Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a subcompact car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz as the brand's entry-level vehicle. The first generation (internally coded W168) was introduced in 1997, the second generation (W169) in late 2004 and the third generation (W176) in 2012. The fourth generation model (W177), which was launched in 2018, marked the first time the A-Class was offered in the United States and Canada.[1] This fourth generation A-Class is also the first to be offered both as a hatchback (W177) and sedan (V177).[2]

Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177)
Overview
Manufacturer
Production1997–present
Body and chassis
Class
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Twin-engine, all-wheel-drive (A38 AMG, 2000–2002)
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (4MATIC, 2013–present)

Originally manufactured as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a three-door hatchback. Having grown by 68 cm (27 in) since the original model, the 2012 third generation A-class was longer than the first-generation B-class. The A-Class is sometimes referred to colloquially as the 'Baby Benz', a term also used for the 1982 Mercedes 190 (W201), Mercedes' first compact executive car model.[3]

First generation (W168; 1997)

First generation (W168)
Overview
Production4 August, 1997–2004
1999–2005 (Brazil)
AssemblyGermany: Rastatt
Brazil: Juiz de Fora (Mercedes-Benz Brazil)
Thailand: Samut Prakan (TAAP)
DesignerSteve Mattin (1994)
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
RelatedVaneo (W414)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,423 mm (95.4 in)
2,593 mm (102.1 in) (LWB)
Length3,606 mm (142.0 in)
3,780 mm (148.8 in) (LWB)
Width1,719 mm (67.7 in)
Height1,587 mm (62.5 in)

History

In 1994, Mercedes-Benz confirmed that it would be launching a compact car - the A-Class (A 160) - by early 1997, and (A 190) by early 1999, 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.[4]

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 and Advantgarde at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show and 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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.[5][6]

Between 1997 and 2004, 1.1 million first generation A-Class models had been sold.[7] Overall, Daimler lost €1,440 per vehicle produced.[8]

The A-Class was facelifted in February 2001, with minor alterations to the headlights, front and rear bumper design and the addition of a new 170 mm (6.7 in) longer wheelbase version. It was launched at the Geneva Motor Show.[9]

Elk Test Issue/Recall

The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional "elk test"[10] 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 (2,600) and suspending sales for three months until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control and modifying the suspension.[11] The company spent DM 2.5 billion in developing the car, with a further DM 300 million to fix it.[12]

Engines

All A-Class models are powered by four-cylinder engines, with 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol models at launch (M 166 series), followed by two versions of a 1.7 L diesel engine (OM 668 series). In 1999, a larger 1.9 L petrol model was added, with the 2.1 the last W168 version to be launched in 2002. Also two AMG versions were produced, a 3.2 in 2001 and a 3.8 in 2000, though very few of these were made.[13]

ModelYearsConfigurationDisplacementPowerTorque0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)Top Speed (km/h)Fuel Consumption/Efficiency (EU-Norm combined)
Petrol engines
A 140 1997–2004 M 166 E 14 1397 cm³ 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) at 5,000 rpm 130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) at 3,750 rpm 170 km/h (106 mph) 6.8 L/100 km (35 mpgUS)
A 140 L 2001–2004
A 140 Automatic 2000–2004 M 166 E 16 red. 1598 cm³ 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) at 5,000 rpm 140 N⋅m (103 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm 166 km/h (103 mph)
A 140 L Automatic 2001–2004
A 160 1997–2004 M 166 E 16 1598 cm³ 75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp) at 5,250 rpm 150 N⋅m (111 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm 182 km/h (113 mph)
A 160 L 2001–2004
A 190 1999–2004 M 166 E 19 1898 cm³ 92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp) at 5,500 rpm 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm 198 km/h (123 mph) 7.5 L/100 km (31 mpgUS)
A 190 L 2001–2004
A 210 Evolution 2002 – 2004 M 166 E 21 2084 cm³ 103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp) at 5,500 rpm 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm 203 km/h (126 mph) 7.9 L/100 km (30 mpgUS)
A 210 Evolution L
A 32K AMG (Prototype) 2002 M 112 E 32 ML Supercharged 3199 cm³ 260 kW (354 PS; 349 hp) at 6,100 rpm 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) at 3,000–4,600 rpm 250 km/h (155 mph)
A 38 AMG (Prototype) 1998 M 166 E 19 (two engines—front and rear) 3796 cm³ (2x 1898 cm³) 186 kW (253 PS; 249 hp) at 5,500 rpm 360 N⋅m (266 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm 230 km/h (143 mph)
Diesel engines
A 160 CDI 1998–2001 OM668 DE 17 A red. 1689 cm³ 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) at 3,600 rpm 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) at 1,500–2,400 rpm 158 km/h (98 mph) 4.5 L/100 km (52 mpgUS)
2001–2004 OM 668 DE 17 LA red. 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 3,600 rpm 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) at 1,500–2,800 rpm 163 km/h (101 mph)
A 170 CDI 1998–2001 OM 668 DE 17 LA 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 4,200 rpm 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–3,200 rpm 175 km/h (109 mph) 4.9 L/100 km (48 mpgUS)
2001–2004 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) at 4,200 rpm 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 1,600–3,600 rpm 182 km/h (113 mph)
A 170 CDI L 180 km/h (112 mph)

