Enjoy Conversations with "Hi, Mercedes"

The new 'A-Class,' recently familiar from teaser commercials, has arrived. Its most notable feature is surely the "Hi Mercedes" voice control. Let's begin by explaining the newly developed MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) interactive infotainment system, which uses this as its activation keyword.

One of its features is an artificial intelligence learning function that adapts to individual users, enabling personalized responses. This fosters an 'emotional connection' between the car and its driver or passengers. Other features include a high-definition widescreen cockpit (a 10.25-inch touchscreen display) and voice control with natural language understanding.

This voice control is activated by the keyword "Hi, Mercedes." It allows for control of not only infotainment functions (destination input, phone calls, music selection, message input/reading, weather information) but also climate control, various heating settings, and lighting. What's interesting here is that while traditional voice recognition systems required users to speak specific commands, MBUX's natural language recognition capability allows it to understand and respond to virtually any command, recognizing and understanding sentences related to infotainment and vehicle operation. For example, saying "It's a bit hot" will lower the air conditioning temperature.



It also possesses learning capabilities, remembering new slang and adapting to changes in language usage over time through cloud-based software models. The system's responses are not fixed phrases but vary, suggesting that the more you use it, the more diverse the 'conversations' will become.

MBUX offers advanced personalization and learning capabilities, adapting to the user. Its predictive functions utilize artificial intelligence to anticipate the user's next action. For instance, if a user regularly makes calls to a specific number at a certain time, the system will suggest that number on the display at that time, recognizing and responding to individual user patterns.



Similarly, the navigation system detects frequently used routes and begins background guidance to the destination. It then displays 'suggested destinations' on the navigation screen. Simply confirming the desire to go there provides immediate access to all route-related information, including traffic warnings.

Furthermore, individual recognition allows for personalized settings of seat and driver's seat positions, as well as instrument cluster displays. If you share the car with someone else, you can instantly revert to your preferred settings.

Tobias Kiefer, Manager of MBUX User Interaction Concepts at Daimler's R&D department, explained the development focus: "Our goal was to evolve the interaction between the driver and the car. Our approach is human-centered innovation, starting from the principle that the system itself should serve the user's personal needs."

One Engine, Two Grades

The model range for Japan includes only the 'A 180,' offered in two grades: 'A 180' and 'A 180 Style.' It is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated M282. This engine, lighter than its predecessor, also boasts improved performance, delivering 136 hp—14 hp more than the previous 1.6-liter engine—while reducing CO2 emissions by 15 percent. The turbocharger features an electronically controlled wastegate, allowing for flexible boost pressure control and optimal settings even at low loads.

Oliver Zorge, Project Leader for Compact Model Development at Daimler's R&D department, stated, "The M282 engine incorporates various NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) countermeasures to ensure the comfort expected by Mercedes customers." Specific measures include the use of a Helmholtz resonator in the intake duct, sound-deadening seals on the catalytic converter, and a redesigned head cover to reduce noise.



An Exterior That Appeals to the Emotions

The A-Class, embodying Mercedes-Benz's latest design language, is characterized by "sportiness, dynamism, and emotion," according to Zorge. Further advancing the "Sensual Purity" design philosophy, it optimizes the size and proportions of the compact two-box design.

The advanced front design, with its low-slung hood, chrome-trimmed LED headlamps, and torch-like daytime running lights, "ensures a captivating and emotionally resonant exterior," Zorge explained. The silhouette of the front grille, featuring the three-pointed star, tapers downwards, continuing the design lineage of its predecessor. The diamond grille and silver louvers further emphasize its sporty character. The air inlets are positioned lower than the bumper and share the same silhouette as the radiator grille.



The rear offers a sense of increased width, achieved through a more pronounced shoulder line and a wider spacing between the reflectors integrated into the modular rear bumper. The slim, two-part rear combination lamps are described by Zorge as "characteristically appealing and emotionally engaging." The high-gloss black spoiler significantly enhances aerodynamic performance.

Another notable exterior feature is the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlamps. "This symbolizes the transition of technology from compact cars to luxury vehicles," Zorge noted. The control unit for these headlamps adjusts the light distribution within milliseconds, illuminating the road ahead with precision and clarity. The headlamps contain 18 individually controlled LEDs that adapt to various traffic conditions. With Adaptive Highbeam Plus, the high-beam modules are partially shaded to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, functioning on dark roads without streetlights at speeds above 30 km/h.

An Avant-Garde Interior

Zorge described the interior as "modern and avant-garde. It represents a revolution from the inside out for the compact class, achieved through a completely new approach." The interior's standout feature is the avant-garde design of the dashboard. Dispensing with a conventional instrument cowl, the wing-shaped instrument panel seamlessly connects the door panels on either side. The widescreen display is mounted on the dashboard, and the turbine-inspired sporty air vents are also distinctive.

The trunk has also been redesigned for improved usability and increased capacity. It now offers 370 liters of space, 29 liters more than the previous model. As mentioned, the two-part rear combination lamps have widened the tailgate opening by 20 cm, and the length of the luggage compartment floor has also increased by 11.5 cm.

Another area of focus in this development was improving visibility. The door mirrors have been repositioned from the pillars to the doors, and the A, B, and C pillars have been made thinner, resulting in a 10 percent improvement in visibility.



A Body Reimagined from the Ground Up

The body structure has been engineered for increased rigidity, utilizing optimized material thickness, quality, and the latest technologies. Particularly around the tailgate, a structural concept proven over many years in the E-Class Estate has been adopted. Specifically, the unique D-ring shape surrounding the tailgate opening allows for excellent rigidity, comparable to the previous model, while positioning the lower sealing completely below the rear floor. This contributes to increased luggage capacity and a larger loading area.

The new A-Class features an Active Bonnet for enhanced safety and incorporates safety functions equivalent to those in the 'S-Class.' Notably, the A-Class adds an exit warning function to Active Blind Spot Assist. This technology, not yet available on the S-Class, warns occupants if pedestrians or cyclists are approaching from behind when the door is opened for exiting. Mercedes-Benz applies its latest safety systems based on the vehicle's debut timing rather than a strict hierarchical structure.



A Strong Start with Over 800 Pre-Orders

The A-Class debuted in 1998 as a compact model. Following a full model change in 2013, it evolved significantly as a 'new-generation sports compact, becoming a familiar model for many customers as Mercedes' entry-level offering, with cumulative sales of 45,000 units in Japan,' stated Kintaro Ueno, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Japan. He added, "This is a model that ushers in a new era, equipped with the latest driver assistance systems nearly equivalent to our flagship S-Class, and the first interactive infotainment system from Mercedes, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience)."

He also emphasized the strong initial reception: "We began accepting reservations for the new A-Class on September 3rd through 'Pre-Order Mercedes,' an online program offering speedy and advantageous purchases. We have already received over 800 pre-orders."