Mercedes-Benz A-Class


The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a subcompact executive car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The first generation was introduced in 1997, the second generation model appeared in late 2004 and the third generation model was launched in 2012. The fourth generation model, which was launched in 2018, will mark the first time the A-Class is offered in the United States and Canada. This fourth generation A-Class will also be the first to be offered both as a hatchback and sedan.
Originally produced only as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a three-door hatchback. In the markets where the A-Class is or has been sold, it has represented the entry level model for Mercedes-Benz. Having grown by since the original model, the 2012 third generation A-class was longer than the first-generation B-class. And although sometimes referred to by fans as the 'Baby Benz', Mercedes themselves actually use that moniker for the 1982 Mercedes 190, their first compact executive car model.

First generation (W168; 1997–2004)

History

In 1994, Mercedes-Benz confirmed that it would be launching a compact car - the A-Class - by early 1997, which would be the company's first venture in this sector of the market; it was hinted at this stage that the new car would be shorter than the average supermini but as spacious and practical inside as a large family car.
The A-Class was first revealed to the motoring press late in 1996, and finally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn of 1997, the W168 A-Class was quite unusual for Mercedes-Benz featuring a front-wheel drive layout and unusual tall but yet short body.
This was the first complete exterior designed by Coventry University trained Steve Mattin, for which he was named Autocar magazine's 'Designer of the Year'. Earlier, Mattin had mostly worked on design for the W210 E-Class in 1991. Concurrent to the W168, he designed the exterior of the W220 S-Class. The final design freeze occurred in January 1995, at 32 months before August 1997 start of production.
The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional "elk test" performed by the Swedish automobile publication Teknikens Värld. According to the report, the W168 overturned when manoeuvring to avoid the "elk". Mercedes initially denied the problem, but then took the surprising step of recalling all units sold to date and suspending sales for three months until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control and modifying the suspension. The company spent DM 2.5 billion in developing the car, with a further DM 300 million to fix it.
Between 1997 and 2004, 1.1 million first generation A-Class models had been sold.
The A-Class was facelifted in 2001, with minor alterations to the headlights, front and rear bumper design and the addition of a new longer wheelbase version. It was launched at the Geneva Motor Show.

Engines

All A-Class models are powered by four-cylinder engines, with 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol models at launch, followed by two versions of a 1.7 L diesel engine. In 1999, a larger 1.9 L petrol model was added, with the 2.1 the last W168 version to be launched in 2002.
FuelModelYearCodeMotornameMotorcodeDisplacementRated PowerTorqueTop speed
PetrolA 1401997–2004168.031M 166 E 14166.9401397 cm³ at 5,000 rpm at 3,750 rpm
PetrolA 140 2000–2004168.031M 166 E 16 red.166.960 red.1598 cm³ at 5,000 rpm at 2,500 rpm
PetrolA 1601997–2004168.033M 166 E 16166.9601598 cm³ at 5,250 rpm at 4,000 rpm
PetrolA 1901999–2004168.032M 166 E 19166.9901898 cm³ at 5,500 rpm at 4,000 rpm
PetrolA 210 Evolution2002–2004168.035M 166 E 21166.9952084 cm³ at 5,500 rpm at 4,000 rpm
DieselA 160 CDI1998–2001168.007OM668 DE 17 A red.668.9411689 cm³ at 3,600 rpm at 1,500–2,400 rpm
DieselA 160 CDI 2001–2004168.006OM 668 DE 17 LA red.668.940 red.1689 cm³ at 3,600 rpm at 1,500–2,800 rpm
DieselA 170 CDI1998–2001168.008OM 668 DE 17 LA668.9401689 cm³ at 4,200 rpm at 1,600–3,200 rpm
DieselA 170 CDI 2001–2004168.009OM 668 DE 17 LA668.9421689 cm³ at 4,200 rpm at 1,600–3,600 rpm

Safety

Production

invested EUR 900 million in developing the Rastatt plant where the A-Class is produced, and created 1600 new jobs. A further 600 people work in the office building at the plant site.
Mercedes-Benz began W168 production on 17 February 1999 at its new Brazilian facility in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. The Brazilian plant was the company's first factory in South America dedicated to passenger cars, with an investment of US$840 million and 10,000 employees. The factory initially produced A-Class and C-Class models, assembling them from pieces manufactured in Germany. The target for the cars was regional markets with modifications made to the cars to suit local conditions, like a protection for the motor base. On 15 August 2005 the factory stopped production of A-Class cars.

