The third-generation A-Class has been around for only six years as of 2018, and Mercedes-Benz has already launched a redesigned model. That’s not exactly surprising though, as the Germans are looking to replace each model after a six-year cycle in the future and the A-Class is one of the first to be part of this strategy. Spotted stretching its wheels in Europe since early 2017, the new-generation A-Class broke cover in February 2018, about one month before its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Auto Show. And by the looks of things, the competition doesn't stand a chance against it.

The interesting thing about the upcoming A-Class, aside from the usual upgrades involving sportier looks, a refined, roomier interior, and more powerful and efficient engines, is that it will get a sedan version. The three-box model was previewed by the A-Class Sedan Concept in 2017 and as it turns out, it shares quite a lot of design features with the new hatchback. Inspired by the new CLS, the A-Class Sedan wasn't just a fancied up concept, with most of its features transferred on the production five-door model. But until the four-door arrives to take on the Audi A3 Sedan and the China-only BMW 1 Series Sedan, let's have a closer look at the most technologically advanced premium hatchback on the market.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Specifications
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  • Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

- CLS-inspired front fascia - Lower engine hood - Sportier nose - Aggressive bumper - Optional 19-inch wheels - Split-design taillights - Two-section Airplanel - Optional Multibeam LED lights

As confirmed by our spy shots of production-ready prototypes, the new-generation A-Class retains the overall shape and size of the outgoing model. However, the new styling features are sportier than expected, with the front fascia design based on the latest CLS.

The headlamps are the first features that catch the eye, sporting an aggressive design with sharp edges. The covers are also wider toward the grille and become thinner toward the fenders, which gives the A-Class an angry, frowning look. The main grille is also based on the CLS, which in turn is borrowed from the AMG GT sports car. The element is now wider toward the bottom. On the other hand, it retains the diamond radiator layout and the silver horizontal bars on each side of the tri-star emblem. Below, the bumper was updated to the current Mercedes-Benz standard with bigger side intakes. Both include black horizontal slats for a powerful look.

The engine hood seems to have a smaller surface, but the really big news here is that it sits lower and slopes toward the nose more heavily. This not only makes the new A-Class the most aggressive Mercedes hatchback yet, but also helps with aerodynamics, contributing to the car's amazing 0.25 Cd figure.

Not much an be said about the car's new profile. Except for a few minor changes, like larger wheel arches that can house wheels as big as 19 inches, and a slightly longer wheelbase, it remains mostly unchanged. This isn't a bad thing though, as the A-Class already had a rather appealing side view.

The rear end boasts significantly more changes. For starters, it's noticeably wider thanks to the heavily waisted greenhouse and the slightly wider rear fenders. The previous headlamps, which were big but not exactly inspiring, were replaced by two-piece units based on the CLS. Unlike the headlamps, they're wider toward the fenders and thinner toward the license plate recess. Paired with the wider tailgate, the wider-spaced reflectors, and the two-section bumper that includes a sporty diffuser-like element, it gives the A-Class a more planted stance. Heck, it's nearly as aggressive as the AMG version of the previous model!

Overall, the new A-Class is sporty, dynamic, and emotional, three important features that set compact sports cars apart from plain-looking hatchbacks.

The new A-Class also marks the debut of two first-in-class features. First up is the optional two-section Airpanel, an aero-enhancing system behind the radiator grille that opens its adjustable louvers depending on the cooling requirement. An additional louver system in the air inlet below the license plate which further improves system performance.

Second, it can be ordered with the optional Multibeam LED headlamps, a technology that trickled down from the company's more expensive, more luxurious models. These allow quick and precise adjustment of the headlamps to suit the traffic situation and include 18 individually actuated LEDs under each cover. Mercedes claims that the "daylight-like light color" of the LEDs is easy on the eyes and has a "positive effect on concentration."

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase mm/inches

2,729/107.44

Length mm/inches

4,419/173.97

Width mm/inches

1,796/70.70

Height mm/inches

1,440/56.59


Interior

- Best-in-class design - All-digital instrument cluster - 10.5-inch infotainment display - 64-color ambient lighting - New MBUX infotainment system - Extra room front and rear - Bigger trunk - Quiet ride

Not surprisingly, the interior borrows some features from the bigger Mercedes models. While the previous model was appealing enough in the more expensive trims, the new A-Class sets a new standard for interior design and premium appointments for the compact class. Mercedes describes the new interior as "avant-garde," and it's not just PR talk. A quick glance inside the hatchback and you can see why it's the fanciest of its kind. Just look at the wing-shaped, multi-tier dashboard, the high-tech-looking center stack, and those turbine-look air vents. It's like the best German and American designers teamed-up to created a hatchback interior that would please all markets. And crafted it in an IKEA store with help from Swedish architects. It's gorgeous!

