Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan
All the pricing for the first ever A-Class Sedan is right here
Following the introduction of the new A-Class hatchback and the new B-Class, the next new model in Mercedes-Benz’s compact car assault on the South African market is here, and it is the first ever A-Class Sedan. And yes, the A-Class Sedan will join the CLA-Class and play in roughly the same segment.
We have managed to scoop some pricing for upcoming line-up which will include only two models at introduction. The spicy Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan and the fiery A45 S Sedan are expected to join the range in due course, but those are only expected to his Msanzi at the very end of 2019 or in early 2020.
At introduction, there will only be two petrol-engined derivatives available – the A200 and the A250 Sport. Much like they did with the W177 A-Class hatchback, Mercedes introduced a diesel variant later, but there is no update from Mercedes-Benz South Africa if the Sedan range will follow suit.
As with the hatchback range, the V177 A200 will use a turbocharged Renault-Nissan developed 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol motor, good for 120kw and 250nm. It will be available exclusively with a 7-speed DCT transmission, with power sent to the front wheels. Expect average fuel consumption to sit between 5.2 - 5.5 litres per 100km. The A200 Sedan will be available in two specification levels – Progressive and AMG Line, priced from R533 906 and R558 906 respectively.
Until an AMG A35 arrives, the range-topper will be the A250 Sport. The sportier A250 Sport Sedan starts at R608 469, and uses an evolution of the W176 A250’s turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol motor, and now makes 165kw and 350nm. It produces marginally more grunt than the motor in the W176 hatchback, up from 160kw and 350nm, so 0-100kph is handled in a claimed 6.3 seconds. It will also only be available with a 7-speed DCT transmission, although this variant does feature Direct Select shift paddles. The A250 Sport Sedan also comes standard with the AMG Line kit.
Specification across the range is good. Both models feature the highly-rated MBUX multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Whereas the entry-level A200 Sedan uses an Artico artificial leather interior, the A250 Sport Sedan gains an Artico – Dinamica sport upholstery. As you would expect, there is an enormous amount of available aesthetic packages and optional extras.
There is also a host of standard safety equipment, notably 7 airbags, Active Brake Assist, cruise control, a tyre pressure monitoring system. The A200 Progressive features halogen headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, while the A250 Sport gets LED High Performance headlights paired with Adaptive High beam Assist.
Both models feature Dynamic Select as standard. This system offers different drive programs with preset options for the engine, transmission, chassis and steering, for instance. With the "Sport" mode you can drive decidedly dynamically, and with the default program "Comfort" very harmoniously. "ECO", on the other hand, places the emphasis on maximum efficiency and saves fuel and money.
Aside from the drivetrain, one key technical different between the two is that the A200 Sedan uses a torsion-beam axle at the rear whereas the A250 Sport Sedan uses a multi-link axle setup. In Progressive guise, the A200 rides on attractive 17-inch alloys, while the AMG Line variant gets sporty 18-inch AMG alloy wheels.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan comes standard with a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000km premium maintenance plan, with a service interval indicator standard on all models.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Celebrates 140 Years with an Epic Glob and the Mercedes-Benz Gla.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan starts from R533,906 for the A200 Progressive, with the A200 AMG Line at R558,906 and the range-topping A250 Sport priced at R608,469.
Q: What engine does the Mercedes A200 Sedan have?
The A200 Sedan uses a turbocharged Renault-Nissan developed 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 120kW and 250Nm, paired exclusively with a 7-speed DCT transmission and front-wheel drive.
Q: How much power does the Mercedes A250 Sport Sedan make?
The A250 Sport Sedan produces 165kW and 350Nm from its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is 5kW more than the previous generation A250 hatchback, enabling a 0-100kph sprint in 6.3 seconds.
Q: Is the Mercedes A-Class Sedan worth buying over the CLA-Class?
The A-Class Sedan offers similar performance to the CLA-Class but with a more practical sedan body style, making it worth considering if you prefer traditional three-box styling over the CLA's coupe-like silhouette, though both models target roughly the same market segment.
Q: When will the Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 S Sedan arrive in South Africa?
The high-performance Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan and A45 S Sedan variants are expected to launch in South Africa at the very end of 2019 or in early 2020, adding serious firepower to the A-Class Sedan range.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan represents excellent value as the most affordable way to get into a proper Mercedes sedan in South Africa. Starting at R533,906 for the A200 Progressive, it undercuts most premium compact sedans while delivering genuine Mercedes luxury and that all-important three-pointed star on the bonnet. The A250 Sport at R608,469 offers genuinely quick performance with its 165kW output, making it the best entry-level luxury performance sedan under R650,000 in SA. If you want the prestige of a Mercedes sedan without the hefty price tag of a C-Class, the A-Class Sedan hits the sweet spot perfectly.
