Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon Now In Singapore

The A-Class Saloon finally completes the Mercedes-Benz ‘A’ range. One could say that it is actually a more practical CLA... Well they do after-all share the same 2,729mm wheelbase.

Their new car is a very important addition for Mercedes-Benz, as it is now the new “point of entry” sedan for the brand.

Carrying over the design idiom of Sensual Purity, seen in the A and B-Class, which features clear-defined shapes, the A-Class sedan sports short overhangs, but with an elongated bonnet. A wide front grille adds to a hint of girth, and is flanked by slimline headlamps, with torch-like daytime driving lights. A “pulled-back” greenhouse, coupled with a compact rear-end lends to the vehicle a formal dynamic boost.

The dashboard, first seen on the A-Class hatchback, features a free-standing display, which houses two 10.25”, one which functions as in instrument display, and the other as its central media display with touchscreen operation.

Like the rest of the cars in the “A-Class” family the Saloon boasts the all-new Mercedes’ MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system (think Siri or Google Home), and responds with the activation word - “Hey Mercedes”. Mobile connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. USB ports however, feature USB-C only compatibility.

Thanks to the straighter roofline, A-Class Saloon delivers better headroom, when compared to the CLA. Boot capacity at 420 litre is practical, and benefits from a 950mm width, and a 462mm diagonal, between lock and lower edge of the rear windshield.

The car is available in two body trims, Progressive and AMG Line; and with 2 engine options, a 1.4l turbo 4-cylinder, and a 2l turbo 4-cylinder (the A200 and A250 respectively). Both models are mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, and like the A-Class, the German brand’s new entry sedan is front-wheel drive.

The A200 is good for 163hp and 260Nm of torque, while the more powerful A250 produces 224hp and 350Nm, and clocks 100km/h in 6.3 seconds. 18” five-spoke alloys are standard, and buyers can opt for 19” units, if they wish to fill in those wheel arches.

Safety systems are adopted from the S-Class, and for the first time, as an option, the A-Class features semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Features like its Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, as part of the available Driving Assistance package automatically helps to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in-front, and even provides steering assistance, even around bends.

Active Emergency Stop Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, and Active Blind Spot Assist, are just a few of the available systems buyers can opt for in the A-Class’ suite of active safety features.

Credits: Text: Aiden Chong & Clifford Chow Photos: Mercedes-Benz & Aiden Chong