Safety

Test[14] Score Points
Overall: N/A N/A
Adult occupant: 27

Production

DaimlerChrysler invested EUR 900 million in developing the Rastatt plant where the A-Class is produced, and created 1600 new jobs (for a total of 4700). 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 (from Argentina to Mexico) 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.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class "F-Cell" (2004–)

It is a version of 5-door A-Class hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with 88 PS (65 kW; 87 hp) electric motor. It has a driving range of 160 km (99 mi).[15]

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.[16]

In 2007, the A-Class F-Cell were delivered to Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik Energy.[17]

A DHL version of F-Cell was unveiled in FC EXPO 2008.[18]

Reception

According to a 2008 British satisfaction survey by Which?, the A-Class came third from bottom out of 217 models surveyed with a score of 65 percent.[19]

Second generation (W169; 2004)

Second generation (W169)
Overview
ProductionJune 28, 2004–2012
AssemblyGermany: Rastatt
Thailand: Samut Prakan (TAAP)[20]
Body and chassis
Body style3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
RelatedB-Class (W245)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed manual
6-speed manual
CVT 7-speed CVT(Asia Market)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,568 mm (101.1 in)
Length3,838 mm (151.1 in) (2004)
3,883 mm (152.9 in) (2008)
Width1,764 mm (69.4 in)
Height1,593 mm (62.7 in)

Initial release

Pre-facelift A 150 3-door
Pre-facelift A 150 Elegance 5-door

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 (for side-impacts in the backseats) 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 (standard for driver and front passenger) 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 (gasoline) (A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 Turbo) and three diesel (A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI) partnered with either five- or six-speed manual gearbox. A continuously variable transmission system called "Autotronic Constantly Variable Transmission" (CVT) is an optional feature.

The petrol A 200 Turbo provides 193 hp (144 kW) and 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) of torque (rotational force); the diesel A 200 CDI has 140 hp (104 kW) and 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft).

The most powerful engine achieved 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 218 km/h (135 mph). 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 (ASR) as standard, as well as electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes (ABS).

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.[21] 5-door right drive version of A 200 TURBO Elegance was added in 2005-11-10.[22] Due to the body width being larger than 1700 mm, it could not be registered as small car in Japan. (See Vehicle size class#Japan)

2008 update

Pre-facelift interior

The W169 Model facelift changes included redesigned front and rear fascias and lights, and optional stop-start function on A 150 and 170 models.[23] Active Park Assist enables the car to parallel park itself, with only throttle and brake inputs required from the driver.

