Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the all-new A-Class last night in extravagant fashion. This long-awaited premium hatchback will first be available in 2 variants: the A200 Progressive Line (RM227,888) and A250 AMG Line (RM263,888).
The new car brings a fresh design language which also makes it larger both inside and out.
Both cars come with new 7-speed dual clutch transmissions (wet) and allow for some serious efficiency and power. The gearbox for the A200 is from Getrag and it’s mated to a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo which puts out 163hp and 250Nm of torque (0-100km/h in 8 seconds). The A250’s transmission is by Daimler themselves, and this model gets a 2-litre turbocharged 4-pot (0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds).
The A200 and A250 are mechanically different in other ways. The base model comes with a torsion beam at the rear, while the A250 gets a more sophisticated multilink setup.
The biggest highlight of the new A-Class is the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system, which comes as standard. Occupants can interact with MBUX by saying the activation phrase, “Hey Mercedes” and speaking to it naturally. The system is equipped to understand your slang over time.
If talking to your car isn’t your thing, the freestanding twin 10.25” displays are there. The one in the centre is touch-enabled and can take input via the COMAND interface.
In terms of safety, the cars both get Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist, reverse cameras and 7 airbags.
