Mercedes-Benz Reveals New A-Class As High-Tech Tour De Force

Khodrocar - The fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class arrives with a major upgrade in tech, three new engines, and a slight growth spurt. These improvements combine to create a stylish hatchback with cutting-edge features that aren't the norm in this segment.

The latest A-Class has a wheelbase that grows 1.2 inches (30 millimeters), and a track that's half an inch (14 mm) wider. The larger size contributes to more room for occupants, including more shoulder room and headroom, and a bigger cargo area. Mercedes also claims the revised suspension allows for a more comfortable ride than before. Optional active dampers adjust depending on the driving mode that the owner selects.

Aesthetically, the A-Class gains a more angular appearance, especially up front. A downward sloping nose and canted headlights create quite an angry face. As an option, buyers can upgrade to Multibeam LED headlights, each of which has 18 individually actuated LEDs for illumination.

Mercedes introduces several new engines on the 2019 A-Class. The M 282 is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 161 horsepower and 184 pound-feet (250 Newton-meters) of torque. It hooks up to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a six-speed manual. There's also the M 260 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 221 hp (165 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is the only available gearbox. Finally, the OM 608 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel makes 114 hp (85 kW) and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm), and the mill connects to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Mercedes promises more engines would join the range later. The A-Class comes standard with front-wheel drive, but buyers can spec the 4Matic all-wheel drive system as an option.

Inside, the new A-Class is the first Mercedes model to feature the brand's MBUX infotainment system, and buyers can get the company's digital instrument cluster. It comes in three flavors: a pair of 7-inch displays, a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch screen, or two of the 10.25-inch monitors that create a seemingly unbroken widescreen appearance. Depending on options, buyers can either operate it via a touchscreen or an optional touchpad on the center console.  Customers can even get an upgrade that responds to voice commands by saying, "Hey, Mercedes."

Driver assistance tech from the S-Class also trickles down to this five-door hatchback. The combination of Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist provides semi-autonomous capability, including the ability to automatically change the vehicle's speed for upcoming corners, intersections, and roundabouts.

The new A-Class hatchback will arrive in Europe later this year. It'll eventually come to North America too but only as a sedan with a trunk at the rear. Spy shots show that development of the four-door is already underway.

Additional details can be found in the attached press release below.

Source: Mercedes-Benz