The five-door Hatchback and the three-door Coupé vehicles debuted in spring 2008, alongside the refreshed 2009 M-Class and B-Class.[24] Early models include A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI, A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 TURBO.[25]

Japan models went on sale in 2008-08-20. Early models 5-door versions of A 170, A 170 Elegance.[26] Japan models of A 170 was renamed to A 180 in 2009-08-24.[27]

A-Class Special Edition 2009 (2009–)

It is a limited (5500 units) 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 (tyre size 195/55 R16), 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 (height-adjustable front passenger seat, seat cushion angle adjustment and lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger). Standard exterior features also include fog lamps and a free choice of metallic paint finish.[28]

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.[29][30] The E-Cell has a range of 200 kilometres (120 mi) capable of developing a peak output of 70 kW (94 hp), a continuous power rating of 50 kW (67 hp) and a maximum torque of 290 N·m (214 lb·ft). The Mercedes A-Class E-Cell can accelerate from 0–60 km/h (37 mph) in 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is 150 km/h (93 mph).[29][31]

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.[29][32][33] 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.[29][31]

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.[29][31][34]

A 180 Final Edition (2012–)

This is a limited (300 units) version of 5-door righthand drive A 180 for the Japanese market. It included calcite white body colour, black interior colour, sport package (chrome exhaust tip, 17-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, chrome iridium silver front grille, stainless acceleration and brake pedals with rubber stud, leather wrapped sport steering wheel and silver shift knob, silver meter panel), bi-xenon headlights and headlight washer, cornering lights, fog lamps (front/rear), 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.[35]

Technical data

Specification A 160 CDI A 180 CDI A 200 CDI A 150 A 170 A 200 A 200 Turbo
Length 3,838 mm (151.1 in)
Width 1,764 mm (69.4 in)
Height 1,593 mm (62.7 in)
Wheelbase 2,568 mm (101.1 in)
Luggage (l) 435–1995
(3 doors) 435–1485
Empty weight (5-doors) 1,325 kg (2,921 lb)1,345 kg (2,965 lb)1,365 kg (3,009 lb)1,225 kg (2,701 lb)1,240 kg (2,734 lb)1,305 kg (2,877 lb)
(3 doors) 1,300 kg (2,866 lb)1,320 kg (2,910 lb)1,340 kg (2,954 lb)1,195 kg (2,635 lb)1,210 kg (2,668 lb)1,275 kg (2,811 lb)
Tank Capacity 54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal)
Tank Reserve 6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal)
Cylinders diesel 4/in-line 4-valv/cyl - Gasoline 4/in-line 2-valv/cyl
Displacement cc 1991199119911498169920342034
Engine 2.0L Turbo Diesel1.5L Petrol1.7L Petrol2.0 Petrol2.1 Turbo Petrol
Fuel per 100 km 4.9L5.2L5.4L6.2L6.6L7.2L
Rated Output kW/hp/PS (rpm) 60/80/82 (4200)80/107/109 (4200)103/138/140 (4200)70/94/95 (5200)85/114/116 (5500)100/134/136 (5750)142/190/193 (4850)
Rated Torque 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) (1400–2600)250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) (1600–2600)300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) (1600–2600)140 N⋅m (103 lb⋅ft) (3500–4000)155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) (3500–4000)185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft) (3500–4000)280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) (1800–4850)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) (sec) 15.010.89.512.610.99.98.0
Top Speed km/h 165 km/h (103 mph)184 km/h (114 mph)202 km/h (126 mph)173 km/h (107 mph)188 km/h (117 mph)195 km/h (121 mph)218 km/h (135 mph)
Transmission 5-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed manual5-speed manual5-speed manual6-speed manual
Wheels 6j x 156j x 156j x 166j x 156j x 156j x 166j x 16
Tires 185/65R15185/65R15195/55R16185/65R15185/65R15195/55R16195/55R16
SpecificationW169 (5 door)W168 (long wheelbase)W168 (standard)
length 3,838 mm (151.1 in)3,776 mm (148.7 in)3,606 mm (142.0 in)
width 1,764 mm (69.4 in)1,719 mm (67.7 in)1,719 mm (67.7 in)
height 1,593 mm (62.7 in)1,589 mm (62.6 in)1,575 mm (62.0 in)
wheelbase 2,568 mm (101.1 in)2,593 mm (102.1 in)2,423 mm (95.4 in)
VDA boot capacity L 435–1370470–1180390–1040

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.[7]

As of 26 June 2009, the 750,000th second generation A-Class vehicle was built at the Rastatt plant.[36]

As of 1 February 2012, 1 million second generation A-Class vehicles had been delivered since autumn 2004.[37]

