Mercedes-Benz revealed what may be one of its most technology-laden cars to date. The drawback? They’re not selling it in the U.S.
Meet the latest iterations of Mercedes’ European hatchback, the 2019 A-Class. Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled the A-Class in Amsterdam today, carrying more sophisticated tech than ever before. It’s definitely a sharp-looking car, with a more aggressive face to match the new CLS unveiled last month. The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class also sports an interior to match its larger, more expensive siblings.
What really sets the new A-Class apart, however, is the tech. The new model is the first to introduce the company’s new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. It features Artificial Intelligence, which gives it the ability to learn the more you interact with it. A dual 10.5-inch touchscreen interface with integrated voice controls, on top of the AI, may make this one of the most advanced infotainment systems out there.
Performance
European buyers will get a choice of three engine choices at launch. There’s a 1.5-liter diesel making 114 horsepower. If gas is your fuel of choice, there’s a 1.4-liter, 160 horsepower unit, or the top-of-the-line 221 horsepower, 2.0-liter A250. The fastest A250 can sprint from 6.2 seconds. A hot-hatch A45 version will not be available at launch, but may reach production next year.
Dimensions
The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has grown up, in every aspect of the word. It’s wider and longer, and taller than the previous generation. That helps make for more headroom, legroom, and elbow room, thanks to a wider track and longer wheelbase.
Want one? You can’t buy one (at least for now)
Here’s the rub, ladies and gentlemen: the A-Class isn’t coming to our shores. At least not at time of writing. The car was launched in Amsterdam to a European audience. However, there’s no official word on whether the company’s smallest model will make it over here.
So why bring up the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class at all? Well, given historical precedent, it’s more likely we’ll see this car as a new GLA model. Mercedes is making a calculated move here, since we much prefer crossovers rather than ordinary hatchbacks. There’s a sedan version of this car coming as well, so perhaps we’ll see that one as the new CLA.
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