Compact entry model to the world of Mercedes-Benz Premium sedans
The family of compact Mercedes-Benz models continues to grow: at the end of 2018 the A-Class Sedan will be launched on the market. This three-volume, four-door, 2.729 millimeter wheelbase model has the proportions of a dynamic and compact sedan, with short overhangs, and is at the head of its segment in terms of headroom in the rear seats. The new sedan boasts all the virtues of the A-Class: modern and efficient engines, a high level of safety thanks to the most advanced driving assistance systems, with functions assumed from the S-Class, and the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes -Benz User Experience) with intelligent and intuitive control. With a cx coefficient of 0,22 and a frontal area of 2,19 m², the new A-Class Sedan has the lowest coefficient of aerodynamic drag among mass-produced vehicles in the world, thus revalidating the world record of the CLA Coupé.
The new A-Class Sedan will be manufactured in Aguascalientes (Mexico) and Rastatt (Germany) and its development was carried out in Sindelfingen (Germany). The new model will celebrate its public debut at the Paris Motor Show from October 4 to 14, 2018.
«After the successful launch of the A-Class, Mercedes-Benz continues to expand the new family of compact models step by step. In response to the wishes of many customers, we are now offering the A-Class for the first time also with a three-volume body,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars. «Whoever is looking for a compact and sporty saloon with a separate trunk now has a new and attractive alternative. In this way we will win new customers around the world for the Mercedes-Benz brand.”
The A-Class inaugurated the Mercedes-Benz compact vehicle segment in 1997 and since then more than six million units of these models have been sold worldwide. The A-Class Sedan expands this family of compact Mercedes-Benz models with a seventh member, applying all the know-how in Mercedes-Benz Premium sedans from its C-Class, E-Class and S-Class.
The main dimensions of the new Class A Sedan:
- Length/Width/Height: 4.549/1.796/1.446 mm
- Battle: 2.729 mm
- Trunk volume: 420 liters
- Height to roof, front/rear: 1.024/944 mm
- Width at elbow height, front/rear: 1.457/1.446 mm
- Shoulder room, front/rear: 1.400/1.372 mm
- Effective legroom, front/rear: 1.062/861 mm
The Class A Sedan stands out for its practicality. It has above-average dimensions in shoulder and elbow room and ceiling height, in addition to providing easy access to the rear seats. As regards the height to the ceiling in the rear seats, it is at the head of its segment (944 mm). The trunk of almost 420 liters has been designed to provide maximum practical utility. The loading space of the luggage compartment, with a width of 950 mm and a diagonal dimension between the lock and the lower edge of the rear window of 462 mm, is very large. This allows large objects and luggage to be loaded and unloaded comfortably.
World record revalidated: the best aerodynamics
Due to its long rear, the new A-Class Sedan further improves the exemplary aerodynamic properties of its brother with a fastback body (cx coefficient from 0,25). With a cx of 0,22, the new saloon even equals the world record of the CLA Coupé. Thanks to the smaller frontal area compared to the CLA (2,19 m²), the new A-Class Sedan is the mass-produced vehicle with the lowest aerodynamic resistance in the world.
The excellent aerodynamic performance contributes decisively to its low fuel consumption in daily driving. Numerous details have been optimized with the help of countless calculation loops, CAE (computer-aided engineering) simulations and measurements in the Sindelfingen wind tunnel. Among the measures adopted are a comprehensive sealing concept (including, among others, sealing around the headlights) and the almost complete coating of the vehicle's underbody (covering the engine compartment, the main floor, some axle components rear and diffuser). The spoilers in front of the front and rear wheels have been specially optimized to ensure airflow with minimal losses around the wheels. The wheels and tires also underwent precision work to improve aerodynamics. Optionally offered in some markets is a two-piece louver system behind the radiator grille that minimizes air passage through the engine compartment.
Engines: to start, a diesel group and a gasoline group
On the market launch date, the following engines will be available for the A-Class Sedan1:
- At 200 (120 kW/163 HP, 250 Nm) with 7G‑DCT dual-clutch transmission (combined cycle fuel consumption 5,4-5,2 l/100 km, CO emissions2 in mixed cycle 124-119 g/km)
- At 180 d (85 kW/116 HP, 260 Nm) with 7G‑DCT dual-clutch transmission (combined cycle fuel consumption 4,3-4,0 l/100 km, CO emissions2 in mixed cycle 113-107 g/km).
[1] The indicated values have been determined according to the prescribed measurement procedure. These are the CO values2 NEDC according to Article 2, No. 1 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. Fuel consumption has been calculated based on these values.
