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The Fourth-Generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class Arrives with a More Aggressive Stance and Lots of High-Tech Goodies

By Gerard
.
February 3, 2018

What started life as a quirky subcompact around twenty-one years ago has now morphed into a stylish, sporty number that is as high-tech as they come. This is the latest-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which was just unveiled in Amsterdam.

With a longer wheelbase, wider track, and a meaner and more aggressive stance, the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class now sports a downward-sloping front grille flanked by slanted headlights. These light clusters can even be specified to feature multi-beam LED units to improve nighttime visibility.

At the side, the shoulder line is likewise more pronounced, as are the wheel arches. And the rear echoes the opposite end’s menacing yet still elegant demeanor.

While the outside may look like an evolution of the previous iteration, the interior is where Mercedes-Benz made some of the biggest changes. The main highlight is the new MBUX, which is essentially the brand’s latest cutting-edge in-car infotainment and driver assistance system. First unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year, MBUX makes its world debut in the newest A-Class.

Boasting a much-faster interface and response time, users can control it by using either the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or the center console-mounted touchpad. The German luxury automaker also allows users to interact with the system via voice commands, using the keywords, “Hey, Mercedes”. Paired with Mercedes-Benz’s new digital instrument cluster, buyers can specify how large they wish the screens to be. Choices include a pair of 7-inch monitors, 7-inch and 10.25-inch screens, or a duo of large 10.25-inch displays that make for one giant widescreen.

Of course, the latest driver assistance systems are part of the mix. New for the Merc compact hatch are Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist. These systems not only ensure that one will stay out of harm’s way but can take the class to the future of motoring with semi-autonomous driving tech.

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class will be offered with a trio of new engines. First up is the M282 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 161hp and 250Nm. Then there is the M260 2.0-liter turbopetrol four-pot that produces 221hp and 350Nm. Last but definitely not the least is the OM608 1.5-liter turbodiesel mill that musters 114hp and 260Nm.

All three engines are paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while the 1.4 mill can be spec’d with a 6-speed manual. This latest Merc is a front-wheel driver, yet buyers can opt for the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will arrive in showrooms later this year.

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About the Author

Mr. Gerard Jude Castillo
Gerard has been a self-confessed car nut ever since he was a little boy. As a grown-up, he indulges in his passion by collecting toy cars (which he started since childhood) and reading up on the latest cars out there.  As Associate Editor, he will ensure that you get your fill of the latest cars in the market, as well as a load of automotive features.