Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled the updated A-Class family with a facelifted appearance and the latest iteration of the MBUX Infotainment system.
The A 200 Progressive Line, A 250 4MATIC AMG Line, and AMG A 35 4MATIC are the three locally built variations of the A-Class saloon that are still available. The top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is still offered as a Hatchback in a limited number of units as AMG Street Style Edition.
The A 200 and A 250
Exterior
The new A-Class exudes strength and dynamism from the front. The A 250 4MATIC has an AMG line exterior, whereas the A 200 has a Progressive Line exterior. The flat headlamps, the new radiator grille with geometry on the A 200 and star pattern on the A 250 4MATIC, and the forward-sloping bonnet with its two power bulges and steep “shark nose” dominate the front view.
It comes with externally flush wheels with aerodynamically optimised 17-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish on the A 200 and 18-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish on the A 250 4MATIC.
A dynamic appearance is guaranteed by the redesigned rear diffuser and the standard LED rear lights, both during the day and at night. A selection of external paints, including metallic and non-metallic paint treatments, complements the outside. Adaptive Highbeam Assist is standard on both models.
Interior
The main attraction is a standard free-standing dual-screen display with two 10.25-inch screens that, thanks to their wide-screen appearance, appear to float. According to Mercedes, the internal architecture, which is unique in this class, gives rise to a very special lighting ambience that is perhaps reminiscent of the illumination of a futuristic building at night.
The three round air vents with a turbine-like appearance that is so typical of Mercedes-Benz pay homage to the aviation industry.
Artico man-made leather is used in the A 200’s upholstery. The new, dark carbon-fibre-look trim element is part of the vehicle’s progressive trim, which also improves the doors and instrument panel. The performance-oriented AMG Line incorporates red contrasting topstitching in the Artico/Microcut seats and light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim on the A 250 4MATIC. The interior of the car is lined with microfiber and Artico man-made leather.
Both hardware and software have advanced significantly. The newest version of MBUX (NTG7) is user-friendly and easy to learn. With the aid of the newly designed display styles (Classic with all necessary driver information, Sporty with the dynamic rev counter, Discreet with reduced content), three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), and seven colour worlds, the driver and central displays create an aesthetically pleasing experience that is customisable All prior features, including navigation, media, phone, car, etc., are available on the centre display, which may be managed directly and conveniently as a touchscreen.
Connectivity with smartphones is possible now via wireless Apple Carplay or Android Auto, and for further connectivity, an additional USB-C port has been added and all USB ports in the vehicle offer fast-charging capabilities.
Both models come with LED headlamps and the Parking Package with reverse camera. It is also equipped with Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Assist, and Active Brake Assist. The A 250 4MATIC has an additional Sports Brake System which delivers powerful deceleration, even after frequent heavy braking. The Keyless-Go comfort package included has both hands-free access and Keyless-Go functions. Guard 360° vehicle protection offers all-around monitoring of the car’s surroundings.
The new A-Class has also received an update with respect to its engines. The A 200 petrol engine has a four-cylinder unit with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The A 250 4MATIC petrol engine has been electrified with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. As a mild hybrid, the A 250 4MATIC is equipped with an additional 48-volt electrical system that supports agility when starting off with 10 kW more power.
Mercedes-AMG A-Class
The sporty top end of the model line is formed by the new A-Class, which also makes its debut as a Mercedes-AMG. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC now comes in a saloon body style, while the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ still comes in a hatchback body style.
Exterior
When looking at the new Mercedes-AMG A-Class, the updated front headlamps, the AMG-specific radiator grille, and the new circular logo with the AMG insignia in place of the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath immediately stand out. The AMG A 35 4MATIC also has a redesigned front apron and the power domes from the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+, giving it a fresh, cohesive AMG expression.
The new wheel design, the rear spoiler lip, the updated rear headlamps, and the signature circular exhaust pipes (twin-flow on the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+) all emphasise the AMG appearance.
Both the AMG A 35 4MATIC and the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ come with 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels that have been aerodynamically optimised in matt black high-sheen rim flanges. Both variants come standard with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and brake callipers coloured in red.
