control system that can be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”, similar to how Amazon Alexa works. MBUX also displays relevant travel info, such as parking space availability and nearby fuel prices, and can be easily updated over the air. Oh, and because we know you’re wondering, yes there is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Apart from MBUX, the new A-Class also gets a redesigned cabin layout with turbine-style air vents and optional ambient lighting. An American-sized cupholder has been added to the center console for larger beverages, and there’s now more room in the center console cubby. There’s more cargo volume, with an additional 29 liters of space behind the rear seats and a wider trunk opening. Mercedes says three front seat options will be offered as well: a basic seat, a comfort seat and bolstered sporty seat.

As far as active safety goes, the A-Class gets the Active Distance Assist system from the S-Class, along with Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. This system will autonomously adjust the vehicle’s speed as needed and even change lanes when prompted, and can also slow the car when approaching a bend, intersection or roundabout. Other active safety systems include Pre-Safe Plus, which can detect an imminent rear end collision and apply the brakes, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist and Active Parking.

The Euro-spec A-Class will be offered in A 200, A 250 and A 180 d trim levels when it goes on sale this Spring. There’s no word on an AMG version yet, but it’s definitely planned. Pricing has also yet to be announced, but perhaps we’ll find out more at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March.

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