The All–New 2018 A–Class
From €340 per month

A 180D STYLE A/T

At a Glance...

Though numerous body changes have been introduced to give it a noticeably larger and even more energetic appearance – noticeably a more sloping bonnet and lower, more angular headlights and grille with inset star – Its most pronounced changes can be seen in an interior that its designers say is completely new and quite revolutionary. Its interior architecture is marked by an avant-garde dashboard design and control-and-display systems that are said to be a USP in this segment.

Arguably its most ingenious feature is an ultra-modern multimedia and infotainment system, one of whose characteristics is a capacity to ‘learn’ thanks to its use of artificial intelligence. Branded the Mercedes-Benz User Experience – MBUX, for short – this ‘intuitive’ operating experience is said to significantly reduce driver distraction.

Design

The design does not follow the function, but the feeling.

Exterior

The lines of the new A-Class all follow just one direction: our design philosophy of Sensual Purity. The surfaces are even more puristic, the details even more concise. Smart, no?

Sometimes everything just fits. The appearance, the character, the presence immediately make the new A-Class likeable. The redesigned rear looks wide, sporty and sensually distinctive. The elegant, two-piece bicolour rear lamps don’t shout for attention, either, instead they earn it with their precision and appearance. But that’s not all. Because they don’t just visually widen the rear, they actually do it. And therefore make loading noticeably easier.

Streamlined, the new A-Class goes against the flow with its raked front. Behind it a sharply upright radiator grille and a low-edged bonnet are hidden. Two real highlights on the left and right: the optional, flattened MULTIBEAM-LED headlamps beam innovation. Visually, this means the new A-Class is even closer to the road. And makes our hearts beat even faster.

Interior

The vehicle interior of the new A-Class practically hugs its occupants. The blending between the instrument panel, the centre console and the door trims flow and ensure the “wrap-around” design. That is just as unique in this class as the selection of trim elements and the ambient lighting, that show everything in their best light.

Here one look truly says more than a thousand words. The interior of the new A-Class has a completely new look and you get completely new perspectives as a result. Not on one, but on two high-resolution displays. 7-inch as standard. Extra large 10.25-inch upon request. In any case, the screens appear to hover in the interior. The controls are also very easy via the touch control buttons on the steering wheel, touchpad or touchscreen. The latter is a further premiere and definitely worth a second look.

Performance

A range of new engines comprises two 4-cylinder petrol options of 1.3-litre and 2.0-litre capacity and a new 1.4-litre diesel with power outputs in the 116 to 224hp range initially with higher performance AMG versions following.

Transmission is 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic (on A250, A200 and A180d versions). Advanced safety systems include see-ahead camera and radar with up to 500 metres range plus many ‘active’ features now common in Mercedes-Benz models, including Lane Keeping, Adaptive Braking, and various Distance Control and Driver Assist systems.

Safety

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive.

Be it for rush hour, on long night-time journeys or on unfamiliar routes. Your new A-Class noticeably relieves you particularly in stressful situations. There is a concept behind this that makes every journey in a Mercedes-Benz safe and unique: Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive. After all, the time you spend behind the wheel is your time. Time for relaxation. Time to restore energy. So that you reach your destination above all safely but also relaxed.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive also includes an integral safety concept developed by Mercedes-Benz itself. With the goal of driving safely, adequately reacting to dangers, avoiding accidents and mitigating the consequences of an accident. For the occupants of a Mercedes as well as for all other road users.

The availability of equipment depends on the engine and the configuration selected. You will find details in the equipment information for each model.

Multimedia Systems & Navigation

What makes the A-Class so special?

Why not ask it yourself. Thanks to the optional, brand new LINGUATRONIC voice control system the new A-Class listens. But it does much more than just listen: it understands you without you having to learn commands. And it speaks with you. With the touchpad you can intuitively control the displays of the multimedia system, like with a smartphone. Move or enlarge the content very simply with finger gestures.

The availability of equipment depends on the engine and the configuration selected. You will find details in the equipment information for each model.

The All-New A-Class Review

Things were going grand with this week's review motor until Yer Man mentioned how noisy he thought the cabin had been when he'd driven the week before. Up to then, I hadn't noticed anything of the kind and was inwardly singing the praises of the new Mercedes A-Class 5dr executive hatchback.

Cabin noise is something I usually avidly seek out/detect as a matter of course. Indeed, my critics say I overdo it (you'd be surprised what annoys people). Such noise can stem from several sources; often tyre rumble combined with a big, roomy cabin can amplify things.