2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Small in size, big on content and technology.
May 10 2018, Mercedes-Benz Granby
Mercedes-Benz has repeatedly demonstrated that not only can they build large, expensive, high-end vehicles, but that they’re equally adept at creating mass-volume, affordable luxury cars and crossovers.
The B-Class, CLA, and GLA are three such examples that prove excellence can come in small packages. In fact, these three products are so popular that they’ve managed to open up the Canadian market’s doors to Mercedes-Benz’s smallest car, the A-Class.
Redefining entry-level luxury performance.
Once reserved for European and some Asian markets, the A-Class will enter showrooms later this year, coinciding with the launch of the fourth generation of Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level car. Despite being a reasonably-priced compact car, the A-Class will revolutionize what has become the accepted norm for these types of cars.
On the powertrain front, Mercedes will not be cutting corners. Powering the A 250 will be a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to a standard 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. The 221-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque produced will be distributed to either the front wheels only or to all four corners via the sporty 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
The drive promises to be a dynamic affair. The suspension will consist of a McPherson front and sophisticated four-link rear setup for both agility and comfort. DYNAMIC SELECT will provide the driver with various drive modes for maximum efficiency or fun.
Redefining entry-level luxury features.
Both the 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback will be offered in Canada. The aggressive “shark-nose” front graphic, also found on the CLS, and generously flared wheel arches covering 17” or 18” wheels, emphasise the small car’s true sporty and youthful nature.
One of the available features with the A-Class will be the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX. This multimedia system will include artificial intelligence, giving it the ability to learn the user’s preferences.
Accessing MBUX and other menus will be done through either two 7-inch or, optionally, two 10.25-inch displays. The dashboard’s layout is also inspired by the new CLS, which explains its very upscale presentation. The roomy cabin will accommodate five passengers, while the hatchback’s capacious trunk will swallow up to 370 litres of gear.
