Mercedes Teases U.S.-Bound A-Class Baby Benz
CARS.COM — Just days from the Feb. 2 world debut, Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser of the new A-Class front end showing a large grille, aggressive sculpting and single-eyebrow LED daytime running lights over the headlights. And this time, a version will be coming to the U.S. as a 2019 model.
Related: Hey, Mercedes! Voice-Activated Assistant Drives New MBUX System
It’s a new generation on a new platform for the front-wheel-drive A-Class. The A-Class has been sold as a hatchback in global markets, but the new generation includes a traditional sedan model, which is the version that will become the new “baby Benz” entry model in the U.S., likely priced slightly below the current CLA “four-door coupe” entry model, which starts at $33,695 with destination. Mercedes did not say whether the unveiling would include the sedan version or only the hatchback.
The teaser photo shows styling that appeared toned down but not unlike the Concept A Sedan design study shown in China in April of 2017. U.S. dealers were shown a version last June, and dealers who spoke with Automotive News said the company confirmed a September launch here for the car. The mechanically related CLA and GLA SUV currently sold in the U.S. reportedly will continue to be offered, as well, and are expected to share powertrains.
The biggest news about the new A-Class sedan is that it will be the first appearance in a U.S. model of the Mercedes’ new MBUX, or Mercedes-Benz User Experience, multimedia system that will use artificial intelligence to enable control of navigation, music, climate and seat positions with what the automaker calls “intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition.” Similar to systems such as Amazon Alexa, the voice-activated digital assistant can be summoned with the phrase “Hey, Mercedes.”
The AI also will learn the driver’s habits and suggest music or navi destinations for a drive. The new system, unveiled recently at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, also uses twin screens for the multimedia and the configurable gauge cluster. The center display now will be touchscreens, though the car also will have a new-design Mercedes touchpad controller on the center console as well as steering-wheel controls.
If you want to catch the Amsterdam debut live on Feb. 2, it will be streamed here, starting with a preshow at 12.45 p.m. EST (6:45 p.m. Central European Time) and the unveiling at 1 p.m. EST.
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