Challenging the Fierce Competition with New Solutions

Since its debut in 1998, the A-Class has continuously challenged the highly competitive premium compact car market. This third generation model abandons the traditional "sandwich concept" for a complete overhaul, employing entirely new solutions.

The body dimensions are 4,290 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, and 1,435 mm in height. Compared to the previous generation, the length has increased by over 400 mm and the height has been lowered by 180 mm, resulting in a low-slung, sporty hatchback style. The side body features lines that sweep upwards from front to rear, and the front end presents a sharp, refined appearance.

Inside, in contrast to the spacious layout of theNew "B-Class"New B-Class, which shares the same platform as the A-Class, the interior emphasizes a sporty feel and a sense of unity with the car. The luggage capacity is 341 liters, expandable to a maximum of 1,157 liters by folding down the rear seats. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at the new generation are actively being pursued, such as the introduction of an infotainment system with enhanced smartphone connectivity.


While six variations are available in Europe for the new A-Class, including three gasoline and three diesel models, the "A180 BlueEFFICIENCY" and "A180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sports" models initially introduced to Japan are equipped with a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine. It delivers a maximum output of 90 kW (122 ps) at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 200 Nm (20.4 kgm) at 1,250-4,000 rpm, with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km, achieving a class-leading level. The transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch (7G-DCT).

Additionally, the "A250 SPORT," a sportier top-tier model that AMG has been involved with from the early stages of development, is scheduled for introduction around the spring of 2013. This model features a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing a maximum output of 155 kW (210 ps) at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) at 1,200-4,000 rpm.

At the unveiling of the new A-Class, Kintaro Ueno, President and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We interpret the 'A' in A-Class as 'Aggressive,' and we will conduct proactive promotions. The animation from the 'NEXT A' campaign, which garnered attention upon its release in October, is one such example, and we intend to pursue new and unprecedented developments going forward."

Furthermore, at the announcement event, a delivery event for the "EDITION NEXT" pre-sale model was also held, where the keys to the new A-Class were promptly handed over to their owners.

The prices in Japan are set at 2.84 million yen for the "A180 BlueEFFICIENCY" and 3.35 million yen for the "A180 BlueEFFICIENCY Sports." The sporty "A250 SPORT" grade is priced at 4.2 million yen, with deliveries scheduled for the spring of 2013.

New A-Class Overseas Test Drive (Satoshi Watanabe)

New A-Class Overseas Test Drive (Yasuhiko Kawamura)

Mercedes-Benz A180 BlueEFFICIENCY
Body size |
(A180) Length 4,290 x Width 1,780 x Height 1,435 mm
(A180 Sports) Length 4,355 x Width 1,780 x Height 1,420 mm
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,545 / 1,545 mm
Weight |
(A180) 1,430 kg
(A180 Sports) 1,440 kg
Engine | 1,595cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 90 kW (122 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque | 200 Nm (20.7 kgm) / 1,250-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Dual Clutch (7G-DCT)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires Front/Rear |
(A180) 225/45R17
(A180 Sports) 225/40R18
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 15.9 km/ℓ
Price |
(A180) 2.84 million yen
(A180 Sports) 3.35 million yen

Mercedes-Benz A250 SPORT
Body size | Length 4,355 x Width 1,780 x Height 1,420 mm
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,555 / 1,560 mm
Weight | 1,450 kg
Engine | 1,991cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 155 kW (210 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,200-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Dual Clutch (7G-DCT)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires Front/Rear | 235/40R18
Price | 4.2 million yen