2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback makes Philippine debut

Following its global launch in February this year, Auto Nation Group, the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines, has officially pulled the wraps off of the newest and smallest member in the luxurious family – the 2019 A-Class. This next-generation compact car is a mix of modern and youthful appearance, intuitive digital user experience, and desirable high-tech features.

The A-Class embodies the German marque’s latest design language dubbed as ‘Sensual Purity’, this elegant hatchback features a shark nose-like design and sharp curves. The front fascia bears the brand’s signature diamond radiator grille, complemented with LED headlights with torch-like daytime running lights. Looking at the rear, extended taillights and a redesigned tailgate and rear bumper accentuate the hatchback’s overall appeal.

Inside, you will be welcomed by an eye-bulging, free-standing two 10.25-inch touchscreens, touchpad placed on the center console, as well as the touch-control buttons that can be found in the steering wheel to lessen driver distraction on the road. The main highlight of this good-looking hatch is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which is first to be integrated into the A-Class.

What's great about this, you ask? Well, MBUX is incorporated with a technology called Artificial Intelligence (AI). With this high-tech feature, users can activate a highly intelligent virtual assistant by either pushing the button on the steering wheel or a much cooler way to do it is to simply say the words, ‘Hey Mercedes’. Once activated, users can tell the ‘Mercedes’ the desired destination, select music, control air conditioning system, and configure the 64-colors ambient lighting via voice command.

The MBUX is integrated with a natural speech recognition which allows the system to recognize and become familiar with the sentences, as well as the field of multimedia and vehicle operation, making the driver and the car function as one.

The A-Class comes with three variants including the A200 Edition 1 and A200 Progressive that are both pumped up by a 1.3L engine that delivers a maximum output 163hp and 250 Nm of torque, paired to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The A180 Progressive variant, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.3L engine that churns out a maximum output of 136 hp and 200 Nm of torque, also coupled to a seven-speed DCT.

Aside from being a good-looking hatch, the A-Class comes with a slew of safety and security features including 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 just in case an emergency occurs.

Pre-orders and reservations for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class are now open in all Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide. See the price points below:

• A200 Edition 1 – Php 3,290,000

• A200 Progressive – Php 2,990,000

• A180 Progressive – Php 2,490,000