Mercedes Benz A-class limousine audit, detail review

With the launch of the new A-class luxury sedan, Mercedes-Benz has opened up a new entry point for the brand in India. This car not only replaces India’s CLA sedan but as the next-generation CLA and A-class and B-class hatchbacks are scrapped by our market, the A-class luxury sedan will become the most affordable product among the three-pronged models.

Mercedes has launched the A-class limousine in the A 200 version with a 1.3-liter turbo gasoline engine and the A 200d version with a 2.0-liter diesel engine, and more interesting is the third performance-oriented A 35. The AMG version is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine. The entire series will provide a single version and provide all comfort.

It is a completely disassembled unit (CKD) and assembled in India to control costs. The price of petrol for this baby Mercedes starts at Rs 39.90 lakhs, the price for diesel at Rs 40.09 lakhs, and the A 35 AMG at Rs 56.25 lakhs, but is it a good value for money? we discover.

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Exterior Design:

In some markets, the A-class sedans are sold together with the new CLA sedans, both of which are built on the same new generation MFA2 (Modular Front End Architecture) platform and have many similarities. However, for India, Mercedes chose this sedan to replace the outgoing CLA. This is because like the upcoming version, the new-generation CLA also has a slanted roofline, resulting in limited rear headroom.

On the other hand, the A-class sedan has a more traditional roofline and better space management, in contrast, the rear passengers are more comfortable (more on this later). Interestingly, despite the suffix being named “Luxury Car”. India-a term commonly referred to as ultra-long luxury cars-only the Chinese market has a long-wheelbase version of the A-segment, which has a wheelbase that is 60 mm longer than ours here. , With its elegant and mature design language.

Looking at it from the front, it resembles a mini CLS, with sharp triangular LED headlights and an eye-catching grille showing off the three-pointed star. Gone are the stylish frameless windows and coupe-like sloping roofline of CLA. They are replaced by stylish door mirrors, a safety belt that runs through the length of the dashboard, and wrap-around taillights with unique Y-shaped LED elements. Observe carefully, the aerodynamically efficient alloy can pass easily.

The dual exhaust hoods in and behind modern electric vehicles are purely a design feature. Interestingly, it inherited the tradition of CLA in India. It achieved a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it the most aerodynamic mass-produced car, higher than CLA’s 0.23. Beautiful-looking alloys have aerodynamic efficiency. There is no doubt that A 35 AMG. For the standard version; a more aggressive body kit with larger air intakes, side skirts, rear diffuser, and dual exhaust ports, it does look a lot like it. Completing its sporty appearance are dual 18-inch five-spoke wheels and a low ride height.

Interior Design:

The luxurious cabin of the A-class limousine is undoubtedly reminiscent of the premium quality and decoration of Mercedes-Benz. The dashboard is elegantly decorated. What attracts your attention is the dual monitors, one for the dashboard and one for the infotainment system, seamlessly integrated into a single double cabinet. This is a design feature borrowed from the larger Mercs. The rotating vents inspired by the turbine exude high quality and feel great to operate, as do the metal toggle switches used for climate control.

Further enhancing the appeal of the cabin are the elegant ambient lighting, unpainted wooden inserts, and the combination of piano black and matte silver for decoration. The beige interior adds a sense of space and illuminates the cabin. Its front seats provide wide adjustments, are spacious and comfortable, and also have adjustable neck restraints (unlike the large one-piece seats on the CLA). The perfect combination of wood trim, shiny black, and matte silver; it feels high-quality and durable.

As mentioned above, compared to the old CLA, the situation at the rear is better this time; the roof is not that steep, so headroom is no longer an issue, and you can get a longer wheelbase, which releases a spacious Knee and legroom. Since the light-colored interior and front seats will not obstruct the front view, just like the old CLA, this area will not make people feel claustrophobic. The backrest angle is still quite vertical, and the cushion is a bit hard, but in fact, the seat position is too low, causing the knees to rise in the sitting position, resulting in almost no support for the back and thighs.

Therefore, although space has been better managed this time, the rear seat experience could have been more comfortable. There is plenty of space; however, the seats are set too low to be comfortable. The AMG’s interior adopts an all-black theme, red stitching at the steering, some Alcantara seats, and red seat belts, in line with its lively theme. The matte silver panel replaces the wooden trim. The rest of the design, layout, and other parts are the same as the standard version. The AMG A 35 has an all-black theme, with sporty red stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

The gasoline version has a cargo area of 405 liters, while the gasoline version has a cargo area of 405 liters. Diesel fuel is 395 liters, which is reduced by 10 liters due to the AdBlue fuel tank. The luggage area is quite spacious and the spare tire is hidden under the floor of the luggage compartment. The rear seats can also be folded down to accommodate additional cargo. However, in the AMG version, due to the location of the subwoofer in the trunk, the spare tire is placed on the floor of the trunk, which severely limits the cargo space.

Performance:

The A 200, code-named M282, is equipped with a Mercedes version of a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine developed in cooperation with Renault. Not only does its all-aluminum construction keep a check on its weight but the semi-integrated intake and exhausts manifolds leave its compact dimensions. What’s more is that it uses state-of-the-art technologies to scale back friction and enhance efficiency, gets centrally-placed multi-hole injectors, also as an electronically-controlled wastegate turbocharger.

But the point of this engine is its smoothness and refined character. It feels comfortable while pottering around town at low revs, in almost complete silence. The build-up of boost is linear, and it’s pretty aware of the tap. Drive-in and enthusiastic manner, however, and its small capacity becomes tons more apparent because it seems to be working rather hard to deliver its performance. you’ll reach the revs at 6,200rpm, although, it isn’t particularly free-revving nor does it enjoy being spun beyond 5,000rpm, because it begins to sound strained, with mechanical whines and noises coming through. Hearing drivers will often hear Westgate’s sports whistle after raising the throttle.

