THE official distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines, which is Auto Nation Group, recently unveiled the all-new A-Class—the next generation of compact cars. It redefines how we see modern luxury with a state-of-the-art intuitive digital user experience and an uncompromisingly dynamic design.
For more than 20 years, the A-Class has always been in the forefront of automotive innovation. As a breakthrough hatchback luxury car launched back in 1997, Mercedes-Benz finally introduced the fourth-generation model, which emulate the synergy of modern luxury and breakthrough technology.
At a glance, it retained its youthful and dynamic character. With combined resolute dynamism and intuitive operating concept, its purist and surface-accentuating design are considered to be the German automaker’s next step in design philosophy of Sensual Purity. As imposing as it can be, the frontend’s shark nose-like look with turbine-look air vents complement well the low bonnet, flat LED headlamps with chrome elements, and the torch-like daytime driving lamps. All these convey that emotionally appealing and alluring appearance. Exclusive to the top spec Edition 1 variant are AMG line-based kits, such as the front and rear aprons along with black tailpipe trims, to name a few.
The interior, meantime, is nothing less of blended luxuriousness and athleticism. Completely redefined, its fresh and avant-garde cabin design offer a new feeling of spaciousness. Noteworthy is the high-resolution Widescreen Cockpit with touchscreen control as the new standard in the segment. It highlights a comprehensive touch operation concept by combining a 10.25-inch touchscreen, touchpad on the center console and touch-control buttons embedded in the steering wheel promoting less driver distraction functions. More so, it features an all-digital instrument panel with various display functions from “Classic”, “Understated” to “Sport” mode.
These display functions complement the turbine-look air vents and leather-wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel. The widescreen cockpit’s fresh design is now completely free-standing with absolutely no cockpit cowls above the instruments.
The Edition 1 model offers an ambient lighting functionality, which creates a cabin mood while driving with different configurations from 64 different colors available activated via voice command. But the all-new A-Class’s crème de la crème feature is its state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). As the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the completely new infotainment system, the all-new A-Class also ushers in a new era in automotive connectivity. One of the MBUX’s unique features is the system’s ability to learn through its artificial intelligence. Moreover, the system can be individualized and adapts to suit the user in order to create an emotional connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers.
At the heart of the MBUX system is a highly intelligent virtual assistant, which is activated by pressing a button in the steering wheel or by simply saying, “Hey Mercedes.” It responds via voice commands in performing infotainment functions, such as destination input, music selection, climate control and ambient lighting. Interestingly, the MBUX comes with a natural speech recognition program. This enables the system to recognize and understand nearly all sentences from the fields of multimedia and vehicle operation. Further, the system allows individualization that makes the A-Class an extension of oneself.
Motivation comes from new more powerful yet fuel-efficient powertrain options.
The A200 Edition 1 and A200 Progressive are both powered by a 1.3-liter, turbocharged engine generating 163 horsepower and 250 N-m of maximum torque. It is mated to a seven-speed DCT gearbox. The A180 Progressive, meantime, is fitted with a less aggressive 1.3-liter turbocharged motor producing 136 horsepower and 200 N-m of maximum torque and also paired to a seven-speed DCT gearbox.
As for safety, the new A-Class is loaded with world-class safety features, such as Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic and rearview camera, and seven air bags just to name a few. It is also equipped with an anti-theft alarm package and Tirefit® with tire inflator in case of road emergencies.
The all-new A-Class is offered in various price points. The A180 Progressive is valued at P2.490 million, while the A200 Progressive is priced at P2.990 million. As for the top spec A200 Edition, it can be had for P3.290 million. Pre-orders and reservations already started last November 23 in all Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide (Edsa Greenhills, Alabang, BGC and Cebu). To know more about the all-new A-Class, you may also access https://www.mercedes-benz.ph/aclass.