The next Mercedes A-Class will be unveiled on February 2 in Amsterdam, Netherland.
The announcement was accompanied by a new teaser image.
Mercedes is looking to shake up the small premium car market when the new A-Class goes on sale later this year with a fresh, bold design that features a hi-tech interior packed with next-generation technology.
Daimler’s Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener said the A-Class “has the potential to usher in a new design era” for Mercedes, signalling that much of the new tech is likely to find its way into other Mercedes models in the future.
Mercedes has released details about the A-Class’ new infotainment system, which is set to feature artificial intelligence (AI) among other hi-tech features.
The new infotainment system will operate across two large display screens. One of these replaces traditional binnacle dials, while the other is placed right next to it, producing what Mercedes calls a ‘widescreen cockpit’. Three versions of this setup will be available; two seven-inch displays, a combination of seven and 10.25-inch displays, or two 10.25-inch displays. It’s likely that similar combinations will eventually become available across the Mercedes range. Interestingly, these screens don’t feature a traditional cowl.
Mercedes has done away with its rotary infotainment controller and has made the central screen touch-sensitive instead. There is a touchpad where the rotary dial would have been, however, and this can be used to navigate the system. The A-Class will get this technology first, but you can expect to see it reach other Mercedes cars in the future.
Voice recognition is also set to take a major role in the interior of the new A-Class. Much like similar systems on mobile phones, the car can be readied to receive commands by saying a set phrase – in this case, ‘Hey Mercedes’. The car’s AI means it’ll learn your habits to further improve the experience.
The dashboard is modern, sleek and simple, with a focus on quality materials like open-pore wood trim and brushed metal. Its wraparound design is particularly striking, as are its jet-engine-like vents and ambient lighting system.
Mercedes said the 12 colours selectable in the old car have grown to 64, while the whole system will be more sophisticated in general, making for “an avantgarde lighting display with spectacular colour changes” and using energy-saving LED lights.
Improved seats will also feature, with three front-seat options, including basic and comfort versions, along with a sportier option with integrated headrests. Most importantly, the A-Class will be bigger inside than before, with more elbow, shoulder and headroom for front and rear occupants. Boot space has increased to 370 litres (29 litres more than the old car), and there’s a 10 per cent improvement in all-round visibility, too.
The mainstay of 2018 Mercedes A-Class range will continue to be a hatchback, but it’ll be joined by the A-Class saloon, which was previewed with the firm’s Concept A vision earlier this year.
The new A-Class has adopted a fresh new look for 2018. The changes from the old car are numerous, but new, more angular headlights and a longer body are the most obvious differences. As per today’s car, the A-Class hatchback will be five-door only, reflecting increased global demand for cars with rear doors over sportier three-door models.