In 2021, the Mercedes A-Class achieved the title of 4th best-selling car in the UK having achieved a total of 30,710 registrations.[38]

Third generation (W176; 2012)

Third generation (W176)
Overview
Production2012–2018
Assembly
DesignerMark Fetherston (2009)
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
PlatformMercedes-Benz MFA
RelatedB-Class (W246)
CLA-Class (C117)
GLA-Class (X156)
Infiniti Q30
Infiniti QX30
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission6-speed manual
7-speed automatic 7g-dct
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,292 mm (169.0 in)
Width1,780 mm (70.1 in)
Height1,433 mm (56.4 in)
Interior

The third generation of A-Class was based on the 2011 Concept A-Class and was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.[41] It has an entirely different design, and larger than the previous two generations, with a total length of 4,292 mm (169.0 in), 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.[42]

It featured the M270 four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp), radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist, and exterior design language from Mercedes-Benz's F800 concept.

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 381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp) at 6000 rpm and 475 N⋅m (350 lbf⋅ft) 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 381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp), 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.[43]

The vehicle was originally announced to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2013,[44] 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.[45]

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.[46][47]

Petrol engines[48]
ModelYearsType/codePower at rpm, Torque at rpm
A 1602017-20181,595 cc (97.3 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL red.)102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) at 4,500-6000, 180 N⋅m (133 lbf⋅ft) at 1,250–3,500
A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY2012–20181,595 cc (97.3 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL red.)122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) at 5,000, 200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) at 1,250–4,000
A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY2012–20181,595 cc (97.3 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL)156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) at 5,000, 250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,250–4,000
A 220 4MATIC DCT 2015-2018 1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL) 180 PS (135 kW; 184 hp) at 5,500, 300 N⋅m (221 lbf⋅ft) at 1200-4000
A 250 BlueEFFICIENCY2012–20181,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) at 5,500, 350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 1,200–4,000
A 250 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY2013–20181,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) at 5,500, 350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 1,200–4,000
A 250 Sport2012–20181,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) at 5,500, 350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 1,200–4,000
A 45 AMG2013–20151,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 twin-scroll turbo (M 133 DE 20 AL)360 PS (265 kW; 355 hp) at 6,000, 450 N⋅m (332 lbf⋅ft) at 2,250–5,000
A 45 AMG (Facelift)2015–20181,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 twin-scroll turbo (M 133 DE 20 AL)381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp) at 6,000, 475 N⋅m (350 lbf⋅ft) at 2,250–5,000[49]
Diesel engines[50]
ModelYearsType/codePower at rpm, Torque at rpm
A 160 CDI2013–20181,461 cc (89.2 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 607 DE 15 LA)90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 4,000, 220 N⋅m (162 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–2,750
A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (OM 607)2012–20181,461 cc (89.2 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 607 DE 15 LA)109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) at 4,000, 260 N⋅m (192 lbf⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500
A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (OM 651) (7G-DCT Only)2012–20141,796 cc (109.6 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 18 LA red.)109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) at 3,200–4,600, 250 N⋅m (184 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400–2,800
A 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY2012–20141,796 cc (109.6 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 18 LA)136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 3,600–4,400, 300 N⋅m (221 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600–3,000
A 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY2014–20182,143 cc (130.8 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 22 LA)136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 3,400–4,400, 300 N⋅m (221 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400–3,400
A 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY2012–20142,143 cc (130.8 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 22 LA)170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 3,000–4,200, 350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 1,600–3,000
A 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY2014–20182,143 cc (130.8 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 22 LA)170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 3,400–4,000, 350 N⋅m (258 lbf⋅ft) at 1,400–3,400

Transmissions

[51]

