At the 82nd Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is presenting dynamic and efficient reinforcements in the ongoing model offensive – eight new models in four different vehicle classes. The focus of today’s show appearance was the world premiere of the new A-Class. The Mercedes athlete in the compact segment is cool and “green” – emotional in its design, dynamic in its performance with an output of up to 155 kW (211 hp), and highly efficient with emissions figures starting at 99 g CO2/km. Plus, with the
A-Class, Mercedes-Benz becomes the very first vehicle maker to integrate the iPhone® fully into a vehicle’s operating and display concept.
“The A-Class makes a clear statement on the new dynamism of Mercedes-Benz”, said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Together with the successful new B-Class and three further model variants based on this vehicle architecture, it will be an important driver in our ‘Mercedes-Benz 2020’ growth strategy. We are expecting a conquest rate of more than 50 percent for the A-Class. And that’s why we say that ‘A’ now stands for attack.”
Representatives of the international press were able to gain a first impression of the new A-Class on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show. Dr. Dieter Zetsche unveiled the Mercedes athlete in the compact segment as part of an exclusive presentation. The “first pulse of a new generation” was experienced live by an audience that included Germany’s national soccer coach Joachim Löw and team manager Oliver Bierhoff, as well as national players Benedikt Höwedes and Mario Götze. The new A-Class exudes dynamism from the very first glance – its sits lower to the ground than its predecessor by up to 18 centimetres. The radical design language that was introduced with the “Concept A-CLASS” to an enthusiastic reception worldwide has been systematically carried over into series produc¬tion. With a reinterpretation of the classic two-box design, Mercedes-Benz designers created an emotional exterior with an extremely sporty character. And with a cd figure starting from 0.26, the A-Class sets a new benchmark in its class.
Premium interior and full iPhone® integration
The sporty appearance continues into the interior. Added to that is a premium feel that is unique in this vehicle segment. The operating concept also sets benchmarks with a fully integrated smartphone. The driver now has access to the main content of his iPhone® with the “Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone®” and an app concept developed in-house by Daimler that brings “Digital DriveStyle” into the vehicle. This enables the full range of smartphone capabilities to be used safely and conveniently inside the car, too, for the first time.
All functions of the iPhone® integration can be used with the Audio 20 entry device, and will also be available for a wide range of other Mercedes-Benz models as of this summer. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz will shortly be enabling the in-car use of smartphones with other operating systems.
New petrol and diesel engines with exemplary efficiency
A wide range of spark-ignition and diesel engines fulfils every performance desire and, at the same time, marks the current state-of-the-art in efficiency – for the first time, a Mercedes-Benz with an internal combustion engine will emit just 99 g CO2 per kilometre. The output spectrum ranges from 80 kW (109 hp) for the entry-level diesel through to 155 kW (211 hp) for the new 2.0-litre petrol version. Mercedes-Benz is introducing an innovation in the 1.6-litre petrol engine in the shape of CAMTRONIC – by adjusting valve lift on the inlet side, the volume of fresh air is restricted under partial load and fuel consumption reduced. All six engines are equipped as standard with direct injection and the ECO start/stop function. As an option, they can be combined with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic.
The new A-Class – exemplary in dynamics and safety
At the same time, the A-Class provides impressive proof that safety is not a question of price at Mercedes-Benz – the radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system and ATTENTION ASSIST are part of the standard equipment. Well-known safety features from the larger Mercedes model ranges are also available for the A-Class for the first time, including PRE-SAFE® and DISTRONIC PLUS, as well as the blind spot, lane keeping and speed limit assistants. The sophisticated chassis design chassis design guarantees high active safety and previously unheard-of handling characteristics. The most dynamic version in the lineup is the A-Class Sport engineered by AMG, on which the visual relationship to the Concept A-CLASS is particularly evident thanks to the new diamond grille.