2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class revealed, here Q2 2023

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class range has been revealed, ahead of an Australian introduction during the second quarter of 2023 (April to June inclusive).

Once again available in hatchback and sedan bodies, as well as AMG derivatives, the A-Class has received subtle exterior and interior design revisions, as well as the latest generation of the brand’s MBUX connected infotainment system.

There’s also a completely electrified petrol engine family, and a range bump for the A250e plug-in hybrid which also receives an incrementally more powerful electric motor.

Externally, the new A-Class gets a redesigned grille with “star pattern”, new alloy wheel designs that are “externally flush” and measure up to 19 inches in diameter, a revised rear diffuser and standard LED tail lights.

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class revealed, here Q2 2023 — **A250e Hatchback**

Inside, European models come as standard with a 7.0-inch and 10.25-inch combination display array, encompassing the digital cluster as well as the central infotainment system.

Optional overseas and likely to be standard once again in Australia is the dual 10.25-inch setup. The brand’s new steering wheel design features here too.

All infotainment variants feature the latest MBUX interface, which we’ve already seen in the new C-Class and S-Class, as well as the EQE and EQS lines.

This means there’s artificial intelligence (AI) capable of machine learning, new customisation options, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as enhanced performance and the option of a fingerprint sensor for the identification and authorisation of the driver (available Q1 2023 for Europe).

For Germany, there’s even a new Tourguide function that’s activated by the MBUX Voice Assistant (“Hey Mercedes”), which “reads out extensive information about the points of interest along the route, and reacts to the approximately 3400 brown tourist information signs along German motorways”.

On the topic of tech, the Driver Assistance Package has been enhanced for the mid-life update, with available Active Steering Control – Mercedes-spec for adaptive lane guidance or centring – making the lane-keep assist function “much more comfortable”.

The new-generation of the Parking Package adds a new 3D function for the 360-degree parking camera.

A familiar range of turbocharged petrol and diesel options will be available depending on market. For 2023, the entire petrol line-up (excluding the AMG A45 S) has been electrified with a 48V mild-hybrid system and belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) – including the A180, A200, A220 4Matic, A250 4Matic and AMG A35 4Matic variants.

The RSG “ensures a lower-vibration and quieter start than conventional starters”, meaning it should smooth out the idle stop/start function in slow-moving traffic as well as when you turn the vehicle on or off. Further, it allows the A-Class to ‘sail’ and switch off the engine during “steady cruising” – basically, it’ll coast to save fuel.

The A-Class’s new 48V MHEV system can also support the engine with an additional 10kW “when starting off”.

Beyond the developments for the petrol range, the A250e PHEV versions get a 15.6kWh battery with “higher usable energy content” which boosts EV range to 70-81km in the A250e Hatch and 72-82km in the A250e Sedan.

Additionally, the electric motor gets a 5kW boost to 80kW (and 300Nm), though system outputs remain 160kW and 450Nm.

Charging the PHEV is also quicker as it’s now compatible with an alternating current (AC) of up to 11kW – previously the AC charge capacity was 7.4kW.

As before, 22kW DC charging is also offered, meaning the A250e can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 25 minutes.

Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC and A45 S 4MATIC+

Like the Benz-badged models, the AMG A35 and A45 S performance variants benefit from similar design, technology and equipment enhancements as part of the mid-life refresh. As before the former is available as a hatchback and sedan, while the latter is hatch-only.

The AMG A35 4Matic gets the most attention, with a front apron and power bulges that bring it more in line with the AMG A45 S, plus new wheel designs and revised tail lights.

As noted earlier, the AMG A35 is now a 48V mild-hybrid too, and scores an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission over the outgoing seven-speed unit. There’s also a new front radiator to facilitate “temperature management at the limit”.

All AMG versions get the brands new AMG Performance steering wheel with special AMG buttons and controls, and the familiar AMG performance seat is now available in Sage Grey.

Shown here in Mountain Grey Magno paint is the A45 S AMG Street Style Edition, which also gets model-specific ‘foiling’ in Black/Anthracite matte, colour accents in fluorescent orange, and the Aerodynamics Package as standard.

Rounding out the exterior look are new-design 19-inch alloy wheels in matte black and red brake calipers.

Inside, the AMG Performance seats are trimmed in black microfibre with bright orange seams and highlights, as well as an orange graphic on the headrests.

The AMG Performance steering wheel gets a leather/microfibre combination trim with contrast orange stitching, while the aluminium interior trim elements get the same pattern as the exterior ‘foiling’.

Australia

Mercedes-Benz’s local division has indicated the updated A-Class family will lob during the second quarter of 2023.

Pricing and specifications for our market are still to be confirmed, though the company says we can expect “a similar line-up to what we have in market today”.

The A-Class Hatch is available currently in A180, A250 4MATIC, A250e, AMG A35 4MATIC and AMG A45 S 4MATIC+ guises, while the A-Class Sedan offers A180, A250 4MATIC and AMG A35 4MATIC versions in Australia.

Current pricing starts at $49,890 plus on-road costs for the A180 Hatch, climbing to $99,895 before on-roads for the flagship AMG A45 S 4MATIC+. The A-Class Sedan commands a circa-$1500 premium over the equivalent A-Class Hatch.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.