Earlier this year, it came to light that Mercedes-Benz would trim its model line and that the A-Class and indeed the B-Class would be axed by around 2025.
So, what you are looking at here is most likely to be the final facelift for the A-Class.
Take a moment to soak it in.
The styling changes are fairly minimal for this round of updates. Can you spot the changes?
Overall, the styling changes are minimal. In a game of “spot the difference”, your eagle eyes might notice that the grille with a star pattern has been updated and is flanked by flat headlamp units (LED headlights are optional). Merc has added 4 additional wheel designs up to 19-inches in size including optional high-gloss black painted light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design and with a high-gloss rim flange for the AMG Line. At the rear, the LED taillights have been redesigned and a new rear diffuser has been fitted to further enhance the look.
The sportier AMG derivatives, namely the Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic and the more potent A 45 S 4Matic+, gain revised headlights, an AMG-specific grille as well as the AMG emblem replacing the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath emblem. A new wheel design, rear spoiler lip, revised tail lights, and round tailpipes (twin-flow exhaust on AMG A45 S) round off the exterior changes.
The place you want to be, inside the facelifted Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+.
Inside, the A-Class is fitted with a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. However, buyers who want to amplify the tech experience can opt for dual 10.25-inch wide-screen displays at extra cost. The MBUX operating system has also been enhanced with fingerprint recognition as well as an improved voice assistant.
The compact model also gains a sportier flat-bottom steering wheel finished in Nappa leather and the centre console has also been revised. Standard features across the trim lines have also been bolstered and in an effort to reduce the extensive options list, commonly sought-after features are now bundled together and from Progressive trim upwards, features such as LED headlights, lumbar support, Parking Package and Mirror Package are now standard.
The AMG derivatives gain an AMG Performance steering wheel and AMG Performance seats are now available in sage grey.
As for powertrains, 48-volt mild-hybrid technology with a belt-driven starter generator is now offered across the petrol-powered range.
While we are in the process of confirming local engine availability for the facelifted A-Class, it’s expected that the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the A200 will forge on with 120 kW and 250 Nm as well as the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the A250 with 165 kW and 350 Nm, both mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the A200d with 110 kW and 320 Nm paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic is also likely to be offered locally, but only in sedan guise.
The AMG A35 4Matic produces 225 kW and 400 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and now also gains a 48-volt auxiliary power supply and belt-driven starter-generator. The AMG A45 S 4Matic+’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is dialled to 310 kW and 500 Nm and both derivatives are paired to an 8-speed AMG SpeedShift dual-clutch transmission.
Mercedes-Benz is also offering an AMG Street Style Edition for a limited period of time but it’s not yet clear if it will be offered in South Africa. We have reached out to Mercedes-Benz South Africa to confirm local availability and a local representative has confirmed the timing for April or May 2023.
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