Now in its third generation, the smallest model in the Mercedes-Benz->ke187 range has just received its mid-cycle refresh. The timing may seem odd for some people, as the latest A-Class->ke452 was only unveiled back in 2012, but recent reports have made it clear that Mercedes-Benz is pushing for a slightly shorter shelf life for its models, down from the regular seven years to only six. The 2016 A-Class comes to confirm that Stuttgart is already making use of this strategy.

Even though this is the third-ever A-Class, it actually represents the first time that Mercedes-Benz has ventured into the Audi A3->ke1086 and BMW 1 Series->ke313 segment, unless you also count the ill-fated C-Class SportCoupe or the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLC and the subsequent CLC.->ke2725 Based on a platform called MFA (Modular Front-Wheel-Drive Architecture), the latest A-Class shares most of its underpinnings with the entire compact lineup from Mercedes-Benz, namely the B-Class,->ke2751 GLA-Class,->ke4658 CLA-Class->ke3130 and CLA Shooting Brake.

Essentially sporting a front-wheel-drive architecture, some of its versions also offer a 4MATIC-badged AWD system, something which it desperately needs in its higher-powered variants like the awesome A45 AMG. As expected, the mid-cycle refresh did not change much in terms of exterior or interior design, while most of last year's engines are carried over with slight improvements.

Updated 06/29/2015: Mercedes dropped the official details on the new generation Mercedes A-Class.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

mercedes-benz-a-class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: mercedes-benz-a-class
Pros
Cons

2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 102 @ 4500
  • Torque: 132 @ 1200
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Those who were afraid of change can now rest assured, as the facelift did not change the overall appearance of the A-Class. Just like the recent B-Class->ke2751 refresh, the 2016 A-Class facelift consists only of redesigned bumpers, a slightly more upright grille, and mildly restyled headlamps.

Specifically, the standard two-slat grille has been replaced by a diamond pattern piece, which has happened with other models as well recently. The grille also sports a slightly different shape, but this is only noticeable upon close inspection. Though identical to the previous model as far as shape and size go, the headlamps do feature a mildly revised cluster and new upper LED strips. Speaking of which, the A-Class is now available with full LED headlamps. Bigger changes can be spotted in the front bumper area. The main air dam is taller and shorter, while the side intakes are significantly smaller and positioned vertically.

The side view remained quasi-identical, featuring the same upswept character line, arched beltline, and side skirts. Mercedes does offer a range of new alloy wheels.

As for the rear, there's a redesigned bumper with integrated exhaust tips and mildly revised LED taillights. Overall, the 2016 A-Class facelift has kept its bulldog stance, while receiving a dash of sportiness.

With the facelift Mercedes also offers a Motorsport Edition model that pays homage to the successful Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team. This version is distinguished by Petrol Green accents on the front and rear bumpers, as well as on the AMG-style light-alloy wheels.

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

Interior updates are also mild. Highlights include a revised instrument cluster with new dial graphics, and the free-standing display that can be had with a larger, eight-inch screen. The dashboard comes with new trim for a fresh appearance, while the seats feature cushion depth adjustment by up to 2.3 inches. There are new colors and materials for each model, a Sahara Beige/Black leather in the Exclusive package, and a new seat design with red or green highlights in the Style line.

Moving over to the Motorsport Edition, the surrounds of the A/C vents are finished in Petrol Green, as is the stitching on the seats and the arm rest. The standard sport seats are upholstered in black leather/DINAMICA microfibre and have petrol green decorative stripes.

Granted, the interior facelift is far from impressive, but it should keep the A-Class fresh for another couple of years.

Drivetrain

The facelifted A-Class is available with four engines and in 12 trim levels, most of which are carried over from the previous model. The gasoline range starts with a new entry-level model, the A 160 powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder rated at 102 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Next in line are the A 180 and the A 180 Blue Efficiency Edition (BEE). While both feature the same 1.6-liter four-banger tuned to generate 122 horses and 147 pound-feet, the second model sips less gas and emits less CO2. The A 200, employs a 156-horsepower and 184-pound-feet four-pot, also displacing 1.6 liters.

