A star is born: 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class launched

Auto Nation Group, the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines, introduces a new era in compact luxury: the all-new 2019 A-Class.

Always an innovator in the premium compact hatchback segment, the all-new A-Class exudes modern luxury with its intuitive digital user experience coupled with an uncompromising dynamic design. The A-Class shows Mercedes-Benz’s new design language: Sensual Purity.

Instead of modifying a basic shape with lines, this design philosophy employs sweeping surfaces at angles to each other, effectively contouring the body using light and shadow. It sounds seemingly contradictory as well, yet it’s a term that Mercedes-Benz uses to express luxury: modern yet timeless; emotive yet rationale; genuine yet technical. Other highlights of this design include a low hood, flat LED headlights with chrome elements, and torch-like daytime running lights.

Father-and-son team of Frankie Ang, COO of Auto Nation Group; and Felix Ang, president and CEO of Auto Nation Group.

Inside, it focuses on providing an almost futuristic yet intuitive user-experience. Front and center is the high-resolution Widescreen Cockpit with touchscreen control — a new standard in this segment. The all-digital instrument panel features no cockpit cowl and is completely free standing. It is also re-configurable with three different modes: Classic, Understated, and Sport. Complementing the look are turbine-style air vents and a leather multi-function steering wheel.

For infotainment, Mercedes-Benz is bidding COMAND adieu in favor of MBUX or Mercedes-Benz User Experience. The defining feature of MBUX is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. It can also be individualized and adapt to suit the driver and/or passengers. Aside from the touchscreen, there is also a touchpad on the center console and Touch-Control buttons on the steering wheel. MBUX also has a digital assistant which can control several vehicle functions such as music selection, navigation, ambient lighting control, and climate.

The 2019 A-Class also comes with a complete safety suite including seven airbags, ABS, EBD, Active Brake Assist, and Active Parking Assist with rearview camera.

For the Philippine market, ANG is offering three different A-Class models all using a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. It starts with the A 180 Progressive with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine packing 136hp and 200Nm of torque (P2,490,000). Moving up, there’s the A 200 Progressive with a more powerful 1.3-liter engine producing 163hp and 250Nm of torque (P2,990,000). Finally, there’s the even more powerful and fully spec’d limited edition A200 Edition 1 (P3,290,000).