Why the New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Is All Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan, unveiled last month on a rooftop overlooking the Brooklyn bridge, is the first set of wheels to integrate the luxury car maker’s MBUX — or Mercedes-Benz User Experience — system. Drivers can activate the interface at any time to adjust the temperature, make calls, or control music simply by saying “Hey, Mercedes.” And we could definitely get used to the sound of that.
As the A-Class sedan establishes a new entry point for Mercedes-Benz, the car is designed to appeal to a fresh generation of first-time buyers. Touchscreens galore — including touch control buttons on the steering wheel, a widescreen cockpit media display, and a touchpad on the centre console — ensure the car’s MBUX interface feels immediately familiar to anyone who’s spent the past few years swiping their way through smartphone menus.
In keeping with the theme of embracing the latest innovations, the A-Class’s adoption of artificial intelligence means the MBUX system adapts to learn your favourite destinations, songs, and contacts and deliver an ever-more personalized experience. Meanwhile, driving assistance safety features like Active Brake Assist put cutting-edge tech to use on the road, too.
Visually, the car’s sporty, modern profile makes a strong impression thanks to its pronounced wheel arches and single-louvre diamond radiator grille. Even with its compact proportions, the car still boasts a surprisingly roomy interior, plus a sizable trunk with a 950 millimeter opening ready to accomodate bulky cargo.
With 188 horsepower, 221 lb-ft of torque, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the A-Class is sure to be no slouch on the highway, either.
The A-Class sedan will be presented to the public this fall at the Paris Motor Show, with two versions — a 220 and a 220 4Matic — slated to go on sale later in the year.