Second generation (W169; 2004–2012)

Initial release

The W169 is constructed with high-strength steel alloys with bonded joints. Standard equipment included front as well as combined head and thorax-protection side airbags. The front airbags are adaptive with two-stage gas generators operating according to the severity of accident. Optionally rear side airbags and side-curtain airbags were available.
The force exerted by the seat belt system during a collision adapts dynamically to collision characteristics. The 'active' head restraints reduce neck injury, especially in rear collisions.
The cargo capacity of the W169 was increased by 15 percent over the W168.
Seven four-cylinder engines were available: four petrol and three diesel partnered with either five- or six-speed manual gearbox. A continuously variable transmission system called "Autotronic Constantly Variable Transmission" is an optional feature.
The petrol A 200 Turbo provides and of torque ; the diesel A 200 CDI has and.
The most powerful engine achieved 0- in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of.
The newly developed direct-injection CDI diesel units use a common-rail direct injection system that improves fuel consumption and reduces exhaust emissions and engine noise.
All the engines meet the tight EU4 emissions limits. A particulate filter system is available as an option for the diesel units to reduce particulate emissions by about 99% without the need for additives.
The A-Class is a front wheel drive car and features traction control as standard, as well as electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.
Handling is improved by precision tracking and anti-roll support, and by a Parabolic Rear Axle.
A "Selective Damping System", in which the shock absorber forces respond differently according to conditions, is standard. For example, under normal conditions it operates at soft absorption; while cornering at speed it changes to full damping force.
Sales of the W169 were targeted at 50,000 units in 2004. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, said that target had been reached even before vehicles arrived in dealer showrooms.
Japan models went on sale in 2005-02-04. Early models include 5-door right drive versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance, A 200 Elegance. 5-door right drive version of A 200 TURBO Elegance was added in 2005-11-10. Due to the body width being larger than 1700 mm, it could not be registered as small car in Japan.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class “F-Cell” (2004–)

It is a version of 5-door A-Class hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with electric motor. It has a driving range of.
Three A-Class F-Cell cars were used in the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show for press shuttle service. On 18 June 2004, 4 production F-Cell vehicles were delivered to Deutsche Telekom and BEWAG/Vattenfall Europe in Berlin.
In 2007, the A-Class F-Cell were delivered to Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik Energy.
A DHL version of F-Cell was unveiled in FC EXPO 2008.

2008 update

The W169 Model facelift changes included redesigned front and rear bumpers and lights, and stop-start function option on A 150 and 170 models. Active Park Assist enables the car to parallel park itself, with only throttle and brake inputs required from the driver.
The five-door Saloon and the three-door Coupé vehicles were unveiled in spring 2008, alongside the refreshed 2009 M-Class and B-Class. Early models include A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI, A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 TURBO.
Japan models went on sale in 2008-08-20. Early models 5-door versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance. Japan models of A 170 was renamed to A 180 in 2009-08-24.

A-Class Special Edition 2009 (2009–)

It is a limited version for all model variants of the A-Class vehicles. It includes BlueEfficiency package, black radiator louvres, 16-inch titanium silver light-alloy wheels in a new 9-spoke design, a "Special Edition" badge on the mirror triangle, two-tone colour scheme in black and grey, Audio 20 radio with CD player and Bluetooth hands-free system and the Light and Sight package with a rain sensor, automatically dimming rear-view mirror, an illuminated vanity mirror in the sun visor, separately adjustable reading lights in the rear, a reading light for the driver and illuminated front foot wells, Seating Comfort package. Standard exterior features also include fog lamps and a free choice of metallic paint finish.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL (2010–)

