2019 Mercedes Benz A-Class

Form is temporary but class is permanent, and the 2019 Mercedes Benz A-Class is all class.  Striking the perfect stroke of perfection, the new A-Class has to be a top contender for best luxury hatch.  Not only is the outside beautifully proportioned (I might think that the new Mazda 3 looks a smidgen better), but interior design is a new benchmark in this class of car.

I feel for any first class performer because they need to keep themselves at the top of their game.  The gap between automotive quality and luxury has closed tightly over the last few years, and there are many good cars out there.  It is getting harder to stand head and shoulders above the rest in the car game, but Mercedes Benz has managed to get up again and show the rest of the world that it’s got the benchmark compact car for the rest to follow.

2019 Mercedes A-Class

The new Mercedes Benz A-Class delivers on all fronts but without a doubt the styling inside the 2019 A-Class Hatch is impressive on all accounts.  The quality, innovative design and new technology leave you breathless.  Slip inside the A-Class and the first thing that strikes you is the double width touchscreen set to the left of the driver and in the centre dash.  Nothing matches the new Mercedes interior look that is also seen in the latest S-Class cars.  In the centre of the dash are the three silver, circular air vents which swivel and control air flow, but across the driver’s side half of the dash is a huge digital display screen that is very classy and again sets new standards.  The steering wheel is once again beautiful, with mounted switchgear for controlling the driver’s digital instrument display.  The attention to detail has leapt forward again, and the step up dash is lovely.  Voice recognition, digital dials and large display screens help amplify the luxury-tech experience.  A Head-Up display is standard; and what about the touchpad on the centre console where you can intuitively control the information shown on the multimedia display just like on a smartphone.  The touchpad can even recognise your handwriting should you wish to enter addresses or phone numbers silently.  All absolutely cool!

Mercedes calls the latest technology MBUX and it’s a new car game breaker along with big advancements in how the driver and front passenger interact with the car.  Drivers of the new A-Class can control the MBUX infotainment system via the huge HD touchscreen, the touch pad on the centre console, by voice control and also via touch controls on the steering wheel.  It’s all impressive, making the connection to our modern way of life even more accessible when spending time inside a car.  Mercedes is definitely leading the charge in this arena, making the A-Class a standout compact car full of luxury and new technology.

In Australia, we are getting the new A200 as the first A-Class model to buy.  The car comes with optional packages like: the Vision package upgrade which ups the head lighting and cabin ambience, audio upgrade for even more amazing sound, the seat comfort package which adds heated seats, and there is even various AMG Sports and Exclusive packages to really make your new A-Class a head-turner.  As standard kit, you do get to enjoy two seven-inch infotainment screens, as well as DAB radio and satellite navigation, real-time traffic information, a wide range of active safety equipment and a brand new A-Class unique seven-speed automatic gearbox – although a manual will be offered later on.

2019 Mercedes Benz A-Class

Safety options for the all new Mercedes Benz A-Class are superb, with features like active distance assist control, adaptive cruise control, traction control, auto braking functions, pedestrian recognition, blind spot monitoring, lane assist and the full array of front, side and curtain airbags all  A-Class strengths.  The new satellite navigation display is a real safety feature because the directions are overlaid to the image ahead that the cameras are picking up ahead of the car in real time, so you’ll never make a wrong turn again!

On the road, the new A-Class feels really in touch with the road.  It’s enjoyable to drive and smooth.  Ride quality is excellent, and the cabin is serene.  Mercedes has set the A-Class standard with a comfortable ride being priority.  Boot space is a convenient 370 litres, and should you need more space the rear seats fold flat to offer as much as 1210 litres.

The base A-Class Hatch is the A180 and this is priced around $42k, which means the latest A-Class has a higher entry price than any of its rivals in the premium small car segment, but wow what a Hatch!  What you do get is the best luxury packaging and style in its class.

The new Mercedes Benz A180 uses the same 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the A200 model, but power is down by 20 kW and torque is also lower by 50 Nm to 100 kW and 200 Nm, respectively.  The base model A-Class boasts the latest seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels, and it has a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.7 litres per 100 km.  Scampering away quickly from a standstill can see the 0-100 km/h sprint over-and-done in 8.8 seconds – only slightly slower than the A200 model.  The ‘Style Equipment Line’ is standard and includes a diamond-look grille and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.  18-inch rims are an optional extra.

Later on in the year we will be able to purchase an A250 that boasts a ‘4Matic’ AWD system.  The FWD A250 version is priced only slightly cheaper than an AWD A250, so why not spend a little more and get the added grip that the AWD provides.  A new A250 4Matic with an AMG Line adds 18-inch AMG bi-colour alloy wheels, AMG Line body styling, Night Package with privacy glass, keyless start, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and Artico and Dinamica upholstery, and the package is beautiful and sporty.  All Mercedes Benz A250 models are powered by a potent 165 kW/350 Nm four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that propels it from 0-100km/h in less than seven seconds.

Just giving you the heads up that Mercedes Benz is also offering a sedan version of the all new A-Class which looks very nice and is a great alternative to the Hatch design.

2019 Mercedes Benz A-Class

The 2019 Mercedes Benz A-Class Hatch models include the:

• A180 7-speed DCT
• A200 7-speed DCT
• A250 7-speed DCT
• A250 AMG Line 7-speed DCT

For any more information on the new Mercedes Benz or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mercedes Benz dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!