The dashboard is divided into two three-dimensional, horizontal sections, with the lower section separated from the main body of the dash by a "trench." It also appears to float in front of the dashboard in certain lighting conditions. The A/C vents are placed high at each corner, while the ones in the center stack sits right between the free-standing infotainment screen and the A/C controls above the center console. The main display is set right beside the digital instrument cluster, making it seem like the car has one long screen stretching from behind the steering wheel across the center stack. This feature is also borrowed from the CLS and S-Class, but it's missing the big hood on top. Three options are available here, with the largest including two 10.25-inch displays, just like in the big Mercs.

The ambient lighting is also unique in this segment. The 64 colors of the optional ambient system make five times as many colors available than before. Mercedes also enhanced the emotive presentation, with the different colors now composed into ten "color worlds" to allow a complex lighting display with spectacular color changes. It's pretty much like having a Christmas tree inside the car, and I'm not sure I like it, but I have to admit it's indeed unique for a compact vehicle.

The A-Class also introduced the company's latest infotainment system. It's called the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) and it has the ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. It can also be customized and adapted to suit every user, thus creating an emotional connection between the vehicle, driver, and passengers. Furthermore, touchscreen operation of the media display and the navigation is made through augmented reality technology and intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition. Just make sure you activate it with the code word "Hey Mercedes" when you get inside the cabin.

Comfort has been enhanced too. In addition to the extra legroom that comes with the longer wheelbase, the new A-Class also benefits from a bit more shoulder, elbow and headroom, as well as easier access to the rear seats. The hatchback is also available with seat climate control on top of the usual heating. A Multicontour Seat package with massage function is available for the front seats, making the A-Class the first compact hatchback to have such an option. You can also pick between three different front seats designs: the basic model, the comfort seat, and the sporty integral option. The latter is available for the more expensive trims though.

Luggage room has improved too. The capacity of the trunk behind the rear seats is now at 370 liters (13 cubic feet), which converts to an extra 29 liters (one cubic foot) compared to the previous model. Loading luggage and groceries in the trunk is also easier, with the loading aperture now being 20 cm (7.9 inches) wider than before. The luggage compartment floor is 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) longer.

Drivetrain

- New 4-cylinder engines - 163-horsepower 1.4-liter - 224-horsepower 2.0-liter - 116-horsepower 1.5-liter diesel - Six-speed manual - Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic - Revised 4Matic AWD - McPherson suspension - Optional active damping control

The new generation also brings brand-new engines under the hood. The A-Class will go on sale in Europe with two gasoline and one diesel unit, all of which are brand-new.

The gas range begins with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder, which replaced the previous 1.6-liter unit used in the A160, A180, and A200 models. For the time being, the new turbo 1.4-liter will motivate the A200 version, which benefits from 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That's nine horses more than the previous model. This mill is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, just like its predecessor. Look for the same unit to be offered in less powerful configurations at a later date.

Next up is the A250 model with a gasoline, 2.0-liter four-pot. Although identical to the previous 2.0-liter turbo in terms of displacement and cylinders, this new unit cranks out 224 horsepower and 258 pound-feet, a 16-horsepower upgrade. The seven-speed dual-clutch is the only gearbox option for this model.

Expect the same powerplant, but with a twin-scroll turbocharger, to find its way in the next-generation AMG A45 version.

Both gasoline engines feature Camtronic for the intake camshaft and new particulate filters. Fuel consumption is estimated at 5.1 l/km and 6 l/km combined on the European cycle, respectively.

Finally, the A-Class goes on sale with a diesel option too, in the form of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit. Dubbed OM 608, it replaced the previous 1.5-liter borrowed from the Renault-Nissan group. The turbodiesel is rated at 116 horsepower and 192 pound-feet in the A180d model, eight horses more than the previous version. This engine is offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and includes the company's latest AdBlue technology and a fuel tank capacity of 43 liters (11.3 gallons) standard and 51 liters (13.5 gallons) optionally.

Mercedes announced that more diesel engines will be introduced soon. Expect a 1.5-liter version with less output and a higher displacement mill to replace the outgoing 2.1-liter four-cylinder.

A revised 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available for the new A-Class. It comes with a Dynamic Select switch that allows the driver to change the system's characteristics and even send all the power to the rear axle. The AWD update also includes a rear-axle differential with an integrated multiplate clutch.

Like its predecessor, the new A-Class has a McPherson front suspension, while the A250 and all 4MATIC models have a more sophisticated four-link rear setup. The entry-level A200 and A180d models have a torsion beam rear suspension. As standard, the new A-Class is fitted with a comfort suspension with steel springs and Dynamic Select. Lowered by 15 mm (0.6 inches), it has specially configured springs and dampers for more sporty characteristics. A suspension system with active damping control is optionally available.

