How the Mercedes A-Class changes after the 2023 facelift

Even if it has already managed to achieve its goal of expanding the customer base of the Star, the fourth generation of Mercedes A-Class certainly does not intend to stop after the facelift intended for the 2023 model year.
Aesthetically, the front gains more aggressiveness thanks to the ribs on the bonnet sloping towards the nose, which sports the radiator grille embellished with a new star motif. The side panel shows the new wheel design in sizes up to 19 inches including optional light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black in multi-spoke design and with high-gloss piping for the AMG Line. The new rear diffuser and standard LED taillights are the defining elements at the rear. The new A-Class also offers a new choice of exterior paint finishes: solid/metallic and Manufaktur.
Inside, the double display of the 7-inch and 10.25-inch infotainment system in the center of the cockpit is always the protagonist, as well as the option of two 10.25-inch displays joined in a single glass area. In addition to the now-granted wireless compatibility with smartphones via Apple Carplay or Android Auto, a USB-C port has been added and the USB charging power has been increased again. The steering wheel covered in nappa leather has also been revised, while the “Arctic” three-dimensional relief upholstery makes its debut for the seats.
The engine range has been fully electrified and includes four-cylinder units with 7- or 8-speed DCT automatic transmissions as standard. As a mild hybrid, they are equipped with a 48-volt on-board auxiliary electrical system that supports the start with 10 kW more power. With the update, the plug-in hybrid units (Mercedes-Benz A 250 and Hatchback) benefit from a newly improved high-voltage battery, for a zero-emissions range exceeding 82 km. The power of the electric motor has been increased by 5 kW to reach 80 kW. When it comes to charging, three options are still available: In addition to the standard 3.7 kW, the improved battery can now also be charged with alternating current and up to 11 kW, up from 7.4 kW previously.
The new A-Class has also been upgraded in terms of safety assistance. The lane keeping system is managed more easily by using active steering control instead of one-sided braking. When manoeuvring, the driver can count on the maneuvering assistance package, now also effective in longitudinal parking, or on the 360-degree viewing system which provides 3D images for maximum precision.
The facelift of the A-Class also extends to the very sporty Mercedes-AMGs, offered in hatchback and sedan variants. Visually they feature revised headlights, the AMG-specific radiator grille and the new round badge with the AMG logo instead of the Mercedes star. The A 35 is in line with its more performing sister with a new front apron. The AMG look is underlined by the new wheel design, the rear spoiler lip, the revised taillights and the characteristic round, dual-flow tailpipes on the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+.
In line with the series models, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 is equipped with a 48-volt auxiliary power supply and a belt-driven generator (RSG) and achieves an output of 225 kW/306 hp with a maximum torque of 400 Nm. The mild hybrid system offers 10 kW/14 hp more power at start-up. The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ was the protagonist of the test drive on the Bologna hills, carried out in a rather short but perfect journey to show the improvements of the AMG A45 also in terms of acceleration, where it managed to raise the bar despite the base was already exciting from the start. The range of the new Mercedes A-Class is divided into 7 versions, its starting price is 35,986 euros for the A 180 Automatic.