Mercedes-Benz to bring new A-Class to Australia
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9th April, 2012
The new generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class has lost the unique look of old.
Instead the new small Mercedes adopts an attractive style. It will be released in Europe in September and it will come to
Australia. Although the previous model was dropped several years ago, due to pricing concerns, the new model will arrive
locally in the first quarter 2013.
The company is opening up a whole new chapter in the compact segment: markedly emotive in design, with engines ranging
from 80 kW (109 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), and extremely efficient, with emissions from just 99 g/CO2/km. At the same time
the new model underlines that for Mercedes-Benz safety is not a question of price - the standard specification includes,
amongst other things, the radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system.
"A is for Attack: the A-Class is a clear statement of the new dynamism of the Mercedes-Benz brand", explains Dr
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "It is completely
new, down to the last detail. In automotive development, it's not often you get the chance to start with a clean sheet of
paper. Our engineers and designers have made the very most of that opportunity."
Design and dynamism are obvious characteristics of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class even at first glance, simply in the
way it sits up to 18 centimetres closer to the road than its predecessor. The radical new design idiom that was so
enthusiastically received upon its first appearance with the
"Concept A-CLASS"
has been rigorously applied for the series-production model. With their fresh interpretation of the two-box design, the
Mercedes designers have come up with an emotive exterior with a pronounced sporty flair. "Applying the new dynamic
style of Mercedes-Benz to the compact class was a challenge that we thoroughly enjoyed", explains Gorden Wagener,
Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. "The almost sculptural lines of the A-Class are very typical for Mercedes. The
feature lines, particularly along the sides of the car, then give the A-Class structure and tautness."
The objective when it came to the interior design was to complement the sporty look of the exterior. On top of this
the car has a high-quality feel about it that is unique in this segment, achieved both through the design idiom as such
and through the choice and combinations of the high-quality materials used. As seen in the Concept A-CLASS, there is an
option allowing a smartphone to be fully integrated into the operating and display system. A special app makes it
possible to use the full functionality of the iPhone®, and in due course also of other smartphones, in the car.
All trim surfaces feature an electroplated finish in "silver chrome", giving them a genuine metallic surface with
"cool touch" effect. "This is just one example of the way in which the quality of the A-Class's interior is not
defined by classic trim elements but by consistent design and by the specific materials used", explains Hartmut
Sinkwitz, Head of Interior Design. "The motto we used when designing the interior was 'pure sportiness, newly
interpreted'."
Particular visual highlights include, for example, the air vents, which stand out like "sparkling jewels" (Sinkwitz),
so underlining the exceptional quality of the interior. The sporty character of the vehicle is further emphasised by the
integral seats (optional extra) in the front. The rear seat is similarly sporty in appearance and can accommodate up to
three passengers.
As well as the basic specification, which can be individualised with a wide range of options, there is a choice of
design and equipment lines that have been put together with the requirements of customers in mind: "Urban", "Style" and
"AMG Sport".
The world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class (length/width/height: 4292/1780/1433 millimetres) took place at
the Geneva Motor Show (8th to 18th March 2012). It will be making its way to European dealers in September 2012.
Sporty exclusivity: the A-Class Sport offers a fresh definition of dynamism
For the first time, the performance specialists from AMG were involved in the development of the compact class entrant
from an early stage. The result is the most dynamic version of the new model series - the A-Class Sport 'engineered by
AMG', in which the visual affinity to the Concept A-CLASS is at its most evident - particularly in terms of the new
diamond grille. The A-Class Sport features exclusive 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 235/40 R18
tyres all round and painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake callipers. These
give an indication of the particularly dynamic driving qualities of the A 250 Sport and the A 220 CDI Sport, which are
differentiated, amongst other factors, by a special AMG-developed front axle and a suspension that has been configured to
match.
Hints of red on the AMG front and rear aprons also serve to emphasise the expressive positioning of the new model. The
contrast between black trim and additional accents in red continues in the interior: the contrasting decorative
topstitching on the steering wheel and seats is in this same bright shade, as are the seat belts. The ambient lighting of
the instruments and the highlight rings of the air vents are similarly red.
Drive system: new petrol and diesel-powered engines
A broad range of both petrol and diesel engines has something to suit every performance requirement, whilst also
demonstrating the current state of the art in terms of efficiency: for the first time, a Mercedes-Benz will produce
emissions of just 99 g of CO2 per kilometre.
