What’s new on the facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the pricing of the facelifted A-Class, which is expected to go on sale in South Africa in the next few months.

The A-Class is the most affordable car that Mercedes makes and the only series in the automaker’s catalogue to offer both a hatchback and sedan body type in standard and AMG trims.

Here is everything that sets the new and old entry-level Mercedes apart.

Model and engine line-up

The previous A-Class was offered in A200, A200d, A250, A35, and A45 specifications, though interestingly, the automaker has not listed a new A250 for the upcoming model, suggesting that it has been dropped from the line-up.

The engine range otherwise remains much the same as before, with the important distinction that the A-Class now boasts 48V mild-hybrid technology for better efficiency.

The front-wheel-drive A200 is equipped with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol drivetrain generating 130kW and 270Nm while making use of a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Thanks to its mild-hybrid additions, the A200 averages a frugal 5.6l/100km consumption cycle while running to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The A200d is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 110kW and 320Nm which manages an even better 4.5l/100km. With its eight-speed automatic transmission, the 200d sends power to the front axle only and achieves a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds, and for the new model it’s only available as a sedan.

As for the AMG versions, the A35 gets a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit with 235kW and 400Nm, letting it sprint to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds before capping out at 250km/h.

The range-topping A45 S, meanwhile, pushes 310kW and 500Nm out of the same powerplant resulting in a blistering acceleration time of 3.9 seconds while also being able to reach 270km/h.

Both the athletic hatches are equipped with an eight-speed AMG Speedshift automatic which meshes with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive layout, and see lowered suspension for improved handling.

Features

The facelift A-Class saw a redesign to the A200’s front radiator grille with a new star pattern, reshaped air intakes, and adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist.

The A-Class range now boasts alloy wheels up to 19 inches, depending on the model, and each trim level underwent a fashionable reworking of its interior.

The entry-level units have been given carbon-fibre-textured panels, a leather multifunction steering wheel, and man-made Artico-leather/Bertrix fabric upholstery.

In contrast, the AMG Line comes with Sports seats in Nappa leather, and there exists an optional Night Package that adds tinted glass and a high-gloss black finish to several body panels.

Standard equipment on the A-Class now includes front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, a reverse camera, automatic climate control, lane-keep and active steering assist, and a dual-screen display consisting of a 7-inch driver screen and 10.25-inch media unit, though buyers have the option to turn it into a “floating” widescreen comprised of two 10.25-inch monitors.

The infotainment itself is running the latest MBUX operating system, which provides navigation, driver assistance, media playback, smartphone connectivity, and voice command functions.

The AMG derivatives all feature ambient lighting, an aluminium finish on key components, and sport seats wrapped in a Artico microfibre upholstery.

They also improve upon the equipment list of the other cars with keyless entry and start, wireless phone chargers, self-parking assist, and a larger 10.25-inch driver display as standard.

As sportier models, the AMG units additionally have a choice of styling options for black and orange exterior highlights, an orange cross-stitching pattern on the seats, exlusive decals, and AMG-branded performance seats.

Pricing

Below is a table comparing what the previous A-Class cost and what the facelifted range is selling for.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2022

Mercedes-AMG A-Class 2022

Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2023

Mercedes-AMG A-Class 2023