ModelYearsStandardOptional
A 180 BlueEfficiency2012–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 180 BlueEfficiency Edition2013–20186-speed manualn/a
A 200 BlueEfficiency2012–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 250 4MATIC BlueEfficiency2013–20187-speed automatic (7G-DCT)n/a
A 250 BlueEfficiency2012–20187-speed automatic (7G-DCT)n/a
A 250 Sport2012–20187-speed automatic (7G-DCT)n/a
A 45 AMG2013–20187-speed automatic (AMG Speedshift DCT)n/a
A 160 CDI2013–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency (OM 607)2012–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic (7G-DCT) (2014–)
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency Edition2013–20186-speed manualn/a
A 180 CDI BlueEfficiency (OM 651)2012–20147-speed automatic (7G-DCT)n/a
A 200 CDI BlueEfficiency2012–20186-speed manual7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 220 CDI BlueEfficiency2012–20187-speed automatic (7G-DCT)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 (a spoiler lip for the front apron, a gleaming black radiator grille, gleaming black exterior mirror casing and waistline trim strip, a roof spoiler and rear apron trims with a diffuser look), 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.[52]

Mercedes-Benz Sport products were produced for the A-Class (W176) vehicles.[53]

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.[54]

Mercedes-Benz Japan had created a short anime titled "Next A-Class", ahead of the A-Class launch in Japan.[55]

Production

Production of the A-Class began at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant in 2012.[56]

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.[57][58]

During the production time period of the A-Class, former CEO Tim Reuss had plans to sell the third generation A-Class in Canada due to the success of the best-selling B-Class which wasn’t sold in the US and due to the recent free-trade agreement between Canada and the EU at the time, which was signed in the fall of 2016, but there weren’t any efforts to adopt the UNECE regulations, which never came into effect.[59][60]

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)

W177 A 180d

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.[61] It is available as a 5-door hatchback (W177 model code), 4-door sedan (V177),[62] and a long-wheelbase sedan exclusive to China (Z177).[63] In North America, the hatchback is available in Canada and Mexico, but in the US, only the sedan is available.

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.[64] At launch Mercedes-Benz revealed the vehicle's "predator face", which is also implemented in the C257 CLS and C118 CLA, which will not spread throughout the brand's entire range of cars.[65]

Sales

Year Europe[66] Australia[67]
1997 6,184
1998 118,058
1999 177,275
2000 168,897
2001 161,962
2002 149,327
2003 130,051
2004 126,294
2005 173,548
2006 148,001
2007 136,349
2008 125,671
2009 109,568
2010 106,983
2011 88,025
2012 70,108
2013 131,258
2014 121,231 4,676
2015 119,475 3,629
2016 141,800 4,335
2017 143,550 4,768
2018 153,882 4,175
2019 198,926 4,689
2020 158,955 6,054
2021 118,439 3,793
2022