Larger engines can be found in the A 220 and A 250 models. Restricted to 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, the A 220's 2.0-liter inline-four cranks out 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet. More power comes with the A 250 and A 250 Sport, rated at 211 horses and 258 pound-feet and 218 horsepower and 258 pound-feet, respectively.

Moving over to diesels, the 1.5-liter, four-cylinder is available in three flavors. The base A 160 d comes with 90 horses and 177 pound-feet, while the A 180 d and A 180d Blue Efficiency Edition generate 109 horsepower and 192 pound-feet. Of course, the BEE model is the more efficient version of the batch. The lineup also includes the A 200 d, powered by a 2.1-liter four-pot good for 136 horses and 221 pound-feet. Topping the diesel range is the A 220 d, motivated by the same unit but enhanced to deliver 177 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.

As far as performance is concerned, the A250 Sport is obviously the quickest of them all, needing 6.3 seconds to hit 62 mph with AWD and the seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Hitting the same benchmark in the base gasoline model takes 10.4 seconds with the same gearbox. As you might have already guessed, diesels are significantly slower. The entry-level A 160 d version hits 62 mph in 13.6 seconds, while the range-topping A 220 d model gets there in 7.5 ticks. Both figures are for the dual-clutch cars.

Top speed varies between 112 and 139 mph for diesel and 118 and 149 mph for gasoline models.

Drivetrain Specifications

Petrol

A 160

A 180

A 180 BEE

A 200

A 220 4MATIC

A 250/A 250 4MATIC

Number of cylinders/arrangement

4 in-line

4 in-line

4 in-line

4 in-line

4 in-line

4 in-line

Displacement (cc)

1,595

1,595

1,595

1,595

1,991

1,991

Rated output

102 HP @ 4,500-6,000 RPM

122 HP @ 5,000 RPM

122 HP @ 5,000 RPM

156 HP @ 5,300 RPM

184 HP @ 5,500 RPM

211 HP @ 5,500 RPM

Rated torque

132 LB-FT @ 1,200-3,500 RPM

147 HP @ 1,250-4,000

147 HP @ 1,250-4,000

184 HP @ 1,250-4,000

221 LB-FT @ 1200-4000

221 LB-FT @ 1200-4000

Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)

5.6–5.4 (5.4-5.1)

5.7-5.5(5.4-5.1)

5.2

5.7-5.5(5.4-5.1)

6.7-6.6

Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km)

128-124
126-119

133-127(126-119)

120

134-128(126-119)

154-151

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)

10.6 (10.4)

8.9 (8.6)

8.9

8.1 (7.8)

6.5

Top speed (km/h)

190 (190)

202 (202)

190

224 (224)

240


Diesel

A 160 d

A 180 d

A 180 d BEE

A 200 d/A 200 d 4MATIC

A 220 d/A 220 d 4MATIC

Number of cylinders/arrangement

4 in-line

4 in-line

4 in-line

4 in-line

4 in-line

Number of cylinders/arrangement

1,461

1,461

1,461

2,143

2,143

Rated output

90 HP @ 2,750-4,000 RPM

109 HP @ 4,000 RPM

109 HP @ 4,000 RPM

136 HP @ 3,200-4,000 RPM

177 HP @ 3,600-3,800 RPM

Displacement (cc)

177 LB-FT @ 1,700-2,500 RPM

191 LB-FT @ 1,750-2,500 RPM

191 LB-FT @ 1,750-2,500 RPM

221 LB-FT @ 1,400-3,000 RPM

258 LB-FT @ 1,400-3,000 RPM

Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)

4.1-3.7(3,9-3,7)

4.1-3.7(3.9-3.7)

3.5

4.5-4.1

4.2-4.0

Rated output

107-98(104-98)

107-98(104-98)

89

116-106

109-104

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)

13,8 (13,6)

11,3 (11,3)

11.3

9,3

7,5

Top speed (km/h)

180

190

190

210

224


Prices

Pricing information is not yet available, but we should find out more as the hatchback->ke304 goes on sale starting July 3rd. Mercedes dealerships across Europe will start receiving the new A-Class by the end of September. For reference, the current A-Class starts at €24,454.50 (about $27,268) in Germany (including 16-percent VAT).

