Steve Says The Mercedes A-Class Is Coming To America

The entry-level CLA Coupe is about to be joined by a more traditionally-styled, even lower priced sedan.

Until now, the A-Class has been a global car excluded from U.S. sales, but starting later this year American shoppers can give the first ever A-Class Sedan a closer look.

As the new entry point to the Mercedes-Benz lineup, pricing is anticipated to start in the low $30ks.  The A-Class Sedan will be available as an A220 and as an A220 4MATIC, both equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine that produces 188 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.  There is a choice of suspension systems for the A-Class line-up with wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches.

For models with all-wheel drive, more sophisticated adaptive damping is fitted with a multi-link rear axle for improved ride and handling.  Front-wheel drive models have a more rudimentary torsion-beam rear axle.

Its footprint is similar to that of a Honda Civic’s, and Mercedes says the new sedan bodystyle will cater to American tastes with big improvements to rear headroom and a large trunk opening.

The A-Class can be customized with unique design and equipment lines including Progressive which is the standard and the optional AMG Line with sportier body styling.

A Night Package with black exterior accents is also available as an option.

Concerning its technology, the A-Class will debut a new multimedia system called MBUX – short for Mercedes-Benz User Experience.  It will serve as the centerpiece of their next generation of compact cars and turns the A-Class into a “smartphone on wheels” according to their CEO.  Its ability to learn through Artificial Intelligence and natural speech recognition adds to the 3-pronged touch-control concept.

Trickling down from the mighty S-Class are the latest driver assistance features including optionally available semi-autonomous capabilities that allow the A-Class to drive itself in certain conditions.

This 4^thgeneration A-Class went on sale in Europe this spring but the hatchback will not be sold here.