Looking at new cars released recently, there are many cases where there are quite a few changes even though they are ‘partial changes’. The A-Class, which arrived in Korea this time, joined this trend by making changes starting with performance. The new A 220 hatchback and sedan are equipped with a mild hybrid system. Equipped with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine (M260) and a 48V electrical system, this system produces a maximum output of 190 horsepower and a maximum torque of 30.6 kg.m.
Mercedes-Benz launches new A-Class in Korea
Mercedes-Benz Korea revealed the prices of two new lineup models and announced that sales will begin within this month. The two types are ‘The New A-Class Hatchback’ and ‘The New A-Class Sedan’, which are partially modified models based on the 4th generation model. It is reported that this new model has been upgraded in most areas, starting from the exterior grill to the powertrain. Existing hatchbacks and sedans were released in Korea in 2019 and 2020, respectively. So what appeal did this new model have when it debuted? Let’s take a look together.
‘This’ is basically applied to ‘The New A Class’
According to official data, the 48V onboard electrical system provides up to 10 kW of additional power for quick engine starting. In addition, it has excellent efficiency through gliding, boosting, and regenerative braking.
The new belt-driven starter generator provides a comfortable driving experience with less vibration and noise. For reference, during braking and acceleration, electric energy is supplied to the 12V onboard network and 48V battery through regenerative braking, helping to drive more efficiently.
Meanwhile, the transmission is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, enabling smooth gear changes. The comfort suspension installed together provides excellent driving performance even on long distance drives.
‘The New A Class’ emphasizes dynamism
The front of this A-Class features a radiator grill with the newly applied Mercedes-Benz triangular star pattern and two power domes on the bonnet. The standard high-performance LED headlamp provides lighting with a temperature similar to sunlight, reducing eye fatigue and helping you focus while driving for long periods of time.
In addition, the dynamic design unique to the compact segment was emphasized thanks to the sleek ‘shark nose’ design and the front apron and belt line finished with chrome material. Lastly, the rear lamp, like the front part, is equipped with a high-performance LED high-performance lamp, which serves as a finishing touch to giving this car a sporty sensibility.
For reference, the wheels of the two models are
▶ 17-inch 5-twin spoke lightweight alloy wheel
▶ 18-inch 5-twin spoke lightweight alloy wheel
This application contributes to slightly enhancing the sporty image of this car. According to official data, there is also an optional wheel rim design of up to 19 inches in size, so consumers can choose to suit their individual tastes.
The New A Class, what is the interior like?
The first thing that stands out about the interior of the new A-Class is the independent double screen and steering wheel. The independent double screen, which consists of two 10.25-inch digital dashboards, gives the effect of looking like one wide screen.
The latest multi-function sports steering wheel made of leather harmonizes with the newly designed center console, and touch control buttons are installed on the left and right sides of the wheel to help operate the vehicle more conveniently.
The seats are equipped with black ARTICO leather treated with a new embossing technology as standard. In addition, a new dark carbon fiber look trim was applied to the instrument panel and vehicle doors, adding luxury and modernity.
A more ‘smart’ A-Class
The new A-Class is equipped with a zero-layer interface to provide more intelligent assistance to the driver. This function, which was installed for the first time in the Mercedes compact segment, learns the driver’s behavior through artificial intelligence and places necessary functions on the display in a customized manner depending on the situation. During this process, user behavior and the surrounding environment are also identified and continuously optimized.
In addition, by activating online services in the Mercedes Me app, you can experience an even more upgraded voice assistant. According to Mercedes-Benz data, you can also hear explanations of basic vehicle functions through the “Hello Mercedes” activation keyword. Alternatively, certain actions, such as answering a call, can be performed without the activation keyword “Hello Mercedes”.
A word from the editor
The prices of ‘The New A-Class Hatchback’ and ‘The New A-Class Sedan’ are 47,100,000 won and 48.8 million won. According to the industry, in addition to these two models, Mercedes-Benz Korea plans to release ‘The New Mercedes-AMG A 35 S 4MATIC Sedan’ and ‘The New Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+’ in the future.
Among the lineup, the Mercedes A Class has the advantage of being able to fully experience the DNA and sensibility of Mercedes-Benz at a relatively low price. However, among its models, it has been hovering at the bottom every month due to poor performance. Can this new model contribute to raising the ranking even a little?