The bandwidth of the new generation of petrol engines with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres ranges from 90 kW (115
hp) in the A 180 and 115 kW (156 hp) in the A 200 through to 155 kW (211 hp) in the A 250. Common to all is the
combination of direct injection and exhaust gas turbocharging, a more advanced combustion process and an extended
stratification range for lean-burn operation that uses fast-acting injectors for the multiple injection of the fuel as
well as on-demand multi-spark ignition. CAMTRONIC is an innovation that will be celebrating its world premiere in the
1.6-litre engine: adjusting the valve lift on the intake side restricts the amount of fresh mixture used in the partial
load range, so reducing consumption.
The diesel engines also offer an impressively high level of efficiency and environmental compatibility, thanks to
sophisticated injection technology and turbocharging. The A 180 CDI offers an output of 80 kW (109 hp) and a maximum
torque of up to 250 Nm, while the A 200 CDI has a maximum output of 100 kW (136 hp) and torque that rises to 300 Nm. The
A 220 CDI has a displacement of 2.2 litres, an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and torque of 350 Nm, delivering exceptional
performance in the A-Class.
All engines in the new A-Class feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines can be combined either
with the new six-speed manual transmission or, as an option, with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Further highlights: suspension, aerodynamics, safety
The dynamism promised by the design and drive system is realised by the suspension. A noticeably lower centre of
gravity and a new 4-link rear axle provide the basis for this; and would also make the installation of 4MATIC all-wheel
drive possible. Customers can choose between various suspension settings, among them the optional sports suspension with
Direct-Steer system. The electromechanical steering in the A-Class has been completely redesigned, so that the electric
motor for the power assistance now sits directly on the steering gear in the form of a compact and extremely precise Dual
Pinion EPS.
Its exceptional aerodynamic performance, with a new record Cd value of 0.26, puts the A-Class at the top of its class.
This is further helped by the standard roof spoiler, which hides all the unsightly aerials on the A-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the only vehicle in its class to feature as standard a radar-based collision warning
system with adaptive Brake Assist, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system
gives a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to identified obstacles, and prepares Brake
Assist for the most precise braking response possible. This is initiated as soon as the driver steps firmly on the brake
pedal.
The PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system is now available for the first time in the A-Class. This
innovation, which was premiered in the S-Class in 2002, thus makes its first appearance in the compact class. Core
features of PRE-SAFE® are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in case of critical
lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat with memory function to an ideal position for
maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. PRE-SAFE® is always activated in response to critical longitudinal and
lateral dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention by certain assistance functions.
The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other assistance systems which have been adopted into the
A-Class from the larger model series. These include:
- ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
- Brake HOLD function (standard)
- Hill-Start Assist (standard)
- DISTRONIC PLUS
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
- Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition)
- Active Parking Assist
- LINGUATRONIC
- Reversing camera
The Mercedes management team on the A-Class
"A new Mercedes must take the lead, in technical terms, in every class of vehicle. Whether we're talking about
efficiency, driving dynamics or safety: the new A-Class raises the benchmark significantly. Pure driving enjoyment, plus
exemplary efficiency – from a technical perspective that is the quintessence of the A-Class." Dr Thomas Weber, Member
of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development
"With the new A-Class, the company is opening up a whole new chapter in the compact segment. The A-Class is the
sporty Mercedes among the compact models. It's the right product at the right time - and has tremendous potential to tap
into new target groups and markets." Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and
Marketing
"No other car in this segment is as progressive as the A-Class. The almost sculptural lines of the A-Class are very
typical for Mercedes. The feature lines, particularly along the sides of the car, give the A-Class structure and
tautness. This new dynamic style is also immediately apparent in the interior." Professor Dr h.c. Gorden Wagener,
Head of Design, Mercedes-Benz Cars
"AMG was involved in the development of the A-Class right from the start. That is something very new in the compact
segment. You can see evidence of this in the A-Class sports models, which bear the quality seal 'engineered by AMG'. And
they live up to that promise, not only with their exceptional looks, but with their equally exceptional driving
dynamics." Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH
The design
The appearance of the new A-Class reflects the new Mercedes-Benz design strategy. The result is what is known as a
two-box design with a distinct character of its own, a sportily emotive exterior and an high-quality feel to the
interior.
Defined edges and tautly drawn surfaces mark out the exterior design of the new A-Class. The constant interplay
between concave and convex planes provides a characteristic play of light, particularly along the sides of the car, which
contributes to its unique appearance.
