The new-generation A-Class as comfortable as never before, as dynamic as always

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A 220d 4MATIC (Style), Elbaitgrün. Interieur Schwarz / Grün A 220d 4MATIC (Style), elbaite green, Interior black / green

The new-generation A-Class from Mercedes-Benz reconciles the conflicting aims of sporty performance and enhanced comfort: With DYNAMIC SELECT, the driver is able to change the best-seller’s characteristics in a matter of seconds – at the

Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC, jupiter rot, AMG Night-Paket, AMG Aerodynamik-Paket, jupiter red, AMG Night package, AMG Aerodynamics package

touch of a button the A-Class drives in a particularly comfortable, sporty or efficient manner. Mercedes‑Benz has also increased the range of available engines.The A 160 with 75 kW (102 hp) is the new entry-level model. The new efficiency champion is the 80-kW (109-hp) A 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition with CO2 emissions of 89 g/km. And with its dramatic design in the style of the successful MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 team, the special “Motorsport Edition” model will particularly appeal to racing fans. The Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC also benefits from the model update. With a peak output of 280 kW (381 hp) and maximum torque of 475 Nm, the entry-level model from Mercedes-AMG is the world’s most powerful compact sports model. The revised gear ratios, aerodynamic fine-tuning and the new DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes raise overall performance to a higher level, underlining the claim to leadership in this market segment. The first models will be in dealer showrooms at the end of September.

With the DYNAMIC SELECT driving programme selector, the new chassis with adaptive damping and LED high-performance headlamps, the new generation of the A-Class 

demonstrates just how high the level of innovation can be in this segment“, says Prof.Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

2012 was a year of paradigm change in the compact class. The new A-Class was a radical departure from the preceding series. And a successful one: as the most progressive model in the compact class, the model series has done much to make the Mercedes-Benz brand more youthful. With this model update we are now meeting the wishes of many customers for even more comfort with no loss of dynamic performance” says Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

The chassis: comfort at the touch of a button

With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and air conditioning at the driver’s behest. The four driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Eco” and “Individual” can be conveniently selected using the switch in the upper control panel. The A 200 d 4MATIC, A 220 4MATIC, A 220 d, A 220 d 4MATIC, A 250 4MATIC, A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4MATIC models are equipped with DYNAMIC SELECT as standard. The system is also included as standard in all models with 7G-DCT, AMG Line or a lowered suspension. DYNAMIC SELECT is available on request for all other engine variants except the two BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models.

DYNAMIC SELECT allows a particularly broad range of setting options in combination with the new suspension with adaptive damping (optional extra). In this case the driver is able to modify the vehicle’s damping characteristics using the DYNAMIC SELECT Switch. There is a choice between Comfort mode with comfortable damping characteristics and Sport mode for a sporty and more taut damper set-up. Acceleration sensors are used to measure the vehicle’s body movements, and other current information about the vehicle status such as the steering angle, steering speed and yaw rate is included when calculating the damping characteristics. A proportional valve is actuated electronically at each shock absorber to control the oil flow and therefore the damping characteristics. The damping system is infinitely variable, and the configuration is individual for each wheel.

The design: dynamically curved surfaces and a fresh ambience

Striking lines, dynamically curved surfaces and coupé-like window lines characterise the exterior of the A-Class, following the design philosophy of sensual purity. The form of the new, more arrow-shaped front bumper takes its lead strongly from the Concept A-CLASS (2011) concept vehicle. With a diamond grille, new LED high-performance headlamps (optional extra) and newly designed tail lamps with dual tailpipe trim integrated flush into the bumper, the new generation emphasises the sportiness and dynamics of the successful compact class model series.