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL was introduced in September 2010 and debuted at the October 2010 Paris Motor Show. The E-Cell has a range of capable of developing a peak output of, a continuous power rating of and a maximum torque of 290 N·m. The Mercedes A-Class E-Cell can accelerate from 0–60 km/h in 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is.
Tesla Motors, as part of its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, built electric powertrain components for the E-Cell. The 36 kWh battery contains approximately 4,000 individual lithium-ion cells. Mercedes has developed a modular system for electric vehicles with battery and fuel-cell. This system allows the efficient use of shared parts in all the brand's electric vehicles. Thanks to the modular approach the electric drive of the A‑Class E‑Cell is also used in the B‑Class F‑Cell, and the energy storage units in the A‑Class EV are the same as the battery in the Smart fortwo electric drive.
A limited production of 500 A-Class E-Cell electric cars will be built, for trial purposes, at the Mercedes Rastatt plant, near Stuttgart beginning in September 2010. As part of a demonstration program, the cars will be leased to selected customers in several European countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Daimler is not planning to sell the electric version outside Europe.

A 180 Final Edition (2012–)

This is a limited version of 5-door righthand drive A 180 for the Japanese market. It included calcite white body colour, black interior colour, sport package, bi-xenon headlights and headlight washer, cornering lights, fog lamps, rain sensor, sun visor with illuminating mirror, anti-glare mirrors, 'Final Edition' emblem, floor mats with 'Final Edition' silver logo plates.
The vehicle went on sale on 28 May 2012.

Technical data

SpecificationW169 W168 W168
length
width
height
wheelbase
VDA boot capacity L435–1370470–1180390–1040

Production

As of 4 December 2006, 371,700 second generation A-Class units had been sold since September 2004, making it a total of 1,500,000 A-Class produced at DaimlerChrysler's Rastatt plant in ten years.
As of 26 June 2009, the 750,000th second generation A-Class vehicle was built at the Rastatt plant.
As of 1 February 2012, 1 million second generation A-Class vehicles had been delivered since autumn 2004.

Third generation (W176; 2013–2018)

The production version of the third generation of A-Class vehicles was based on the 2011 Concept A-Class, and was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. It has an entirely different design, and larger than the previous two generations of the A-Class, with a total length of, making it a fully-fledged small family car for the first time.
The vehicles were available in some markets from September 2012. Japan models went on sale in January 2013.
The third generation A-Class is designed to be a direct competitor of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. It is intended to be more dynamic than its predecessor and is focused on younger owners.

Concept A-Class (2011)

The Concept A-Class is a 3-door concept car that previewed the design of the third generation A-Class and was unveiled at the 2011 New York Auto Show.
It featured the M270 four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at, radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist, and exterior design language from Mercedes-Benz's F800 concept.

Models

Driving school package (2012–2018)

Designed for the German RoadSense programme, the basic driving school package includes adaptation of the cockpit to accommodate the twin sets of pedals, a control switch in the centre console for driver's footwell illumination and warning signal for the twin sets of pedals, twin rearview mirrors, the Light and Sight package and the Seat Comfort package. The package is also part of the special A-Class "toBE" model, with deliveries from January 2013.

A 45 AMG (2013–2018)

The A 45 AMG is a performance version of the A-Class, fitted with a 2-litre four-cylinder turbo engine rated at at 6000 rpm and at 2250-5000 rpm, AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission with Momentary M mode, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, 3-stage ESP with ESP Curve Dynamic Assist and "ESP Sport Handling" mode, AMG sports suspension with independently developed front and rear axles, high-performance braking system with 350 x 32 millimetres front brake discs and 330 x 22 millimetres rear brake discs, and is identifiable by the "twin blade" radiator grille, AMG light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design and two square chrome-plated tailpipes.
With, the A 45 and its derivation vehicles, CLA 45 and GLA 45, have the highest specific output per litre of 187.5 horsepower per litre for a four-cylinder motor in the passenger car sector as of September 2017. The Bugatti Chiron has the same specific output as A 45.
The vehicle was originally announced to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2013, but was later unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The sales release date was set for 8 April 2013, with Germany marketing beginning in June 2013.