Typical features of the long, sporty front are its pronounced V-shape, the separate headlamps, the radiator grille
with central Mercedes star and double slats to either side of the star, as well as the additional air intakes on the
sides. The "dropping line" apparent in the side profile dissipates towards the vehicle's front end. The design of the
headlamps, together with the configuration of the light functions within them, is a key element of the design concept.
The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create the
characteristic "flare effect" for the daytime running lamps and indicators. The so-called "flare" is made up of the
feature line within the headlamp, the LED modules for the daytime running lamps and the bulb sets for the indicators.
This signature effect gives the car its energetic look and so helps to define a new, youthful 'face' for Mercedes.
The perfect interplay of dynamic design and aerodynamics is nowhere more apparent than in the roof, with its smooth
surfaces and taut, arcing curve. The silhouette reveals smooth, flowing lines finishing in a flat edge. The roof spoiler,
which hides all the aerials, provides an extra sporty touch and gives structure to the roof assembly. The beltline rises
to the rear to form a pronounced wedge-shape. The side view is distinguished by moulded sculptural side panels and
distinctive lines. The front structural edge, high on the guard, falls in what is known as a "dropping line" in a gentle
arc towards the rear. A further line sweeps up from just in front of the rear wheel arch, and then gently fades away. All
these lines give depth and dynamism to the car's profile. Dynamic side sill panels provide a final finishing touch
towards the bottom of the car, enhancing the appearance of elegant light-footedness.
The broad emphasis of the tail-end is revealed in an interplay of convex-concave surfaces and edges. The tail lights
continue the line of the 'shoulders' back towards the rear, while their horizontal orientation emphasises the car's
powerful breadth. The light functions are provided by fibre-optic cables and LED modules. Here, too, the interaction
between design and aerodynamics is very clear: the surface finish of the tail lights is not only an interesting design
feature, but also improves the airflow around the vehicle thanks to defined airflow break-away edges in the rear
section.
The interior: excellent high-quality feel and consistent application of design
The high-quality feel and sportiness of the car are continued in the interior. Both objectives have been achieved with
the help of a specific design idiom and through the various combination options possible with the high-quality materials
selected. All trim elements have been given an electroplated finish, resulting in real metal surfaces with "cool touch"
effect. The work has been executed with considerable care and attention to detail, so that they appear to have been
moulded in one piece.
The instrument panel is clearly divided into a wing profile-type upper section and an aesthetically influenced lower
section. The resulting effect is that the upper section appears to be supported by a 'muscle'. The manufacturing process
used for this 'muscle' allows the creation of varying surface structures with soft tactile qualities. By using special
films with three-dimensional structures it is possible to provide a range of different surface finishes that permit an
attractive play of light. The instrument panel incorporates five round vents, the outer rings of which have a
high-quality electroplated finish. The airflow direction is governed by an insert that is reminiscent of an aircraft
turbine and reveals a meticulous attention to detail. This too has an electroplated finish in "silver chrome". The
free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and a flush-fitting silver frame.
The instrument cluster comprises two large round instruments, each of them with a small round instrument set within
it. When at rest, the dial needles stand at 6 o'clock. The pointer inlays are generally white, although with the sportier
design and equipment lines such as Urban and AMG Sport they are in red. The dials on the sporty equipment lines and
packages are coloured silver with a chequered flag effect. The 3-spoke steering wheel comes with 12 function buttons and
an electroplated bezel.
The centre dome and console, as well as the positioning of the various elements such as the head unit, lower control
panel, air conditioning operating unit, stowage compartments, rotary push-button and armrest, reflect the findings of the
ergonomics experts at Mercedes-Benz.
An extensive range of seat coverings, in terms of material (e.g. leather, fabric, Artico/fabric), colour combination
and also geometry, provides scope for a broad range of individualisation options. Sports seats with integrated head
restraints are available, for example, as an optional extra with all design and equipment lines. The sporty nature of the
seats is emphasised by the opening between the upper edge of the seat backrest and the head restraint. On the back of the
front seats this opening is edged with a frame in "silver chrome" and, in conjunction with the Light and Sight package,
can also feature ambient lighting.
As well as the basic specification, which can be individualised with a wide range of options, there is a choice of
design and equipment lines that have been put together with the requirements of customers in mind: "Urban", "Style" and
"AMG Sport".
Stay tuned for further information, in due course, in relation to local pricing and specifications.
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