Mercedes Has Switched Things Up For The New A-Class By Amplifying Traits Such As Space, Comfort, Quality, Restrained Style And Tech
The new A-class Limousine is Mercedes’ push again into the luxurious sedan phase in India and basically replaces the first-gen CLA. Compared to the outdated CLA, the brand new A-class Limousine seems much more grown up and in keeping with the remainder of the Mercedes sedan household.
The automotive seems engaging in profile, with a single, assured shoulder line and a smart-looking set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear encompasses a less complicated iteration of the CLS’ angular LED back lights and surprisingly sited reflector strips within the bumper, but it surely all ties collectively properly as a cohesive design.
The cabin is a mixture of high-quality plastics, soft-touch supplies, open-pore wooden inserts, neatly executed vibrant work and cream colored upholstery.
The dashboard design is in keeping with different new-gen Mercedes on sale in India with twin 10.25-inch free-standing shows taking pleasure of place atop the dashboard.
It is filled with options, together with 64-colour ambient lighting, an AI-based digital assistant and connected-car tech with Alexa integration. You even get a selection of structure for the digital dials.
The entrance seats are a contact smaller than in a C-class however they’re nonetheless snug. This is necessary as a result of that is extra probably than every other Mercedes sedan to be self-driven.
Spacious and punchy
It is on the again the place the shift from four-door-coupe to sedan has actually paid off. Space is de facto beneficiant for the automotive’s measurement, significantly kneeroom (because of the lengthy 2,729mm wheelbase) and the headroom, because of the taller roof.
The A-class can be accessible in A 200 petrol, A 200d diesel and AMG A35 spec, although right here we focus solely on the previous two. While within the C-class ‘200’ denotes a 2.0-litre petrol, within the A 200, it’s a 1.3-litre turbo petrol that makes a fairly wholesome 163hp and 250Nm of torque paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox.
The engine within reason refined at start-up and at low revs. However, get it above 3,500rpm and the unit turns into audible. In the Comfort mode, the easy-going gearbox doesn’t fairly masks the turbo-lag. Sport mode rectifies this an important deal, however then you might be continually conscious of the engine working more durable. Still, as soon as it’s on the boil, responses are good. However, the DCT, whereas fast to shift, can really feel a little bit clunky beneath duress.
The A 200d packs within the acquainted OM654 2.0-litre diesel, however right here it places out 150hp and 320Nm, and is paired with a brand new 8-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. First impressions are reasonably good, and it truly feels the extra refined of the 2 for on a regular basis use. The unit makes all its torque from actually low down. Push the engine exhausting and you might be rewarded with a strong burst of energy although you additionally get fairly a little bit of torque steer, and the diesel clatter turns into fairly audible.
This definitely feels the stronger of the 2 engines, and if the value hole isn’t too large between the 2, it might be our decide.
Lessons learnt
The raised suspension for India doesn’t hinder trip high quality which is even higher than a few of its bigger sedan siblings.
The petrol’s softer setup takes the sting off sharp bumps beautifully and even high-speed stability is sort of good. The diesel’s firmer arrange lets extra street imperfections filter into the cabin, although that’s not to say it’s uncomfortable.
On the dealing with entrance, the A-class sedan shouldn’t be precisely a nook carver. There is sort of a little bit of physique roll, the ESC cuts in even when turned off, and the steering is sort of gentle. But then consolation is the secret with this sedan, and at that, it excels.
It is obvious that Mercedes has learnt from its first era of MFA vehicles and switched issues up for the brand new A-class. It now not feels ‘entry level’ in any manner, and it amplifies the traits patrons search for of their Benz akin to house, consolation, high quality, restrained model and tech. There can be just one totally loaded variant of every, and we anticipate them to value about ₹ 40-42 lakh (ex-showroom). So, is it a worthy place to begin to the Mercedes-Benz household? This time round, it certain feels prefer it.