AMG’s series production engine houses a twin-scroll turbo. Paired to the present engine may be a new Getrag-sourced 7-speed automatic, which uses two wet clutches. This transmission shifts smoothly, and in contrast to other DCTs, it doesn’t get jerky even at city speeds or while slowing down or during downshifts. Enhancing the A 200’s responsiveness is its short gearing, which also translates into respectable acceleration, with the 0-100kph sprint arising in only 8.50sec.

After refueling and jumping into the A 200d, you will hear the noise of diesel and consider a slight vibration due to its relatively rough idle speed. This car deploys the tried-and-tested OM654 1,950cc four-cylinder diesel that’s available in other Mercedes models. However, within the A 200d, it’s during a transverse layout, powering the front wheels, instead of the longitudinal, rear-wheel-drive found out within the other models.

The diesel feels stronger than the petrol right from the get-go, with max torque of 320Nm coming in from as low as 1,400rpm, and remains strong over its 2,100rpm band. Power is delivered in one strong surge, all thanks to its redline of 4,600rpm, with a little peek at the 3,000rpm mark. Cruising and overtaking are much more confidence-inspiring, compared to petrol, not only thanks to the additional 70Nm of torque on offer but also due to the higher engine displacement that brings alongside it a further amount of ease and effortlessness. Sound levels are well in restraint till around 2,500rpm, and it’s only beyond that that the diesel drone filters through.

AMG A 35 offers sportscar-like performance without breaking the bank. Making its India-debut within the A 200d is an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that not only is compact because of the 7-speed DCT in its construction but is additionally a touch lighter. The gear ratios are well-judged, and being closely stacked, helps with quicker responses and brisk acceleration.

Driving enthusiasts will love this transmission for its quickness, intuitiveness, and in a way cleverly it offers additional engine braking while slowing down (in Sport mode). This transmission is so good, you’ll seldom find the necessity to require manual control via the paddle shifters. Overall, this gearbox is smooth, but in Sport mode, it tends to urge a tad too aggressively within the lower gears, which may catch you all of a sudden.

Although this engine produces 150 horsepower and 320 Nm in the A200d, in our tests, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.62 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds faster than the time claimed by Mercedes. It also reached 200kph nearly 4sec faster than the 163hp A 200 petrol. What’s more is that the acceleration through the gears from 20-80kph and 40-100kph is way stronger within the diesel, indicating that this engine seems to pack stronger performance than what its numbers indicate.

The third offering within the A-Class Limousine line-up is within the stronger AMG A 35 that’s powered by an M260 306hp, two-liter, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and uses a twin-scroll turbocharger to spice up low-speed responses and aid drivability. What’s nice is that, at city speeds, it feels comfortable with timely gearshifts, no delay in power delivery, and a really hushed character.

However, the A 35, as a package, eggs you to drive with verve and push it to its limits to really appreciate its capabilities. Equipped with launch control, 0-100kph comes up in only 5.13sec, during a fuss-free manner because the AMG’s 7-speed DCT transmits power to all or any of its four wheels. Switch to the foremost aggressive, Sport Plus setting and you’ll even hear lovely burbles from the exhaust, which further adds drama to the drive experience.

Fuel Efficiency:

In order to save fuel, both A 200 and A 200d have an inertia function, in which the gearbox is switched to neutral so that the engine speed can be reduced to idle RPM when driving at a constant speed. When you step on the accelerator, it will automatically engage a gear. The urban and highway efficiencies of the diesel engine are 12.54 kmpl and 17.72 kmpl, respectively, while the efficiency of the A 200 is 7.23 kmpl and 12.27 kmpl, which is better than the gasoline engine. Although both use higher speeds, the diesel engine obtains an additional eight-speed speed, so its engine is 1,600 rpm at 100 km/h, while the 7-speed gasoline makes the engine work at a maximum speed of 1,900 rpm. Speed rotation.

What helps diesel is its simpler nature, while gasoline seems to work harder to move forward, leading to higher consumption. Interestingly, both cars are equipped with engine start-stop technology to reduce fuel consumption at idling speed, but in our tests, gasoline shuts off the engine more frequently than diesel. It returned a respectable 11.82mkpl. We did not perform a typical city cycle but measured the efficiency after a fairly fast ride, and the A 35 reached 5.1kmpl.

Features:

The A-class luxury sedan is available in a single fully charged version of gasoline and diesel, equipped with automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloys, sunroof, cruise control, rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, rear air conditioning vents, and more. You will get a clear and clear 10.25-inch all-digital instrument panel with multiple display options, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a very easy-to-use and touch playback, you have special shortcut controls, and many functions on the center console. Use advanced voice commands to operate.

Including wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as the connection function based on Mercedes e-SIM realized through the ME connect application. The dual 10.25-inch monitors are seamlessly integrated into a dual monitor and look great. Ambient lighting is also provided, but what’s really cool is that these can be configured according to the user’s preferences. A small but important feature is the power function of the front seats, which regularly make small adjustments to the seats to avoid fatigue during long-distance travel. The unique thing is that the two front seats can not only be electrically adjusted, but also have a memory function.

Safety features include the Active Brake Assist system, which first issues a warning and then automatically brakes when a collision is about to occur, at speeds of up to 55 km/h. At higher speeds, the system will only warn the driver, but will not automatically brake. Change your seat position regularly to reduce the fatigue of long-distance travel. In addition to the above, the AMG interior also has 18-inch alloys, launch control, a 590-watt Burmester sound system, sports screen options for the dashboard, and adaptive dampers as key additional features. Very customizable cluster; AMG has more display options.

Mercedes Benz A-class limousine Specification: