The 2019 Mercedes A-Class now has a sedan option

The Mercedes-Benz lineup grows with the addition of a new product in the compact car range. We all know and love the A-Class hatchback (especially the AMG) for its styling, performance, and small, easy to drive dimensions. It seems that customers have been wanting something with a trunk, but within the same category as the A-Class in respect to size, dynamics, and features. That’s where the recently unveiled Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan comes in.

The A-Class Sedan will be made available for public viewing at the Paris Motor Show in October of 2018. There was also an extended wheelbase version that was presented in April of 2018 at China Auto in Beijing that was developed exclusively for the Chinese market. Mercedes-Benz recognizes that its new generation of compact cars have played a big part in rejuvenating the brand, appealing to new and old customers alike.

The A-Class Sedan also defends the title for the lowest drag coefficient of any vehicle to date, setting to better the sleek CLA Coupe at 0.22. This creates excellent aerodynamic properties which help in fuel efficiency in real world conditions. Speaking of fuel, the A-Class Sedan will launch with two engines - one each for gasoline and diesel. Th gasoline variant is a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine that’s good for 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque with an estimated fuel consumption at 19-20 kilometers per liter. The single diesel variant is a 1.8L turbo with 116 hp and 260 Nm of torque, and sips fuel at 25 kilometers per liter. Both engines will feature a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.

In line with Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy of Sensual Purity, the A-Class features sleek lines and precise gaps. The short overhang is befitting on a compact car, and the small size create an urban dweller. The hood is long, low, and accentuated by the slim headlights and torch daytime running lights. The cabin sits further back and features the highest headroom in its segment at 944mm. The rear is wide and has two piece taillights with integrated reflectors on the bumpers and a choice of a black or chrome diffuser. A range of 16-19 inch wheels are available depending on trim and available options to customers.

The interior is a big departure from the usual Mercedes-Benz cockpits, as a single, wing shaped dashboard extends from end to end, replacing the cowl that extends from the dash. It also appears to float, the ambient lighting adding to that effect, as well. There is also a range of optional freestanding widescreen displays for customers to choose from, ranging from a single 7-incher, to a set of one 7-inch and one 10.25-inch, to a pair of two 10.25-inch displays. The A-Class Sedan also features the latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), creating a new take on connectivity for the brand. Artificial intelligence learns to adapt to users as they use the high resolution touchscreen of the cockpit, as well as the augmented reality navigational display. Voice control with speech recognition is also standard, with a heads up display being an option.

A big feature on the A-Class Sedan is that it will be the first time that an A-Class can drive semi-autonomously, thanks to technology trickled down from the S-Class. Improved camera and radar systems allow the vehicle to see up to 500 meters ahead, and can provide route changes or options to the driver. All these sensors also work in various situations, such as adjusting the speed when approaching turns, intersections, or high density areas. Standard also is active emergency stop and active lane change assist.

It seems that Mercedes-Benz is starting to cover all the bases when it comes to their lineup, creating more choices for the consumer looking for a premium compact. We are certain that, at some point, the A-Class Sedan will make it locally, as the success of the new generation car platform from Mercedes-Benz is evident from the number of the brand’s sedans and SUVs that we see on the road. No news on a concrete availability date in the Philippines, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled.