The Mercedes A-Class with the latest generation has taken a step forward in connectivity, and now it is updated both in aesthetics and infotainment. The test of Ansa Motori involved the 250e, hybrid variant on tap of the compact of the Star, ideal witness of the energy transition underway.
The winning and modern aesthetic has not been distorted, but has undergone an evolution that has mainly affected the front. It is here that we find the typical longitudinal rounds of the bonnet designed to recall the Mercedes of the past, well mixed with renewed elements: such as the radiator grille characterized by the star motif, and the flat headlights, in which the LED light signatures stand out. The tweaks are also extended to the lines of the bumper with new air intakes, redesigned as on the rear. In the side view, on the other hand, the star alloy wheels in glossy black with edge, typical of "our" AMG Line version, become the protagonists.
Finished with care, with an interior space that guarantees comfort to 4 people, and a dashboard that has set a precedent for design and ergonomics, the Class A 250e focuses on the effect design guaranteed by the double screen of the Mbux multimedia system with 2 portions of 10.25 inches that, apparently, have the appearance of a single block. In this context with a bold style, in which the air vents with turbine design and the many shades of the ambient lights are highlighted, a new steering wheel debuts with split central spokes, and with revised touch controls: now more immediate also in the search for voices in the digital instrumentation.
Photo story Mercedes A-Class 250e 2023 - Photos - Ansa.it
Update also for hardware and software of the MBUX system, even more effective in interacting with the driver and manageable via the central touch screen, recalling the menu items through the steering wheel, or with voice commands that are activated through the now famous phrase: "hey Mercedes". Speaking of the voice assistant, the latter has better dialogue capabilities, and is even able to provide instructions such as, for example, necessary to connect the smartphone. The device can also take advantage of the integration with Apple Carplay and Android Auto wirelessly, and benefits from the addition of a USB-C port and a USB port with increased charging power. Widely customizable the screen appointed to report the many information of the instrumentation with the Classic, Sporty, and Discreet modes, able to satisfy, respectively, those who want a classic-looking instrument panel; those who appreciate the dynamic tachometer; and those who are satisfied with basic information.
The plug-in hybrid variant of our test-drive benefits from an electric motor with an output of 80 kW (109 hp), increased by 5 kW compared to the previous model, which combines with the 120 kW (163 hp) of the 1.3 turbo petrol engine in the thermal compartment, for a system output of 218 hp. This makes it brilliant, since the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h is accomplished in 7.4 s, and the maximum speed reaches, where allowed, to 225 km / h. While the 15.6 kWh battery allows it to travel up to about 85 km in electric mode in the city. Consumption varies depending on the charge level: from about 7l/100 km with low battery, to just over 1l/100 km with the energy supply provided by the battery pack. When you are in a hurry to fill up with energy, you can take advantage of the direct current columns to recover from 10 to 80% of charge in about 25 minutes, with a power of 22 kW. While in alternating, now, 11 kW of power are accepted compared to 7.4 kW before. In short, in the city you can safely use it in electric, while when you leave the city the so-called recharging anxiety is avoided. For the rest, we find the comfort of the compact star, also implemented by the lane keeping system managed with active steering control, instead of unilateral braking, as was the case in the past.
The price of the A-Class plug-in hybrid starts at 47,564 euros, a cost that rises by 7,624 euros with the Advanced AMG Line variant, a trim appreciated for the dynamic image it gives to the car, and reaches an increase of 13,302 euros for the Premium Plus AMG Line version.
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