Mercedes A-Class: Updates for Greater Performance and Efficiency

The UK market for premium car brands has been a cause for concern in the past few years. Mercedes, one of the leading brands in the UK, saw a decline in its market share from 7.5% to just over 5% in 2022. This slump was due to buyers turning to fresher and less traditional brands. Although rivals’ shares have declined too, Mercedes’ key German opponents, BMW and Audi, have not suffered as much. To steady the ship, Mercedes is looking to its dependable player, the A-Class compact premium hatchback.

The A-Class has been one of the UK’s top-five best-sellers since its introduction in 2018. Among premium compact cars, only the Mini, Tesla Model 3, and Tesla Model Y have consistently outsold it. No direct competitor from Audi or BMW has come close to its popularity. To keep the car on the shopping lists of many compact car buyers, Mercedes has introduced a mid-life facelift that brings mechanical enhancements, equipment upgrades, and subtle styling changes.

Simplification of the buying process is the goal, so some versions have been removed from the UK range. This move puts greater focus on those that have consistently proven more popular in their new and enhanced forms. The facelifted A-Class hatchback range includes conventional petrol and diesel guises, as well as tax-efficient plug-in hybrid form. We tested the mid-range A200 mild-hybrid petrol version.

Trim levels start at Sport Executive and progress up through AMG Line Executive to AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus, both of which add more standard equipment. The A250e plug-in hybrid is now offered as a saloon only.

Performance and Efficiency

The A200 mild-hybrid petrol version we tested offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. It has a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 161bhp and 184lb ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system that adds an extra 13bhp and 118lb ft of torque. The system also allows the engine to shut off when coasting, braking, or idling, which helps to save fuel.

The A200 can accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph. It has a claimed fuel economy of 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 141g/km. The car’s ride is comfortable, and the handling is agile and responsive.

Equipment Upgrades

The facelifted A-Class hatchback comes with some notable equipment upgrades. The infotainment system now features the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) technology, which includes a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display and voice-activated controls. The system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Other upgrades include LED headlights and taillights, a new grille design, and redesigned front and rear bumpers. The interior features new trim options, including open-pore wood and carbon fiber.

Simplified Buying Process

Mercedes has simplified the buying process by removing some versions from the UK range. This move puts greater focus on those that have consistently proven more popular in their new and enhanced forms. The A-Class is now available in petrol and diesel guises, as well as plug-in hybrid form.

The trim levels start at Sport Executive, which includes features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a reversing camera. The AMG Line Executive adds sportier styling elements, including a diamond grille and AMG body kit. The AMG Line Premium adds a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The AMG Line Premium Plus includes a Burmester sound system, keyless entry, and a 360-degree camera.

Conclusion

The facelifted A-Class hatchback brings greater performance and efficiency, equipment upgrades, and some subtle but noticeable styling changes. The car’s ride is comfortable, and the handling is agile and responsive. The infotainment system now features the latest MBUX technology, which includes a larger touchscreen display and voice-activated controls. Mercedes has simplified the buying process by removing some versions from the UK range, putting greater focus on those that have consistently proven more popular in their new and enhanced forms. The A-Class is now available in petrol and diesel guises, as well as plug-in hybrid form.