Upgraded 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class priced at a premium

The facelifted 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class range has been given a major pull-through ahead of its arrival in local showrooms later this month, when both the entry-level A 180 and electrified A 250e plug-in hybrid powertrains will be discontinued.

At this stage the latter has no direct replacement, while the former will be replaced by the significantly more powerful and therefore more expensive A 200, which will open the updated A-Class hatch and sedan line-up at $61,900 plus on-road costs.

That figure marks a significant $10,500 increase in the small luxury car’s starting price and means the base model costs the same as the 180kW/380Nm BMW 128ti hot hatch.

Mercedes justifies the significant premium by pointing out the A 200’s bigger and more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (120kW/270Nm) and the mountain of extra gear added across the range, including the new 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The fuel-saving tech has been applied to all 2023 A-Class variants besides the fearsome Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, and can temporarily provide an extra 10kW of power when called upon via the belt-driven starter-generator.

It’s worth noting the tech won’t be available on the initial batch of A 200 vehicles available from this month, however, due to a slower production rollout, so those keen on a mild-hybrid base model will need to wait several more months following the start of production in July.

Moving up the range, pricing for the mid-range A 250 4MATIC now starts at $71,900 (+$5000), whereas the penultimate AMG A 35 4MATIC now costs $87,900 (+$5900).

All three of these variants can be had in either hatch or sedan form, but the latter body style adds $1500 to the asking price.

At the top of the tree, a hefty $13,000 has been added to the sticker price of the flagship A 45 S, which means the sports car-slaying hyper hatch now starts from $119,900, making it the dearest A-Class offered in Australia to date and nearly $29,000 more expensive than the Audi RS 3.

It’s unclear exactly why the flagship has been subject to such a heavy-handed price increase compared to the lesser A-Class variants, given it shares most of their equipment upgrades where applicable: panoramic sunroof, upgraded MBUX system, 360-degree camera, memory front seats, Distronic (radar cruise control) and keyless go.

Non-AMG variants have also been treated to the new AMG Line exterior and interior design packs, which throw in a more aggressive body kit, wheels, brushed aluminium trim, red contrast stitching and embossed Artico upholstery. Metallic paint is also included in the price.

Most people will probably be hard-pressed to tell the new A-Class apart from its predecessor at first glance, but the eagle-eyed will probably be able to spot the refreshed grille, headlights, tail-lights, rear diffuser and wheels.

How much does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class cost?
200 hatch – $61,900 (new)
200 sedan – $63,400 (new)
250 4MATIC hatch – $71,900 (+$5000)
250 4MATIC sedan – $73,400 (+$5000)
AMG 35 4MATIC hatch – $87,900 (+$5900)
AMG 35 4MATIC sedan – $89,400 (+$5900)
AMG 45 S 4MATIC+ hatch – $119,900 (+$13,000)
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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