Mild Hybrid Versions Of The Mercedes-Benz A and B-Class On Sale Now

With sky-high COE prices playing a huge part in how Singapore’s car buying landscape operates, it places cars in the luxury compact category somewhat in a delicate position. If they have option packs filled to the brim coupled with powertrains that exceed Cat A COE requirements, their price points will not be as appealing.

WIth this in mind, it seems like Mercedes-Benz Singapore’s study of the market permits it to satisfy buyers of varying budgets. What’s impressive is the fact that they have done it with only one model - the A-Class. Granted, only the fourth / current generation was offered in both hatchback and sedan guise, but for the local dealer to spec no less than seven variants among the two is still nothing short of refreshing.

The buffet spread starts with appetizers led by the A 180 hatch and sedan. The hatch is priced at S$234,888, while the sedan will cost two grand more. There are only two Cat A-friendly variants, because “AMG Line'' trims of both form factors receive a bump in power. Both A 200 AMG Line hatch and sedan muster a total of 163bhp and 270Nm from a higher tuned version of its 1.3-litre turbocharged motor - now paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid drivetrain that should aid in refinement and initial shove from rest.

The press pack was keen to point us to its new dual screen 10.25-inch display as part of the latest “MBUX” infotainment system upgrade, which should gather as much attention as its ambient lighting that, we quote, “is perhaps reminiscent of the illumination of a futuristic building at night.” If you’re into customisation, Mercedes-Benz offers a panoramic sliding sunroof for S$4,300 and a “Leather Package” (S$5,200) that should further ramp up its luxe factor.

At the other end of the A Class spectrum sits three new thoroughbred AMGs - the 306bhp A 35 4MATIC and 421bhp A 45 S 4MATIC+ hatchbacks, and A 35 4MATIC sedan. If you can stomach the predecessor’s S$30+k annual depreciation in the used market, we’d assume that you will also cross-shop for AMG’s latest compact rockets.

Jumping from A to B sounds routine at first, until we’re informed that the new B-Class, launched at the same time, will only be offered in one single variant - B 180 Progressive. But in truth that’s no bad thing at all as it's very well specced. A reversing camera, enlarged displays, LED lights, wireless charging and a slew of safety options are standard fitment in a package that we reckon looks way better than when the B-Class first launched in 2005.

The B-Class is the more functional choice compared to the A-Class, being offered in “Sports Tourer” form factor. It costs S$236,888, on par with the A 180 Progressive sedan. A mild hybrid is also used to complement the 1.3-litre force-fed motor, tuned to exactly the same specs as the A 180, which makes it Cat A-eligible too.

The B-Class might only be offered in one trim level as of now, but you can dive into the options list that includes a “MANUFAKTUR mountain grey MAGNO” option for S$6,600 and a panoramic sliding roof for S$5,000 (that’s S$700 more than than A-Class option, presumably to factor in more glass on the roomier B’s roofline).

With no new BMW 1 Series to compete with the A-Class hatch, that leaves the sedan to tussle it out with the 2 Series Gran Coupe (216i Sport), currently S$9k cheaper. The B-Class will go head to head with the BMW 216i M Sport Active Tourer.

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