Equipment: KEYLESS-GO with HANDS-FREE ACCESS
The basic model already has extensive standard equipment that includes, among others, the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with touch screen and cutting-edge driving assistance systems, such as active braking assistant and active lane departure detector. In addition, the A-Class Sedan will have equipment lines for customization such as the AMG Line sports finish or the striking Night package.
For example, the KEYLESS-GO comfort package with HANDS-FREE ACCESS will be optionally available. The HANDS-FREE ACCESS comfort function allows you to open the luggage compartment lid without direct contact and fully automatically by simply moving your foot under the rear bumper.
In the year of the launch of the A-Class, the Edition 1 model will be offered. This exclusive special model incorporates numerous copper-colored details both on the exterior and interior.
The design: sportiness, charisma and modernity
With a purist design that gives prominence to surfaces, the A-Class Sedan is both “hot” and “cool” and perfectly embodies the formal language of sensual clarity. A distinctive feature of this aesthetic is the prominence of its surfaces and its reduced lines. The new A-Class Sedan has the proportions of a dynamic and compact sedan, with short overhangs at the front and rear.
The cabin in a very rear position and the compact rear end give the vehicle a high dose of dynamism. The sportiness is highlighted by the wheels, which for the Spanish market will be offered from 17 to 19 inches, and the marked wheel arches.
The front design is very advanced. This impression is reinforced by the low, extended bonnet, the flat headlights with chrome elements and torch-shaped daytime running lights, as well as the diamond-effect grille with a slat, chrome pins (optional equipment) and a central star.
The vehicle's muscular and sensual shoulders and the precise, well-profiled line that runs underneath enhance the perfectly modeled lateral volume. The exterior mirror is located at the waist line.
Split taillights emphasize the width of the rear. The rear reflectors have been integrated into the two-piece bumper with a modular design.
Interior design: revolution from within
The cabin of the new A-Class proposes a new definition of avant-garde and modernity. Mercedes-Benz opens up a completely new design path and revolutionizes the compact passenger car category from the inside with a new feeling of spaciousness. One of the keys to the unique architecture is the avant-garde configuration of the instrument panel. A visor over the driving position has been completely dispensed with. Thanks to this modification, the basic body of the instrument panel with its wing shape extends seamlessly between the two front doors. The double screen of the widescreen driving position (optional) that runs along the entire dashboard stands out. The ventilation diffusers also stand out thanks to their sporty turbine effect style.
Below this basic body there is a second voluminous element called a fin. The fin appears to float in space, since there are no formal junctions or transitions with the environment that surrounds it. Ambient lighting reinforces this effect and underlines the floating impression of the substructure. Optionally, the ambient lighting is available in a variety of colors five times greater than before, with a range of 64 different shades. But it is not just chromatic diversity that has increased. The emotional aspects of lighting have also been accentuated, thus creating a new benchmark in this segment. The different colors are combined in ten chromatic concepts that recreate an avant-garde lighting environment with spectacular color changes.
The driving position is available in three versions:
- with two 7-inch (17,78 cm) displays,
- with a 7 and a 10,25 inch (26 cm) display
- with two 10,25-inch displays.
MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience): exceptional experience
The new A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz range for which the innovative MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system is available, which at the same time opens a new era in Mercedes me Connectivity. In the Class A Sedan this equipment is standard. A unique feature of this system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX can be customized and adapted to the user. Therefore, it creates an emotional connection between the vehicle, the driver and the passengers.
Other strong points, depending on the equipment, include the high-resolution widescreen cockpit, the standard touchscreen operation of the media display, the navigation screen with augmented reality technology and the intelligent voice control with natural voice recognition. , which is activated with the keyword "Hey Mercedes." Head-up-Display is also available. The MBUX touchscreen is one component of a comprehensive touch driving concept: the combination of touchscreen, touch panel in the center console and touch control buttons on the steering wheel.
MBUX is a revolution in the user experience in the vehicle. The emotive representations make the driving structure easy to understand and attract the eye with their brilliant, high-resolution three-dimensional graphics, calculated and displayed in real time.
The new generation of the MBUX infotainment system also marks the start of a series of new and improved Mercedes me connect services. These include navigation functions based on Car-to-X-Communication (information transmitted from one vehicle to another about circumstances recorded by sensors, such as emergency braking, ESP intervention®, or manual system communications transmitted by the driver, for example, in the event of an accident), the location of the vehicle, making it easier to find the parked car again and an alert in case the vehicle has been hit or towed while it is parked.
The Mercedes me App collection can be represented with an icon on the screen, for easy access to services. Like the other main applications, it can be freely arranged on the main screen. In addition, Internet content such as current fuel prices at gas stations or the availability of free spaces in a parking lot can optionally be displayed in MBUX. Online updating makes it easy to make new content available in MBUX.