References

Notes

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  3. "The Baby Benz: the 201 series (1982 - 1993)". Daimler Global Media Site. Retrieved 9 December 2018.
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  5. europe.autonews.com/article/19970303/ANE/703030836/a-class-sets-new-record-for-mercedes
  6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 23 March 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. "Rastatt Plant celebrates production of 1,500,000th Mercedes-Benz A-Class". Media.daimler.com. 4 December 2006. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  8. "Zoom, sputter, aagghhh!!". The Economist. 25 September 2013. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
  9. "Mercedes-Benz A-class". Car and Driver. February 2001. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  10. "Merc's baby to be made wider". Irish Independent. 19 December 1997. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  11. Andrews, Edmund (11 December 1997). "Mercedes-Benz Tries to Put a Persistent Moose Problem to Rest". New York Times. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  12. "Mercedes bends". The Economist. 13 November 1997. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
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  14. "Mercedes Benz A Class | Euro NCAP – For safer cars crash test safety rating". Euro NCAP. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  15. The A-Class and the drive of the future: F-Cell and HyPer
  16. History of fuel cell development at Mercedes-Benz Archived 18 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  17. Mercedes-Benz A-Class F-Cell in Iceland
  18. メルセデス・ベンツの究極のエコカー F-Cell(エフ・セル) DHL 仕様車をFC EXPO 2008 に展示 Archived 7 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  19. Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-cars-idINL263764842008062. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  20. "Profile". Thonburi Automotive Group – Thonburi Phanich. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  21. メルセデス・ベンツ Aクラスをフルモデルチェンジ Archived 6 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  22. メルセデス・ベンツ Aクラスのスポーティモデル「A 200 ターボアバンギャルド」を追加 Archived 14 December 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  23. "The new-generation A-Class – Model facelift changes at a glance (Selection): New features in the A-Class". Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
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  26. メルセデス・ベンツ Aクラスを一部改良 Archived 7 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  27. メルセデス・ベンツ Aクラス・Bクラスのモデル名称を変更 Archived 7 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  28. "A-Class Special Edition 2009: Excitingly sensible, sporty and attractive". Media.daimler.com. 23 April 2009. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  29. "Mercedes-Benz Introduces the Battery-Powered A-Class E-CELL; Production Run of 500". Green Car Congress. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
  30. Nino Marchetti (2 October 2010). "Mercedes A-Class E-Cell EV Hits Paris". Earth Techling. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
  31. Eric Loveday (16 September 2010). "Mercedes-Benz unveils the limited production A-Class E-Cell electric vehicle". AutoblogGreen. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
  32. "Electric Mercedes A-Class to Debut at Paris Auto Show Using Tesla Battery Tech – Benzworld.org – Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum". Benzworld.org. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  33. Jim Motavalli (26 August 2010). "Mercedes-Benz to Produce 500 E-Cell A-Class Electric Cars". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
  34. Laurent J. Masson (29 March 2011). "Quick Drive: Electric Mercedes A-Class E-Cell". PluginCars.com. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
  35. A 180 FINAL EDITION を限定発売 Archived 16 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  36. "Production milestones at Rastatt plant: Mercedes-Benz delivers 500,000th B-Class and 750,000th A-Class". Media.daimler.com. 26 June 2009. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  37. "More than One Million A-Class Models of the Current Generation Delivered to Customers". Media.daimler.com. 1 February 2012. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  38. "SMMT - Car Registrations". smmt.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  39. "Kecskemét, Mercedes-Benz Werk | Daimler > Unternehmen > Daimler weltweit > Europa". Daimler. Archived from the original on 22 June 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2010.
  40. "Valmet Automotive to manufacture the new Mercedes Benz A-Class in Finland". Valmet Automotive. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
  41. Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatches new level of refinement for its class
  42. Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class hatches ahead of New York and Shanghai
  43. "14 New Cars That Make Crazy Horsepower Per Liter". Road & Track. 19 September 2017.
  44. "AMG vehicles pose for family portrait to celebrate 45-year anniversary, tease future". Autoblog. 18 June 2012.
  45. "Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is Affalterbach's first big leap into the little pond". Autoblog. 5 March 2013.
  46. "New Mercedes A-Class details".
  47. "How to spec a Mercedes-Benz A-Class". What Car?. 5 November 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  48. "The development of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class: The drive system – The petrol engines: Powerful, responsive and super-clean". Media.daimler.com. 14 May 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  49. "Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC Sedan". Archived from the original on 1 March 2018.
  50. "The development of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class: The drive system – The diesel engines: Economy right across the board". Media.daimler.com. 14 May 2012. Archived from the original on 28 May 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  51. "The development of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class: The drive system – The 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission: Dynamic and efficient". Media.daimler.com. 14 May 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  52. Available now from sales partners. New A-Class original accessories: A good connection, every time
  53. Mercedes-Benz Sport extends its portfolio: Sporty emphasis for the A-Class
  54. Mercedes-Benz begins a series of concerts to mark the launch of the new A-Class: A ROCK – Mercedes-Benz presents Placebo live in concert
  55. "Watch Mercedes-Benz's new A-Class in an anime adventure". Autoblog. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 1 September 2020.
  56. Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed
  57. Daimler Expands Production Capacities for the New Mercedes-Benz A-Class
  58. Mercedes-Benz taps Valmet to build new A-Class
  59. Keenan, Greg (23 December 2013). "Mercedes-Benz urges Canada to use European standards". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  60. "Why we can't always get what (cars) we want". The Globe and Mail. 10 May 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
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General

