The A 160 with 75 kW (102 hp) is the new entry-level model in the A-Class. The new efficiency champion is the 80 kW (109 hp) A 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, which is happy with an NEDC fuel consumption of just 3.5 l/100 km. Its CO2 emissions are 89 g/km. Numerous measures to enhance efficiency have made these outstanding figures possible. Also new are the manual transmission versions of the dynamic models A 250 and A 250 Sport.
The A 220 d is now 5 kW (7 hp) more powerful than before with 130 kW (177 hp), while the sport models A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4MATIC now develop 160 kW (218 hp) instead of the previous 155 kW (211 hp). In combination with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, the A-Class now has "Launch Assist" for even faster acceleration from standstill. All in all the model range has 17 versions. The "ECO display" also takes a new form to assist the driver in maintaining an environmentally friendly style of driving.
The Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC also benefits from the model facelift. With peak output of 280 kW (381 hp) and a maximum torque of 475 Nm, the entry-level model from Mercedes-AMG is the world's most powerful compact sports model. This powerpack delivers a dynamic performance that is unrivalled: 100 km/h is already reached from standstill in 4.2 seconds. This means that the new Mercedes‑AMG A45 accelerates 0.4 seconds faster than its predecessor. At the same time its fuel consumption has been kept at the previous level: no other high-performance model in this class can match its NEDC fuel consumption from 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres (corresponds to 162 g/km CO2).
Mercedes-Benz is also using the A-Class model facelift as the opportunity to introduce the new nomenclature for the drive variants in this model series. While the petrol models have no suffix, the small letter "d" replaces the previous "CDI" - the A 200 CDI is now called the A 200 d, for example.
Suspension: Comfort at the touch of a button
With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and air conditioning at the driver's behest. The four driving modes "Comfort", "Sport", "Eco" and "Individual" can be conveniently selected using the switch in the upper control array.
Models A 200 d 4MATIC, A 220 4MATIC, A 220 d, A 220 d 4MATIC, A 250 4MATIC, A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4MATIC are equipped with DYNAMIC SELECT as standard. The system is also included as standard in all models with 7G-DCT, AMG Line or a lowered suspension. DYNAMIC SELECT is available on request for all other engine variants except the two BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models.
DYNAMIC SELECT allows a particularly broad range of setting options in combination with the new suspension with adaptive damping (optional extra). In this case the driver is able to modify the vehicle's damping characteristics using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch. There is a choice between Comfort mode with comfortable damping characteristics and Sport mode for a sporty and more taut damper setup. Acceleration sensors are used to measure the vehicle's body movements, and other current information about the vehicle status such as the steering angle, steering speed and yaw rate is included when calculating the damping characteristics. A proportional valve is actuated electronically at each shock absorber to control the oil flow and therefore the damping characteristics. The damping system is infinitely variable, and the configuration is individual for each wheel.
The Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC is equipped with the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport +" and "Individual", which are familiar from the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car and the top-of-the-line C-Class model, the Mercedes‑AMG C 63, as standard. As a new optional feature, the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package includes a mechanical front axle locking differential, the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive damping and the fifth DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode "Race".
