The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class is now available to order in the UK, with first deliveries scheduled for late May. It has had its first public outing at this week’s Geneva motor show.
The new version of Mercedes’ smallest model is available in three trim levels – SE, Sport and AMG Line – and with a choice of three engines, all with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Prices start from £25,800 for the entry-level A 180 d SE, with the petrol models starting at £27,500 for the A 200 SE and £30,240 for the A 250 SE.
Mercedes-Benz is promoting the advanced technology and connectivity features of the latest A-Class range, with even basic models offering a high specification.
The entry-level SE features twin seven-inch displays for instrumentation and infotainment. The central touchscreen runs Mercedes’ latest MBUX multimedia system, including ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation. The SE specification also gets 16-inch alloy wheels, DAB digital radio, a combination of cloth and artificial leather upholstery, active lane-keeping assist, speed limit assist, keyless starting and manual air conditioning.
Sport specification adds full-LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a different kind of cloth/fake leather upholstery and automatic climate control.
As usual, AMG Line models will be visually distinguished from lower-spec models through a range of exterior changes. These include 18-inch alloy wheels; AMG body styling that comprises deeper front and rear bumpers with bigger vents; artificial leather/artificial suede microfibre upholstery and a chunkier sports steering wheel.
A-Class engine choices
The A 180 d uses a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which produces 116 hp and 260 Nm of torque. It delivers up to 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle, with a top speed of 125 mph. It can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 10.5 seconds.
The A 200 is powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an output of 163 hp and 250 Nm. It can deliver up to 51.4 mpg.
The A 250 has a 2.0-litre petrol engine that generates 224 hp and 350 Nm. It claims 45.6 mpg on the combined cycle. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.
Options packages
There are a number of options available. The Executive equipment package costs £1,395 and upgrades the standard seven-inch central touchscreen media display to a ten-inch item, as well as adding active parking assist, heated front seats, and folding mirrors.
For £2,395, customers can specify the Premium equipment line which, in addition to the Executive line, adds a ten-inch cockpit display to the ten-inch central touchscreen to create a widescreen effect across the dashboard, plus 64-colour ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, keyless entry, upgraded sound system and a rear armrest.
The Premium Plus equipment line includes the Premium and Executive lines, and then adds memory function for the driver and front passenger seats, multibeam LED headlights with automatic high beam, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Advanced Navigation package introduces augmented reality into the onboard satellite navigation. Using a camera located at the top of the windscreen, the infotainment screen overlays the navigation display with the actual road ahead, making for clearer, more obvious navigation.
The package includes Traffic Sign Assist, which automatically reads road signs, making sure the driver is always aware of the current speed limit. The Advanced Navigation package costs £495 and is only available on top of the Executive, Premium or Premium Plus equipment lines.