  • Barrett, Frank (1998). Illustrated Buyer's Guide Mercedes-Benz. Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide series (2nd ed.). Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0-7603-0451-3.
  • Bols, Udo (2007). Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen: Eine Chronik [Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars: A Chronicle] (in German). Brilon, Germany: Podszun Verlag. ISBN 9783861334125.
  • Engelen, Günter (2003). Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen [Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars] (in German). Vol. Band 4: Seit 1996 [Volume 4: Since 1996]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613023482.
  • Hofner, Heribert; Schrader, Halwart (2005). Mercedes-Benz Automobile [Mercedes-Benz Automobiles] (in German). Vol. Band 2: von 1964 bis heute [Volume 2: from 1964 to today]. Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3898804194.
  • Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos [German Cars] (in German). Vol. Band [Volume] 6: seit [since] 1990 – Mercedes, Ford, Opel und Porsche. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613020521.
  • (2002). Mercedes-Benz. Typenkompass series (in German). Vol. Band 2. Personenwagen seit 1976 [Volume 2. Passenger Cars since 1976]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02209-5.
  • Niemann, Harry (2006). Personenwagen von Mercedes-Benz: Automobillegenden und Geschichten seit 1886 [Passenger Cars from Mercedes-Benz: Automobile Legends and Stories since 1886] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613025965.
  • Schlegelmilch, Rainer W. [in German]; Lehbrink, Hartmut; von Osterroth, Jochen (2013). Mercedes (revised ed.). Königswinter, Germany: Ullmann Publishing. ISBN 978-3-8480-0267-2.
  • Taylor, James (2009). Mercedes-Benz: Cars of the 1990s. Crowood AutoClassic Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN 978-1-84797-096-1.
  • Vieweg, Christof (2001). Alles über die Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse [Everything about the Mercedes-Benz A-Class]. Technik transparent series (in German) (3rd ed.). Stuttgart: DaimlerChrysler. ISBN 3932786165.

Workshop manuals

  • Etzold, Hans-Rüdiger (2019). Mercedes A-Klasse: von 10/97 bis 8/04. So wird's gemacht, Band 124 (in German) (9th ed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 9783768812917.
  • (2021). Mercedes A-Klasse / B-Klasse: A-Klasse von 9/04 bis 4/12 - B-Klasse von 7/05 bis 6/11. So wird's gemacht, Band 140 (in German) (8th ed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 9783768819190.
  • (2021). Mercedes A-Klasse: von 09/12 bis 05/17. So wird's gemacht, Band 146 (in German) (1st ed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 9783667116857.
  • Gill, Peter T. (2014). Mercedes-Benz A140 A160 A190 & A210 1998 to 2004 (S to 54 reg) Petrol & Diesel Owners Workshop Manual. Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series. Sparkford, UK: Haynes. ISBN 9780857339522.
  • Korp, Dieter (2004). Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse: Benzinmotoren, 1,4 Liter, 82PS, 1,6 Liter, 102 PS, 1,9 Liter, 125 PS; Dieselmotoren, 1,7 Liter CDI 60/90 PS, 1,7 Liter CDI 75/95 PS; ab Modelljahr 1998. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 210 (in German) (1st ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613019728.
  • Korp, Dieter (2017). Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse (W 169): Benziner und Diesel, ab Modelljahr 2004. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 247 (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613025189.
  • Randall, Martyn (2020). Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sept 2012 to May 2018 (62 to 18 reg) Petrol & Diesel Owners Workshop Manual. Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series. Sparkford, UK: Haynes. ISBN 9781785214295.
  • Russek, Peter (2006). Mercedes-Benz A-Class A140, A140L, A160, A160L, A190, A190 L 1.4, 1.6, 1.9 Litre 1998 to 2004. Pocket Mechanic Vehicle Manual. Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, UK: Peter Russek Publications. ISBN 1898780420.
  • (2006). Mercedes-Benz A-Class – A160 CDI, A170 CDI, A170 L CDI, 1.7 Litre CDI Engine 1998 to 2004. Pocket Mechanic Vehicle Manual. Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, UK: Peter Russek Publications. ISBN 1898780471.
  • Mercedes A-Klasse (W 168) und Vaneo. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 1286. (in German). Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2011. ISBN 9783716820858.
  • Mercedes A-Klasse (W 169) Benziner und Diesel. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 1287. (in German). Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2007. ISBN 9783716820926.
  • Mercedes-Benz Technical Companion. Cambridge, MA, USA: Bentley Publishers. 2005. ISBN 978-0-8376-1033-7.
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