There's no word on whether the German hatch will finally come to the U.S., but I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you.

Competition

Audi A3 Sportback

Launched at a similar time as the latest A-Class, the Audi A3->ke1086 should also be heading toward a mid-cycle facelift. Knowing Audi,->ke14 it will come at a later time than the refreshed A-Class, with a 2016 Geneva Motor Show->ke228 premiere being the likely destination. As the first vehicle based on Volkswagen's modular MQB platform, the third-generation Audi A3 is currently the lightest car in its segment and comes with an engine range that both Mercedes-Benz and BMW->ke178 may be jealous of in some parts.

Starting from a turbocharged, 1.2-liter four-cylinder and culminating with the recently-introduced E-Tron plug-in hybrid->ke4486 variant, the Audi A3 also offers front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive on selected engines. As an extra compared with the A-Class, the A3 may come as either a three-door or a five-door model, while the S3->ke1303 and RS3->ke3198 currently take care of the sportier customers. Unlike the A-Class, the A3 Sportback is available in the U.S., but only in e-tron form for the moment.

Learn more about the A3 hatch in our review here.

2016 BMW 1 Series

The only rear-wheel-drive model in its segment, the BMW 1 Series also received it mid-cycle facelift for the 2016 model year. Arguably with the most criticized exterior design compared to both the A-Class and the A3, the 1 Series is in theory seen as the sportier model of the three, despite the fact that it doesn’t necessarily excel in terms of engine power or suspension sportiness.

Besides a more appealing exterior design and an updated interior, the refreshed 1 Series also received a batch of new engines, including a couple of three-cylinder units borrowed from the Mini Cooper. Outputs range from 109 to 326 horsepower in gasoline models and from 116 to 224 horses for diesel, meaning there's a trim for nearly every version the A-Class will bring to the table.

Like the Audi A3, the 1 Series comes in either a three-door or five-door version. Base models all come with rear-wheel drive, but xDrive all-wheel-drive versions are also available on selected engines. BMW also doesn’t offer the 1 Series in the U.S.

More information on this car in our review here.

Conclusion

Even though it follows a more classic approach in its segment, losing the innovative double-floor but also the odd styling of its two predecessors, the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a resounding sales success for the Stuttgart manufacturer. A large part of its appeal most likely resides in its exterior design, but the model also backed it up with fuel-efficient and powerful-enough engines. This is probably why Mercedes-Benz didn't mess with its styling too much for its mid-life refresh, nor it changed much under the hood.

The model's only caveat is the fact that it only comes as a five-door, both of its two arch enemies also offering slightly cheaper and some say sportier-looking three-door variants. With the 2016 model finally bringing available full-LED headlamps and a number of slight interior improvements in terms of comfort, the redesigned A-Class should remain fresh for two more years, with the 2018 generation bringing and entirely new MFA architecture with it.

Spy Shots

March 31, 2015 - Mercedes A-Class reveals its interior

Mercedes-Benz started its 2015 winter testing with a camouflaged 2016 A-Class facelift, not leaving much of its new exterior features to be captured by the spy cameras. Caught somewhere in Northern Sweden, the pre-production prototype is fitted with the so-called "star grille," despite not featuring an AMG body kit. With the rear-bumper lacking a visible exhaust pipe, it is likely that the car is diesel-powered, while the rather low ground learance could signal that we are looking at a front-wheel-drive model and not a 4MATIC one.

As you can see, most of the exterior features should remain largely the same, with only the headlights, front bumper and taillights being the only body parts covered with camouflage. Naturally, since this is a pre-production prototype created purely for testing certain features, not all redesigned bits will actually be present on the vehicle, but you shouldn't expect too many stylistic surprises anyway.

January 9, 2015 - First testing session