This week, Mercedes has revealed new versions of the A-Class and B-Class and will be available in the UK, later this year. Both models don’t look that much different from the previous versions and this is very much a light facelift. Mercedes has changed some minor details such as new headlights and a sightly tweaked rear diffuser. Mercedes is also offering more paint choices, with a new range of ‘Manufaktur’ colours.
As always, Mercedes will be offering the A-Class as both a hatchback and saloon, with the B-Class in its MPV crossed with a hatchback design.
Inside both cars, there is a new updated steering wheel, trimmed in Nappa leather. Also a new additional USB-C port, which can charge devices faster as well as a reversing camera, now fitted as standard. Something coming next year is the optional extra of a fingerprint sensor, which will be used to identify the driver – and likely change the seating position and other preferences.
In terms of engines, both the A-Class and B-Class now engined with mild electrification. There is a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 134bhp, boosted by a new belt-driven starter motor by 14bhp. There are also two new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, one with 187bhp and another with 221bhp. Both of these are again using that new belt-driven starter motor, which boosts it by 14bhp.
Mercedes will also be offering the plug-in hybrid models, in the form of the A250e and B250e. Both of these use a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, which is turbocharged. However, there is a new electric motor now with 107bhp, which gives the whole car 215bhp. The included 15.6kWh battery can be used to drive the car in EV only mode, for a range of up to 50 miles.
At the very top of the range are the iconic AMG models. Mercedes continues to offer the milder A35 and the super powerful A45. These use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which has been turbocharged. Both models are four wheel drive and the A35 has 300bhp, with the A45 outputting 415bhp.
Mercedes will offer the new updated A-Class and B-Class in the UK later this year. Prices are yet to be revealed, but expect similar prices to what we have now. A-Class currently starts at £32,250 and the B-Class from £33,775.
