Benz releases tweaked A-Class

Mercedes-Benz has launched it updated A-Class range in Europe ahead of the revised line-up’s Australian rollout in January 2016.

The update includes a minor facelift, equipment boosts across the range and some mechanical changes including a power boost for the A 250 Sport and AMG 45 variants.

The now all-wheel drive 250 gets a useful 5kW top-up to 160kW and will be offered in a Motorsport Edition which celebrates the German marque’s F1 success and incorporates “Petronas green highlights”.

In the case of the AMG range-topper, the already muscular 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has been boosted 15kW to 280, torque is up 25Nm to 475.

AMG insiders say this is as far as the current generation engine can go. This puts paid to suggestions the engine would top 300kW before it is replaced.

Prices for the Motorsport pack or indeed the full A-Class update are not expected to be announced until closer to the cars’ arrival, however, Mercedes-Benz Australia (MBAu) spokesperson David McCarthy suggests any changes in price “will not be significant”.

Be that as it may, expect a decent uptick for the addition of 4MATIC all-wheel drive to the 250 Sport variant.

The A-Class’ midlife facelift is subtle. A touch more aggression has been added to the nose and high-spec ‘diamond’ grille is now applied across the local range. At the rear, the bumper has been re-profiled to sit deeper and include exhaust cut-outs. Headlights and tail-lights have also been changed.

Inside, navigation is standard across the A-Class range for the first time Down Under. Although you’ll still need to pay more for the full COMAND system, Garmin MAP PILOT navigation has been added to the A 180, 200 and 200d’s standard equipment list.

Mirrorlink and Apple CarPlay updates are also included in the makeover. That said, the first new A-Class’ to arrive Down Under will be sans the software. It will be applied from December production only. It’s also not clear what extent of the connectivity offered will be carried over to our Aussie-market models.

The A-Class options list is expected to be bolstered – Euro buyers will be able to select a Seating Comfort package that is aimed at those of errr… more ample proportions. Of more consequence to the rest of us, adaptive suspension will be offered in conjunction with an AMG package on the petrol and turbo-diesel A 200 variants.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has also added blind spot assistance across the local line-up as well low-speed autonomous braking. Keyless start and as is the case with the larger C-Class range multi drive-mode Dynamic Select are also now standard.

Dynamic Select allows the driver to choose from pre-configured Comfort, Sport, Eco modes, each of which modifies engine, transmission, suspension (when adaptive damping is fitted), steering and aircon operation. An addition Individual mode allows further personalisation.

The AMG 45 will now also offer the option of RACE mode via its Dynamic Select drive-mode system as well as the ability to specify at extra cost a mechanical front limited-slip differential. The latter is aimed at those who want the maximum track performance from the AMG-fettled model.

The extra power and torque offered in the latest AMG 45 plus changes to its gearbox ratios and AWD system see the claimed 0-100km/h time trimmed further. Afalterbach’s own pocket rocket is now 0.4 seconds faster than the car it replaces at 4.2 seconds, says AMG.

Look out for our drive impressions of the new AMG 45 in coming days