The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Auto Nation Group, distributor of Mercedes-Benz, hopes to redefine the standard of modern luxury with the new generation A-Class. The new vehicle features a completely new infotainment system that not only makes the drive more convenient, but also more emotional.
This is done with the help of the MercedesBenz User Experience (MBUX). A unique feature of this system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX can be individualized and adapts to suit the user.
At the heart of the MBUX system is a highly intelligent virtual assistant, which is activated by pressing a button in the steering wheel or by sim- ply saying, “Hey Mercedes.” It responds to voice commands to attend to infotainment functions such as destination input, music selection, climate control, and ambient lighting. The MBUX comes with a natural speech recognition program that helps it to recognize and understand commands for multimedia and vehicle operation.
Besides voice command, there is also touch operation. Any part of the combination of a 10.25inch touchscreen, touchpad on the centre console and Touch-Control buttons in the steering wheel can be used to provide an intuitive operating experience with less driver distraction.
The new A-Class also redefines luxury in the aesthetic sense with its design philosophy of Sensual Purity. This is exemplified by the progressive front design with a low bonnet, flat LED headlamps with chrome elements and torch-like daytime driving lamps.
The interior of the new A-Class features a modern, avantgarde look, imbuing a new feeling of spaciousness. One of the ways it achieves this is through the high-resolution Widescreen Cockpit with touchscreen control. It is paired with an all-digital instrument panel display that can be switched to different styles from “Classic”, “Understated” or “Sport” mode, complementing the turbine-look air-vents and leather multifunction sports steering wheel. The widescreen cockpit is completely freestanding, and for the first time, there are absolutely no cockpit cowls above the instruments. The sporty air vents in a turbine-look are another highlight.
The top-of-the-line A200 Edition 1 even boasts of ambient lighting functionality with individually configurable lighting from 64 colors available.
Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the new AClass is loaded with safety features such as Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic and rearview camera, and seven airbags. It also has an anti-theft alarm package and Tirefit with tire inflator in case of road emergencies.
Under the hood, the new A-Class is powered by a new engine that is more powerful yet fuel efficient. The A200 Edition 1 and A200 Progressive are both powered by a 1.3L engine with seven-speed DCT, producing 163-hp and 250-Nm of torque. The A180 Progressive sports a 1.3L engine with seven-speed DCT, producing 136-hp and 200-Nm of torque.
“Twenty years after it was first introduced in 1997, this vehicle is now smarter and sportier for the new generation. It is the synergy of modern luxury and technological breakthrough,” said Francis Ang, COO, Auto Nation Group.
The new A-Class is offered at the following price points: A200 Edition 1 at P3.290M; A200 Progressive at P2.990M; and A180 Progressive at P2.490M.