The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has gone through a midlife update with subtle design changes, along with improved luxury and digital features.
The A-Class is an entry-level Merc that has reached its fourth generation, and while there are both saloon and five-door hatchback body styles (V177 and W177), Mercedes-Benz Thailand has decided to offer only the saloon in the Thai market.
Priced at 2,320,000 baht, the A 200 AMG Dynamic is the only A-Class variant in Thailand and is also the cheapest model in the model line-up. Previously, the A-Class saloon was available in two trim levels -- Progressive and AMG Dynamic priced at 1,990,000 baht and 2,170,000 baht respectively. So for the A 200 AMG Dynamic, there's a 150,000 baht price increase for the 2023 facelift model.
It competes directly against the BMW 220i Grand Coupe M Sport priced at 2,209,000 baht. Audi doesn't have a matching saloon model in this price range in Thailand, with the A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line being the brand's entry-level model in the country sold at 2,449,000 baht.
Design
The 2023 A-Class facelift doesn't look much different from its predecessor but there are slight changes around the car, which measures 4,558mm long, 1,796mm wide and 1,429mm tall.
It gets AMG body styling that includes a redesigned front grille with a large star in the middle plus a pattern consisting of numerous tiny stars. Meanwhile, the new front apron is inspired by the CLS and has glossy black styling as well as an aluminium spoiler lip.
The standard LED High-Performance headlights are now upgraded with Adaptive Highbeam Assist and there's a power dome bonnet common to Mercedes-AMG models.
The 18in AMG alloy wheels are now painted black and come with 225/45 R18 tyres. The new A-Class also has a sportier stance due to a lowered comfort suspension setup.
There's a large panoramic sunroof and powered boot lid with a kick gesture that works for opening the 405 litre luggage space. There's also a new rear diffusor that looks like it actually works, although there are fake exhaust tips and vents that may look good but have no real purpose.
There are considerable changes in the cockpit too, starting with the new AMG multi-function steering wheel. The touchpad has been removed and replaced with a touch-sensitive control on the steering which is small and difficult to use. And if you decide to touch the rather narrow centre screen instead, the positioning is quite awkward as well.
Both front seats are now powered and there are memory functions on both sides too. The seats come with Artico/Microcut upholstery and red stitching, while the interior trim consists of brushed aluminium and glossy black plastics.
The latest MBUX7 operating system with AI capable of learning has been installed allowing an improved experience. There's the wireless connection for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (upgraded from cable connection), along with various Mercedes-Me online services.
MBUX7 updates itself automatically and can understand voice commands in 27 languages including Thai. The Thai language setting is also available on the 10.25-inch digital instrument panel display offering various styles and modes. Driver identification and authorisation can also be done via a fingerprint sensor.
The climate control system is now two-zone and features air vents for the rear passengers, and there are four USB-C ports plus a wireless changing pad. The turbine air vents look gorgeous and are also illuminated when the headlights are switched on, producing a highly attractive cabin atmosphere. There are up to 64 light colours to choose from.
The Advanced Driver Assist System is provided along with Active Parking Assist.
Performance
There's not much change in terms of performance with this facelift model, but there are already many good things worth mentioning.
While the engine displacement has been decreased to just 1.3 litres for the fourth-gen A-Class, a turbocharger helps raise output to 163hp at 5,500rpm and delivers up to 250Nm of torque from 1,600-4,000rpm. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers power to the front wheels and features four drive modes along with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Mercedes-Benz claims 0-100kph acceleration in 8.3sec and a top speed of 230kph. The engine is E85-compatible and efficient, consuming an average of 16.7kpl.
When driving in ECO mode, a cylinder shutoff system helps lower fuel consumption further by shutting down two of the four cylinders during low-load situations.
During our test drive from Bangkok to Cha-am, the A 200 sipped just 4.4 litres of fuel per 100km (22.7kpl) on the highway, which puts it in hybrid territory without having any electric motor assistance.
The engine runs quietly and smoothly at low speeds but is capable of producing a sporty note when pushed.
Although the seats are quite sporty, there's plenty of comfort from the suspension. While the ride height has been lowered slightly, the dampers have been recalibrated to offer more comfort. Road vibrations are absorbed effectively when driving over poor surfaces at low speeds, and ride comfort is excellent as the car reaches highway speeds. There's a limit though -- hit a pothole at high speeds and the car may feel a little unsettled.
The steering is super light at low speeds but gets beefier during hard cornering while the low-profile tyres provide lots of grips, making the A-Class a fun car to drive through winding roads as well.
The braking system has been upgraded to the new sports brake system that comes with two-pot front callipers. While there may not be significant improvements in braking distance, response and brake feel are a notch higher.
Verdict
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has gone through a significant mid-life improvement that makes this car worthy of the "Baby Benz" status, although the price has gone up by another 150,000 baht.
Pros: Elegant design, good driving dynamics, fuel-efficient engine
Cons: Difficult to use the centre touchscreen, fake exhaust tips
