Mercedes Benz will show off the all-new A-Class at the Paris Auto Show and it will appeal to a whole new generation.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class rolls into Paris and is already a success with young buyers. Mercedes has opened up a new chapter in the luxury compact segment and represents an important milestone in the companies future. The A-Class brings a new sporty five-seat hatchback model to the luxury compact segment, and it’s matching the heartbeat of a new generation of buyers.
When you give consumers what they want, they’ll respond. Mercedes reports that since the start of sales in mid-June in Europe, more than 40.000 customers have already ordered the new A-Class before the first car was produced. It has a low base price ($29,340) and comes packed with luxury and safety features. It offers a sporty “emotive” exterior and an exceptionally high-quality feel to the interior.
Interior appointments
The A-Class cabin is loaded with standard features that a new generation is looking for. Things like air conditioning, Audio 5 USB, electric windows, Headlamp Assist and 12-button multifunction steering wheel. The new model can also be customized to fit an individuals taste, with "Urban", "Style" and "AMG Sport" appointment lines, three Design packages "Night", "Exclusive" and "AMG Exclusive".
Young buyers can order a host of options found on higher vehicle classes, which would include the Intelligent Light System, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function or dashboard finished in ARTICO man-made leather. All models feature front sports seats with integrated head restraints and contrasting stitching. Further sporty details designed to appeal to the vehicle's young target group include Designo seat belts in red or silver instrument cluster with red dial pointers on the Urban and AMG Sport lines as well as the Exclusive and AMG Exclusive packages.
Safety and technology
No other car in this segment is as progressive as the A-Class in terms of safety and technology. Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Sales & Marketing said, "We have taken the opportunity to design a completely new vehicle which sets standards in its segment.”
The A-Class comes equipped with innovative safety features not found in the compact class. It comes standard with a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist. The Collision Prevention Assist system gives a visual and audible warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to identified obstacles, and uses the Brake Assist for the most precise braking response possible.
Mercedes brings the latest youthful technology into the vehicle. With the integration of the iPhone, Mercedes-Benz is now able to offer the Facebook generation “its natural home on four wheels.” Along with Facebook, Twitter, the "Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone together with the Daimler app concept, brings further digital lifestyle services and content into the vehicle. Mercedes says it will include advanced navigation software from Garmin, with internet-based real-time traffic information, online destination searches and 3D map display.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class also offers a variety of fuel-efficient gas and diesel engines with the latest technology. It brings a refined sportiness and agility and ride comfort that is typical of the brand. With everything that the new A-Class has to offer, it’s no surprise that the new luxury compact hatchback is a hit with a younger generation of buyers.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
Other Mercedes-Benz A-Class articles:
First Mercedes A-Class rolls off assembly line with attractive pricing
2013 Mercedes A-Class hits showrooms with extensive accessories
Hopefully the new baby Benz
Hopefully the new baby Benz will do well in the US. The 190 was never a runaway success and the current C is fine, but I don't think it sells that well compared to its peers. MB,, Audi, BMW now all have 4 door hot luxury hatchs. It would be neat to compare all 3 against a loaded Subie WRX or STI.