Mercedes-Benz always brings its A-game, but it’s finally bringing its A-Class to our side of the pond. Debuted this Wednesday, the 2019 A-Class comes to us in the form of a compact sedan, slotted beneath the CLA and comes packed with a litany of tech conveniences to go along with the usual luxury experience Mercedes is known for.
The compact four-door houses a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four-cylinder engine that whips up 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels – our all four in the 4Matic version – by way of a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
Arriving with the A-Class is the all-new Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX, a new multimedia system that leverages software based on artificial intelligence for a more intuitive experience. Mercedes claims MBUX will be able to learn a driver’s preferences and adapt accordingly, “creating an emotional connection.” What this presumably means is that the system will catalog your go-to media stations, drive modes and frequently visited locations.
MBUX will also feature intelligent voice control designed for more natural commands, without a need to speak like a stilted robot in order to initiate a function. In the A-Class, a simple “Hey Mercedes” will kick off the interaction. Intelligent drive safety systems from the S-Class will carry over, providing speed limit, steering, lane keeping and braking assists while on the go.
Some may say Mercedes’ lineup is in dire need of some streamlining, but it’s undeniable that the automaker is committed to making something for everyone. With this in mind, the new A-Class is a very compelling package for a new entry point into the luxury brand.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but the A 220 and A 220 4Matic is expected to appear in showrooms later this year.
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