Intelligent Drive: functions from the S-Class
The A-Class has the most advanced driving assistance systems that act in cooperation with the driver, thanks to which it offers the highest level of active safety in its segment, in addition to some functions previously reserved for the S-Class. For the first time, the A-Class can drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. To do this, it never loses sight of its surroundings. Improved camera and radar systems have a range of up to 500 meters. At the same time, the A-Class uses road map and navigation data for assistance functions. Thanks to these data, the DISTRONIC active distance assistant (optional), which is part of the driving assistance package, can assist the driver in numerous situations and comfortably adapt the speed of the vehicle - for example when approaching curves, intersections or roundabouts - depending on the layout of the planned route . Added to this are, among others, the active emergency stop assistant or with a active lane change assist intuitive operation.
The new A-Class is equipped as standard with a active brake assist with expanded functions. Depending on the situation, this equipment can effectively help to avoid a rear-end collision with vehicles in front that are moving at a slower speed, stopped or stationary, and even with pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road, or at least reduce the consequences. of an accident.
El active lane departure detector (standard) can warn the driver by vibrations of the steering wheel of an involuntary departure from the lane in the speed range of 60 to 200 km/h, and redirect the vehicle to the intended route by means of asymmetrical intervention on the brakes if a certain limit is exceeded. continuous line. If the line crossed is broken, the system intervenes on the brakes only when there is a risk of collision in the adjacent lane (also due to oncoming traffic).
PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognize the danger of a rear-end collision. If the danger persists, the system can apply the brakes of the stopped vehicle to immobilize it and thus reduce the forward momentum resulting from the impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Passive safety: highly resistant cabin and modern restraint systems
The new A-Class is also the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to be developed at the new Driving Safety Technology Center (TFS). For the configuration of the vehicle structure, the knowledge acquired in the investigation of real accidents has been taken into account. Thus, each element of the raw bodywork has been specifically developed in terms of its geometry, material thickness, assembly technique and material quality (higher proportion of high and maximum strength steels).
The core of the body's safety configuration is the highly resistant passenger compartment. Above all, the increasing use of high- and maximum-strength steels, as well as pressure-formed steel sheets, contributes to its high stability in situations of maximum stress, such as in a frontal, lateral and rear collision, and in the event of a rollover. .
Both the driver and passenger have three-point seat belts with tension limitation and pretensioner. In combination with the PRE-SAFE system® (optional equipment) the front seats are equipped with reversible pretensioners. The rear outboard seats have a three-point belt, with belt pretensioner and tension limiter. The new A-Class is equipped as standard with an airbag for the driver and front passenger, a knee airbag for the driver and window bags. Unlike many competitors' models, the windowbag covers the entire area, including the A-pillar, offering better occupant protection. Pelvic and thorax airbags are also fitted as standard in the front, and as an option in the rear.
MULTIBEAM LED headlights: Optimal visibility in any situation
Another example that shows the transfer of technology from the luxury range to the compact category is the optionally available MULTIBEAM LED headlights. These elements enable extremely fast and precise electronic adaptation of the driving lights to the current traffic conditions. Each A-Class headlight has 18 individually adjustable LED diodes. The color of the LED light, similar to daylight, strains the eyes less and positively influences concentration. The LED light illuminates the road with clarity and precision. The A-Class has High Performance LED headlights as part of the standard equipment for the Spanish market.
The running gear: Agile and comfortable
Depending on the engine model and the driver's preferences, different running gears are made available to the A-Class. The range of wheels for the Spanish market goes from 17 to 19 inches.
The new A-Class incorporates a McPherson suspension on the front axle. Higher power versions and models with 4MATIC, adjustable damping or large wheels have a sophisticated four-link rear axle. The other models are equipped with a weight-optimized rear axle with combined arms.
Production: in Aguascalientes (Mexico) and Rastatt (Germany)
Production of the new Class A Sedan will begin this year in Aguascalientes. The joint venture and production plant COMPAS (Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes) located in central Mexico expands the concerted production regime for Mercedes-Benz Cars compact passenger cars to five locations on three continents. COMPAS is a project within the cooperation with the Renault-Nissan alliance. Daimler and Nissan have a 50/XNUMX stake in COMPAS.
In 2019, production of the new A-Class Sedan will also begin at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt (Germany). The production plant in the city of Rastatt takes the lead in the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars for compact passenger cars. This plant is also responsible for global production control, as well as quality and supplier management. It also provides assistance in the production start-up phases in the other plants and assumes, among other measures, the training of employees. The new A-Class has been rolling out of the Rastatt assembly lines since April, representing the new generation of compact models.
