Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

Weighing in at 1,385 KG (A 200 Progressive Line), 1,465 KG (A 250 4MATIC AMG Line), the new A-Class Saloon stands at 4,549 MM long, 1,992 MM wide, 1,446 MM (A 200 Progressive Line), 1,451 MM (A 250 4MATIC AMG Line) tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,729 MM.

Interior of the five-seater saloon is upholstered in all-black Artico man-made leather (A 200 Progressive Line), and black Artico/MICROCUT-microfibre with red contrast stitching (A 250 4MATIC AMG Line).

Comfort Seats are fitted for the A 200 Progressive Line, featuring electronic adjustments, climate control and memory function (driver) up front, and a 60:40 split fold configuration in the rear. 

Sports Seats are fitted for the A 250 4MATIC AMG Line, featuring electronic adjustments, climate control and memory function up front, and a 60:40 split fold configuration in the rear.

Note. The cabin’s build mostly uses a high proportion of recycled materials to cut down on CO2 emissions per passenger car.

Equipped for the A 200 Progressive Line is a leather sports steering wheel in a three-spoke design. The A 250 4MATIC AMG Line upgrades to Nappa leather in a three-rounded twin-spoke flat-bottom design.

It features multi-function controls (media, vehicle settings), paddle shifters (chrome - A 250 4MATIC AMG Line), column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

Equipped with multiple USB ports and 12-V power sockets. Also included is a wireless charger.

The boot comes with the Easy-Pack tailgate feature (hands-free), providing a contactless function that opens up to 405-Litres of load space.

Weighing in at 1,385 KG (A 200 Progressive Line), 1,465 KG (A 250 4MATIC AMG Line), the new A-Class Saloon stands at 4,549 MM long, 1,992 MM wide, 1,446 MM (A 200 Progressive Line), 1,451 MM (A 250 4MATIC AMG Line) tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,729 MM.

Sophisticated and sporty at the same time, its dynamically-balanced and compact silhouette sees subtle updates to its characteristic front-end.

Installed are a new bonnet with the Merc’s ‘Powerdomes’, and new radiator grill with black inserts (A 200 Progressive Line)/chrome star pins (A 250 4MATIC AMG Line).

Separating the variants is the three-part lower air-intake. Refined, simple without flics (A 200 Progressive Line), and refined, sporty with flics (A 250 4MATIC AMG Line).

Coming with very minor changes, its familiar rear-end further exudes a sophisticated and athletic appeal, with minimalistic and smooth contours. 

Differentiating the variants is the lower bumper fitments. The A 200 Progressive Line features a clean surface with a simple exhaust-integrated diffuser (deleted - flics, fins). 

Whereas, the A 250 4MATIC AMG Line sees a set of corner-fitted slit-like intakes with a sporty exhaust-integrated diffuser (flics, fins).

Flat and sharply-framed with a determined outlook, installed are LED headlights with Adaptive High-Beam Assist (AHA) and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The latter is of a new design (old - L-shaped, new - top-single lightbar).

Familiar and befitting of the rear layout, the wraparound tail lamps are angularly-refined. They are full LED units with dynamic turn indicators.

Electrically adjustable and retractable, the side mirrors come with turn- and blind spot-indicators, and an auto-dimming function.

Variant A 200 Progressive Line rides on a set of 17-Inch five twin-spoke, black with high-sheen-finished light-alloy wheels.

Variant A 250 4MATIC AMG Line rides on a set of 18-Inch five twin-spoke, Tremolite Grey with high-sheen-finished AMG light-alloy wheels.

Another half of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, installed is a 10.25-Inch touchscreen display. 

Featured are new display styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet), three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), and seven colour schemes. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible.

Each of the new A-Class Saloon underpins a different powertrain setup.

Unchanged, variant A 200 Progressive Line harbours the M282, 1.3-Litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 161 HP at 5,500 RPM and 270 NM of torque at 2,000 to 3,500 RPM.

Upgraded, variant A 250 4MATIC AMG Line harbours a new M260, 2.0-Litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (221 HP - 5,500 to 6,100 RPM, 350 NM - 2,000 to 4,000 RPM), mated to a 48-V belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) mild hybrid system (14 HP/10-KW, 150 NM).

Installed is a 7G-DCT (seven-speed, dual-clutch) automatic transmission.

Variant A 200 Progressive Line gets a standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) setup, while variant A 250 4MATIC AMG Line gets new 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. 

Standard kit on the new A-Class Saloon includes KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (keyless go/hand-free access), Easy-Pack tailgate (contactless), THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control, Comfort Seat Package, multi-function steering wheel, MBUX multimedia system, 64-colour ambient lighting, auto headlamps and wipers, wireless charger, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors (exterior, interior), 360-degree camera, interior map lights, and auto-pinch windows (up/down).

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon exudes an elegantly sporty build, a well-deserved upgrade for the 2023 model year.

It offers both performance and comfort, while encapsulating passengers in a high-tech and luxuriously-appointed cabin.

Overall, inside and out the build quality is excellent, and with its relatively competitive pricings, the new A-Class Saloon is definitely a Merc to have.