The third-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class has received a mild makeover at the Frankfurt Motor Show
Changes are both aesthetic and skin deep, but you must not expect anything radical. Design-wise, the face lifted A-Class has received subtle updates including a more aggressive front bumper, a diamond-grille, new optional LED headlamps (standard on the AMG model), refreshed taillights, as well as a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust pipes.
A light touch is the proper expression for the changes made inside too, with the A-Class getting the dual instrument binnacle from the CLA and GLA along with new switches, new seats, colors and trim finishes, as well as an upgraded infotainment system now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink.
More significant changes happened under the hood, with the A-Class getting a new entry-level model called A 160 with 102 PS (101hp). Other versions are now more powerful than before. The A 220 d received a power boost of 7 PS (7 hp) and now has 177 PS (175hp), while the A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4Matic now deliver 218 PS (215 hp) instead of the previous 211 PS (207 hp) rating.
The 109 PS (108 hp) A 180 d BlueEfficiency Edition is the economy champion, with a combined fuel consumption of 3.5l/100 km (67.2 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 89 g/km.
Finally, another power update regards the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4Matic, which sees its maximum output increased to 381 PS (376 hp). The face lifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class lineup also gets a new “Motorsport Edition” model which features a sportier body kit inspired by Mercedes’ Formula 1 cars.
Important updates for the 2016 model year A-Class also include the Dynamic Select driving program selector and a new chassis with adaptive damping. Dynamic Select comes as standard for the A 200 d 4Matic, A 220 d, A 220 d 4Matic, A 250 4Matic, A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4Matic models. The system is also offered as standard on all models with the 7G-DCT gearbox, AMG Line or a lowered suspension.
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class will arrive in European dealerships at the end of September.