Engines

The A-Class is powered by a range of 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with the 1.5 diesel engines being versions of a Renault unit.
ModelYearsType/codePower at rpm, Torque at rpm
A 1602017-2018 I4 turbo at 4,500-6000, at 1,250–3,500
A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY2012–2018 I4 turbo at 5,000, at 1,250–4,000
A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY2012–2018 I4 turbo at 5,000, at 1,250–4,000
A 250 BlueEFFICIENCY2012–2018 I4 turbo at 5,500, at 1,200–4,000
A 250 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY2013–2018 I4 turbo at 5,500, at 1,200–4,000
A 250 Sport2012–2018 I4 turbo at 5,500, at 1,200–4,000
A 45 AMG2013–2015 I4 twin-scroll turbo at 6,000, at 2,250–5,000
A 45 AMG 2015–2018 I4 twin-scroll turbo at 6,000, at 2,250–5,000

ModelYearsType/codePower at rpm, Torque at rpm
A 160 CDI2013–2018 I4 turbo at 4,000, at 1,750–2,750
A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2012–2018 I4 turbo at 4,000, at 1,750–2,500
A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 2012–2014 I4 turbo at 3,200–4,600, at 1,400–2,800
A 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY2012–2014 I4 turbo at 3,600–4,400, at 1,600–3,000
A 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY2014–2018 I4 turbo at 3,400–4,400, at 1,400–3,400
A 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY2012–2014 I4 turbo at 3,000–4,200, at 1,600–3,000
A 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY2014–2018 I4 turbo at 3,400–4,000, at 1,400–3,400

Transmissions

ModelYearsStandardOptional
A 180 BlueEfficiency2012–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic
A 180 BlueEfficiency Edition2013–20186-speed manualn/a
A 200 BlueEfficiency2012–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic
A 250 4MATIC BlueEfficiency2013–20187-speed automatic n/a
A 250 BlueEfficiency2012–20187-speed automatic n/a
A 250 Sport2012–20187-speed automatic n/a
A 45 AMG2013–20187-speed automatic n/a
A 160 CDI2013–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency 2012–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency Edition2013–20186-speed manualn/a
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency 2012–20147-speed automatic n/a
A 200 CDI BlueEfficiency2012–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic
A 220 CDI BlueEfficiency2012–20187-speed automatic n/a

Equipment

Drive Kit Plus for iPhone, Mercedes-Benz phone module with Bluetooth, roof box 400 with Alustyle Quickfix carrier bars, Mercedes Sport product range, light-alloy wheels were developed for the A-Class vehicles. The A-Class in Australia comes standard with 9 airbags.
The phone module went on sale on 4th quarter 2012.
Mercedes-Benz Sport products were produced for the A-Class vehicles.

Marketing

As part of the A-Class launch, Mercedes-Benz started the 'A Rock' concert series with British alternative rock band Placebo. The 5-concert tour took place in Paris, Rome, Zurich, Hamburg, Madrid between June and July 2012.

Production

Production of the A-Class began at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant in 2012.
Mercedes-Benz signed an agreement with the Finnish supplier Valmet Automotive to expand A-Class vehicle production, where Valmet will produce more than 100,000 units for Daimler from 2013 through 2016, the agreement was later continued to cover the rest of the production time of the third version which came to an end when production of the fourth version began in 2018. In 2017 Mercedes-Benz signed a new agreement with the Finnish supplier for the fourth version.
Production of A-series BlueDirect 4-cylinder engines took place at Mercedes-Benz engine production plant in Kölleda.
Pre-facelift styling
Post-facelift styling

Fourth generation (W177; 2018–present)

The W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the fourth and current generation of the A-Class range of subcompact executive hatchbacks. It was launched in 2018 as the successor to the W176 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and sales commenced in March 2018. It is available as a 5-door hatchback, as a 4-door sedan, and as a long-wheelbase sedan exclusive to China.
The fourth generation A-Class hatchback was unveiled to media in February 2018 in Amsterdam ahead of its public debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. At launch Mercedes-Benz revealed the vehicle's "predator face", which is also implemented in the C257 CLS and C118 CLA, will not spread throughout the brand's entire range of cars.