2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift – W177 and V177 have mild hybrid systems, image refinement, latest MBUX

The The fourth generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class was given an upgrade, with changes to both the hatchback and sedan Body styles will continue to be offered. In addition to the regular variants, the German automaker also revealed updated AMG options for those who want more performance.

Styling modifications are modest and include new headlights (with optional LEDS) that have been slightly reshaped and feature new LED daytime running lights. The rear light cluster is now a single light bar at the top of each cluster instead of the L-shaped design on the front car.

Elsewhere, the bumper has another lower air intake, while the main grille has been resized but still has a hexagonal shape. Without the AMG package, the standard look features small fake side intakes in the corners of the bumper and a spokes running through the Mercedes-Benz logo that sits atop the black grille insert.

With the AMG package, the bumper gets a more expressive “A-wing” shape, larger false side intakes and a grille insert decorated with small three-pointed stars. The aggressive theme you get with the AMG package also applies to the rear bumper, which features pseudo-angle outlets and a diffuser sandwiched between a chrome exhaust finisher – the standard look has a more discreet design.

While we’re at the back, both the hatchback and sedan retain the shape of the taillights, although the light signature has been tweaked for the facelift. It should be noted that regardless of the styling package chosen, the A-Class’s forward-sloping bonnet now comes with two power-assisted bulges for a more visual presence.

Inside, you’ll find a dashboard layout that’s pretty much the same as the pre-upgrade model. If you’re good at spotting the difference, you’ll notice that the touchpad linked to the infotainment system has been left empty on the center console. In its place are a shallow storage, buttons for accessing the Parking Assist System and Dynamic Select, a volume dial, and a new fingerprint sensor.

The last item is expected to be available from the first quarter of next year and enables quick biometric authentication of drivers, potentially simplifying the booking process (seat location, settings, etc.) climate, etc) in a way the user might like.

As before, dual screens dominate the dashboard and they come in two configurations, with the base option consisting of a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, while Upgrade options include dual 10.25-inch displays.

These screens are now powered by the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which offers a range of connected services, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and available display models. can choose. There’s also an additional USB-C port for extra connectivity, and USB charging capabilities have been increased.

Without a trackpad, users have one less way to communicate with the MBUX system and will have to use the touchscreen, new steering wheel controls or use an intelligent voice assistant.

Mercedes-Benz also highlighted updates to the safety assistance system. With the optional Driver Assistance Package, Lane Keeping Assist is improved with the help of Active Steering Control. The Parking Package now also supports vertical parking and offers a 360-degree camera with 3D imaging.

As for the powertrain, all gasoline engines now come with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with integrated belt-start generator (RSG) that offers up to 14 PS (13) of power. hp or 10 kW) on start-up or activation improves wait time.

The petrol line-up includes four options, including the A180 equipped with the M282 turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 134 hp and 230 Nm of torque. Next is the A200 using the same M282 but with a capacity of 163 hp (161 hp) and 270 Nm.

This is followed by two all-wheel drive variants powered by the M260 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, starting with the A220 4Matic with 190 PS (188 hp) and 300 Nm, while the A250 4Matic has 224 PS (221 hp) and 350 Nm.

The automaker also offers three diesel engine options with the OM664 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, namely the A180d with 116 hp (114 hp) and 280 Nm, and the A200d with 150 hp (148 hp) and 280 Nm. hp) and 320 Nm and the A220d with 190 hp (188 hp) and 400 Nm.

Paired with petrol and diesel engines is an upgraded plug-in hybrid called the A250e. The setup continues to use the M282 engine with the same output as the A200, but the electric motor integrated into the 8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch transmission now delivers more power at 109 PS (107 hp). or 80 kW) and 300 Nm. , higher than 7 PS (7 hp or 5 kW) before. Even so, the system’s total output remains the same at 218 PS (215 hp) and 450 Nm.

The electric motor draws power from a lithium-ion battery with a constant total energy output of 15.6 kWh, although Mercedes-Benz claims a “higher usable energy content” for the improved WLTP level is 70-81 km for the hatchback and 72- 82 km for the sedan – before it was 56-69 km.

Charging has also been upgraded on the A250e, with an on-board 11 kW AC charger (Type 2 connection) used instead of just a 7.4 kW unit as before. There is also an option for a 22 kW AC charger. The automaker did not provide detailed charging times but did add that DC fast charging (CCS2 connection) continues to be supported, with a 10-80% state of charge achieved in about 25 minutes at 24 kW. .

All non-AMG powertrains are available in both body styles, with petrol and diesel options paired with a seven- or eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Here’s a summary of the performance metrics:

• A180 – 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds (9.3 seconds sedan); Top speed 215 km/h (216 km/h sedan)
• A200 – 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds (8.3 seconds sedan); Top speed 225 km/h (230 km/h sedan)
• A220 4Matic – 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds (7.2 seconds sedan); Top speed 235 km/h (237 km/h sedan)
• A250 4Matic – 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds (6.4 seconds sedan); Top speed 250 km/h
• A180d – 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds (9.9 seconds sedan); Top speed 202 km/h (206 km/h sedan)
• A200d – 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds (8.4 seconds sedan); Top speed 220 km/h (227 km/h sedan)
• A220d – 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds (7.3 seconds sedan); Top speed 235 km/h (246 km/h sedan)
• A250e – 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds (7.5 seconds sedan); Top speed 225 km/h (230 km/h sedan)

For performance-hungry individuals, Mercedes-AMG offers the new A-Class in A35 4Matic and A45S 4Matic+ guise. Both receive the same exterior changes as the standard model, but with AMG-specific touches to enhance the aggressiveness even more.

Key identifying features include the Panamericana front grille and new round badging with the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes-Benz star with the laurel wreath. The bumpers are modeled after the styling of the AMG Line, with a distinctive rear bumper that integrates a diffuser with oval dual (A35) or quad (A45) exhaust pipes. The A45 also has a prominent roof spoiler as well as additional spoilers, front bumper pads and front splitter.

Moving inside the AMG cars, you get the AMG Performance steering wheel and seats, the latter of which is now available in a subdued grey. The latest MBUX system also continues to come with AMG-specific screens, while the interior is suitably decorated to match the higher performance levels on offer.

Mechanically, the A45 retains the same 2.0 liter M139 four-cylinder engine, although it seems this is only possible in ‘S’ form with 421 PS (416 hp) and 500 Nm – non-‘S’ version of the engine for a capacity of 387 PS (382 hp) and 480 Nm is now gone.

As for the A35, its more powerful M260 mill gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid system but continues to deliver 306 PS (302 hp) and 400 Nm as before. Another change is the transmission, with the former seven-speed AMG Speedshift 7G dual-clutch transmission being replaced by an eight-speed transmission instead. AMG’s Speedshift 8G eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is also used in the A45, and both AMG variants come with all-wheel drive.

Similarly, here’s a simplified look at the performance figures of the AMG variants:

• A35 4Matic – 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds sedan); Top speed 250 km/h
• A45S 4Matic + – 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds; 270 km/h top speed

The pre-facelift A-Class is primarily offered as a sedan in Malaysia, with three variants available: Progressive Series A200, A250 Series AMG and AMG A35 4Matic, all locally assembled (CKD). The only way to get a hatchback is to switch to a complete import (CBU) AMG A45S 4Matic +or if you want a regular variation, by indent order.

With the newly launched A-Class, what do you think of the changes made?