The AMG Night Package, which is exclusive to the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+, contains specific exterior components finished in high-gloss black for striking contrasts. The AMG Aerodynamics package was created in a wind tunnel to work in tandem with the AMG Night Package to improve handling at high speeds and provide the groundwork for even more enjoyable driving. A panoramic sliding sunroof on the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ adds to the interior illumination.
Interior
The Mercedes-AMG A-Class is equipped with the AMG Performance steering wheel, which has buttons for controlling AMG-specific features like the AMG dynamic select without taking your hands off the wheel. The updated steering wheel for the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is covered in Nappa leather/Microcut microfiber, while the updated steering wheel for the AMG A 35 4MATIC is covered in Nappa leather.
Additionally, the Multicontour Seat package and AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced are included with the A 45 S 4MATIC+, while sport seats are included with the AMG A 35 4MATIC.
Both the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ and AMG A 35 4MATIC come standard with the Artico man-made leather/Microcut microfiber AMG upholstery with Aluminium AMG Design trim pieces in black/silver. Both models come with Manufaktur red seat belts, AMG floor mats, ambient lighting in 64 colours, and AMG illuminated door sills with “AMG” writing and a cover that can be changed out, all of which add to the car’s sporty appearance.
The most recent MBUX generation (NTG7) offers benefits to the new Mercedes-AMG A-Class as well. Improved performance, additional USB charging power, and the new AMG screen design make driving in the new AMG A-Class an engaging experience. Both cars have a Burmester® surround sound system and the USB Package Plus. Only the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC is equipped with the AMG Real Performance Sound and AMG TRACK PACE. Drivers can select the interior sound of the turbocharged engine with the AMG Real Performance Sound.
Performance
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 is now equipped with a 48-volt auxiliary power supply and belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) and achieves an output of 306 hp with a maximum torque of 400 Nm. As a mild hybrid, the RSG supports agility with 10 kW more power at start-up. In addition, an AMG speedshift DCT 8-speed transmission is now on board and the new front radiator facilitates temperature management at the limit. The AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ has a 4-cylinder Turbocharged Petrol Engine enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
AMG Street Style Edition
Additionally, for a limited amount of time and exclusively, Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ will be available as the AMG Street Style Edition. The Aerodynamics Package components are highlighted by the use of the Manufaktur mountain grey magno base paint and the edition-specific foiling with a colour gradient in black/anthracite matte and colour highlights in neon orange. It comes with newly designed 19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels. The AMG Street Style Edition also has a darkened AMG-specific radiator grille, high-gloss black wings, Edition decals, and Model badges on the boot lid.
The Artico man-made leather upholstery / Microcut microfibre AMG black with contrasting orange topstitching paired with AMG trim in dark / orange Street Style Edition aluminium elevates the look in the cabin. The orange label on the headrest quickly makes it clear which edition from Mercedes-AMG we are talking about here. In addition to that, the AMG Street Style Edition is equipped with Floor mats for special model.
The AMG Street Style Edition comes equipped with the stand-alone AMG fuel filler cap, the AMG ride control suspension, the AMG Aerodynamics Package, the AMG Night Package II, and four cylinders that produce 421 hp.
Price and Specifications
Model | A 200 Progressive Line | A 250 4MATIC AMG Line | Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC | Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ |
Displacement (cc) | 1,332 | 1,991 | 1,991 | 1,991 |
Rated Output (hp/rpm) | 163/5,500 | 224/5,500 – 6,100 | 306/6,100 | 421/6,750 |
Rated Torque (Nm/rpm) | 270/2,000 – 3,500 | 350/2,000 – 4,000 | 400/2,500 – 4,000 | 500/5,000 – 5,250 |
Rated Output for Electric Motor (kW) | – | 10 | 10 | – |
Rated Torque for Electric Motor (Nm) | – | 150 | 150 | – |
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec) | 8.3 | 6.4 | 4.8 | 3.9 |
Top speed (km/h) | 230 | 250 | 250 | 270 |
Kerb weight/payload (kg) | 1,450/490 | 1,590/490 | 1,655/475 | 1,680/450 |
Recommended Retail Price* with 10% Sales Tax and On the Road without Insurance | RM 238,888 | Estimated from RM 264,000 | Estimated from 354,000 | RM 509,888 (Standard)RM 539,888 (Street Style Edition) |