So far we've had various encounters with the test mule of the all-new 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz has been rigorously testing this new compact-luxury car to make sure nothing is missing out on this new model. Now, finally the covers have been taken off, and the new A-Class is out in the open.

The boy next door has grown-up

The previous generation A-Class was a striking looking car, no doubt. It reflected a youthful personality with a playful nature. The new one, however, looks like a grown-up; still young but much mature. Mercedes-Benz calls the design of the new A-Class as a 'sensual purity'. From the front, it looks angry and purpose-full. Mostly it's the new Multibeam LED headlamps that describe that look. The rear gets a new and wider pair of tail lights; again a sign of growing up. Both the bumpers too have been redesigned to match the overall character of the vehicle. In total, the new 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will impress you with its looks, while still keeping the silhouette of the old model.
“With the fourth generation of the A-Class, we are redefining modern luxury in the compact class. To do this we have opted for a combination of uncompromisingly dynamic design and an intuitive operating concept,” says Britta Seeger, the member of the Daimler AG Board of Management responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars sales.

A heart-warming cabin

Mercedes-Benz has given precise attention to detail to the exteriors of the new A-Class. And it spent much more time and resources to make sure that the interiors aren't left out. There are two major changes that one would first notice - the new turbine-design of the air-con vents and the large, widescreen display. The older generation had exotic turbine-design for the air-con vents. They looked pretty cool. The new ones are just that much better. They are surrounded by a dim light which changes colour (blue/red) as per the temperature of the air.
The large widescreen display completely eliminates the convention cowl-setup of the dashboard. The display shows much necessary information, spread out nicely and utilising each and every pixel optimally.
Another new addition, and the first in a Mercedes-Benz, is the new multimedia system which the company calls as MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience. A unique feature of this system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX can be individualised and adapts to suit the user. It thus creates an emotional connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers. It has got Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has new voice command navigaion system.
“New technologies must place the focus on people and make their lives easier. The new A-Class does this in many ways, and becomes an emotional and intelligent companion,” says Ola K¤llenius, the member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars. “One good example is MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience: it combines intuitive and natural operation with intelligent, learning software.”
The new A-Class has got a longer wheelbase and thus has got more space inside the cabin. There's an increase in the shoulder, leg and headroom for the passengers. Even the boot space bumps up to 370 litres, which is 29 litres more than that of the last generation model.

The all-new 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is powered by new and more efficient engines. The are three variants available - a) 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine which produces 163PS of power, mated to a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission or six-speed manual transmission. b) 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with 220PS of power at disposal and 350Nm of peak torque. c) 1.5-litre diesel engine with 115PS of power and 260Nm of torque.
Mercedes-Benz has taken its sweet time to develop the new 4th generation A-Class, and it clearly shows. The car is definitely a level up from its previous model and should attract a lot of buyers all across the globe. The new A-Class can be ordered from March onwards, and the market launch commences in the spring. Stay tuned for updates on the price and availability of the car in the UAE.