Drivetrain Specifications

A 200

A 200

A 250

A 180 d

Transmission

7G-DCT

MT 6

7G-DCT

7G-DCT

Power output

163 HP @ 5,500 RPM

163 HP @ 5,500 RPM

224 HP @ 5,500 RPM

85 HP @ 4,000 RPM

Peak torque

184 LB-FT @ 1,620 RPM

184 LB-FT @ 1,620 RPM

258 LB-FT @ 1,800 RPM

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

Fuel consumption, combined (l/100 km)

5.1

5.6

6.0

4.1

CO2 emissions, combined (g/km)

120

133

141

108

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)

8.0

8.2

6.2

10.5

Top speed (km/h)

225

225

250

202


Safety

- State-of-the-art safety - Improved camera and radar system - Active Distance Assist - Active Brake Assist - Pre-Safe Plus package - Several airbags

There's no surprise that the latest A-Class is packed with state-of-the-art safety features and driver aids, but I honestly didn't expect it to feature some much tech from the S-Class. Arguably the most surprising feature is the semi-autonomous system, a first for this class. Sure, the A-Class isn't as autonomous as the big S-Class; the system works just in certain situations. But it's still a cool thing to have in a small hatchback.

How does it work? First, the car keeps a close eye on the traffic with an improved camera and radar systems that allow it to see up to 500 meters (0.3 miles) ahead. It also uses map and navigation data for assistance functions. Active Distance Assist Distronic is able to support the driver in numerous route-specific situations, while predictevely adjusting the speed when approaching bends or roundabouts.

It's also equipped with Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Brake Assist as standard. The latter can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether. Other familiar features seen on bigger Mercs include Pre-Safe Plus.

The new A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to have been developed at the new Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety (TFS). This means that the design of the vehicle structure incorporates findings from research into real accidents and that every body shell component was developed according to the loads and stresses encountered. The high-rigidity of the passenger cells enables the car to handle to accident-induced stress better, including in frontal, lateral or rear-end collisions, and even rollovers.

Moving over to passive safety features, the driver and front passenger each have a three-point seat belt with belt force limiter and belt tensioner and reversible belt reel tensioners. The new A-Class is also equipped with driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s kneebag and windowbags as standard. Unlike the competition, the A-Class' windowbag also covers the A-pillar for more complete passenger protection. Thorax-pelvis sidebags are standard in the front and available as optional equipment for the rear passenger compartment.

Prices

Just like its predecessor, the fourth-generation A-Class won't be sold in the United States in hatchback form. The four-door sedan will cross the pond, but the hatchback will be mostly an European-spec model. In the United Kingdom, the new A-Class retails £21,970, for which you get the base A180 trim. The A200 model starts from £25,020, while the A220 comes in at £26,895 before options. Finally, the A250 trim starts from £29,320.

Competition

BMW 1 Series

The only rear-wheel drive model in its segment, the BMW 1 Series received it mid-cycle facelift for the 2016 model year. Although frequently criticized for its design, the 1 Series is seen as the sportier model of the bunch, 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 218 horsepower in gasoline models and from 116 to 224 horses (199 to 331 pound-feet) for diesels, meaning there’s a trim for nearly every version the A-Class will bring to the table. A redesigned model with front-wheel drive is likely to follow soon. BMW also doesn’t offer the 1 Series in the U.S. In Germany, prices start from €24,700.

Read our full review of the BMW 1 Series.

Audi A3 Sportback

Some see it as the original premium compact hatch, with its first generation having been launched back in 1996, but the Audi A3 has to push in a much more crowded market nowadays. Unlike the BMW 1 Series, which is strictly rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the A3 uses a Volkswagen Golf architecture, meaning that it only comes with front-wheel drive or a Haldex-based all-wheel drive system that is traditionally marketed as Quattro. The current generation was unveiled in 2012 and updated for the 2017 model year. The hatch is offered with three gasoline and three diesel units. The former generate between 115 and 190 horsepower, while the latter crank out between 110 and 184 horses (up to 280 pound-feet of torque). The A3 Sportback is also offered with a hybrid drivetrain as the e-tron. And unlike its competitors, it’s available in the United States, but only as sedan and Sportback e-tron models.

Read our full story on the 2017 Audi A3 Sportback.

Conclusion

I'm going to start this off by saying that I'm a bit surprised to see the new A-Class wearing that CLS-inspired front fascia. Granted, I've seen it first on the A-Class Sedan Concept which made things a bit obvious, but knowing Merc, I assumed that the production model would be less aggressive. But I'm happy to see that I was wrong because the new A-Class is downright gorgeous. It has just the right amount of aggressiveness and some of its styling features are actually elegant, which makes it a great way to enter the premium market without blowing a whole lot of cash on a C-Class or E-Class model. It's interior is arguably the prettiest in the business, while its technology package is more than impressive. BMW and Audi need to act quick if they want to survive in this niche.

References

Mercedes A-Class

Read our full review on the next 2018 Mercedes-Benz A40.

Read our full review on the current 2017 Mercedes A-Class.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.

Update History

Updated 06/19/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Mercedes A-Class out for a new testing session around Nurburgring.

Updated 09/22/2016: Our spy photographers caught the next generation Mercedes A-Class out for a new testing session, this time around the Nurburgring race track.

Spy Shots

October 16, 2017 - Mercedes A-Class begins dropping campuflage

June 19, 2017 - Mercedes A-Class reveals its interior

February 17,2017 - Mercedes A-Class reveals parts of the interior

September 22, 2016 - Mercedes A-Class caught testing at Nurburgring

July 26, 2016 - First testing session