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| 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-class |
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| 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-class |
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| 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-class |
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| 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-class |
"Mercedes-Benz is becoming the most dynamic premium brand in the world. As part of this development, the A-Class represents an important milestone. The A-Class is completely new, down to the last detail. In automotive development, it's not often you get the chance to start with a clean sheet of paper. Our engineers have made the very most of that opportunity", explains Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class ($TBA) brings the build quality and interior refinement MB's known for to the compact segment, with a 1.6L or 2.0L engine offering between 115 and 211hp, hooked up to either a six-speed manual or 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, an optional iPhone hookup that uses a special app to give you full functionality, and plenty of safety features like adaptive Brake Assist and Collision Prevention Assist. It doesn't look to shabby, either, but unfortunately for us Yankees there's been no word of a stateside release.
The A200 likewise is available in diesel and petrol flavors. The latter has a 154-hp version of the 1.6-liter four. The A200 CDI uses a 134-hp, 1.8-liter OM651 that’s smooth and flexible, delivering its 221 lb-ft from 1600 to 3000 rpm. It stormed up mountain roads with ease, rarely requiring a downshift below third gear. Only when you start to crest 100 mph does this midrange diesel lose steam. For European customers who plan to explore triple-digit territory with regularity, the A220 CDI and its 168-hp, 2.1-liter producing 258 lb-ft of torque is the better choice. This long-stroke variation of the OM651 is less polished and noisier than the 1.8, but those sins are sacrifices gladly made for the extra grunt. And even more twist is around the corner. A twin-turbo 2.1 diesel with roughly 200 hp and torque well over 300 lb-ft is a likely addition to the lineup; this engine is the one that will make it to U.S.-market Mercedes. It’s rated for 190 hp and 369 lb-ft in the GLK250 BlueTec that’s due here early next year.
But twist isn’t the sole province of the A-class’s diesel engines: 258 lb-ft come courtesy of the gasoline-drinking 208-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four in the A250. It’s this engine we’ll see in the A-class derivatives headed our way, which include the swoopy CLA-class compact sedan, a crossover likely to be called the GLA, and potentially others. (The CLA will take on the Audi A3 sedan, and the GLA will challenge the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3.) With our estimated 0-to-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds and a governed top speed of 150 mph, the A250 is decidedly high-po among its competitive set. But this is no wild bronco; the A250 piles on speed effortlessly and with cold precision. (Our spec panel and performance estimates cover only those engines we believe are most likely to make it to U.S.-market vehicles.)
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class ($TBA) brings the build quality and interior refinement MB's known for to the compact segment, with a 1.6L or 2.0L engine offering between 115 and 211hp, hooked up to either a six-speed manual or 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, an optional iPhone hookup that uses a special app to give you full functionality, and plenty of safety features like adaptive Brake Assist and Collision Prevention Assist. It doesn't look to shabby, either, but unfortunately for us Yankees there's been no word of a stateside release.
The A200 likewise is available in diesel and petrol flavors. The latter has a 154-hp version of the 1.6-liter four. The A200 CDI uses a 134-hp, 1.8-liter OM651 that’s smooth and flexible, delivering its 221 lb-ft from 1600 to 3000 rpm. It stormed up mountain roads with ease, rarely requiring a downshift below third gear. Only when you start to crest 100 mph does this midrange diesel lose steam. For European customers who plan to explore triple-digit territory with regularity, the A220 CDI and its 168-hp, 2.1-liter producing 258 lb-ft of torque is the better choice. This long-stroke variation of the OM651 is less polished and noisier than the 1.8, but those sins are sacrifices gladly made for the extra grunt. And even more twist is around the corner. A twin-turbo 2.1 diesel with roughly 200 hp and torque well over 300 lb-ft is a likely addition to the lineup; this engine is the one that will make it to U.S.-market Mercedes. It’s rated for 190 hp and 369 lb-ft in the GLK250 BlueTec that’s due here early next year.
But twist isn’t the sole province of the A-class’s diesel engines: 258 lb-ft come courtesy of the gasoline-drinking 208-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four in the A250. It’s this engine we’ll see in the A-class derivatives headed our way, which include the swoopy CLA-class compact sedan, a crossover likely to be called the GLA, and potentially others. (The CLA will take on the Audi A3 sedan, and the GLA will challenge the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3.) With our estimated 0-to-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds and a governed top speed of 150 mph, the A250 is decidedly high-po among its competitive set. But this is no wild bronco; the A250 piles on speed effortlessly and with cold precision. (Our spec panel and performance estimates cover only those engines we believe are most likely to make it to U.S.-market vehicles.)
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