A-Class Limo
Mercedes Benz have finally announced the launch date of their most awaited new model which was initially set to launch in 2020 but postponed due to the ongoing Pandemic situation, it is stated to launch the all new A-class limousine (sedan) on March 25, 2021.
The new A-class sedan replaces the CLA sedan and A-class hatchback in Mercedes-Benz’s India line-up. This means that the A-class sedan will face competition from the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe that was launched last year and is currently priced from Rs 40.40 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Highlights:
- A-Class Limo come with both a 1.3-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engine option
- A-Class Limo will likely come in a single fully loaded, Progressive Line variant
- A performance-oriented AMG A35 version will also be offered
Design
In terms of styling, the A-class Limousine is very much in line with Mercedes' latest design language. This means it features a large front grille with the 'three-pointed star' front and centre, new LED headlamps and signature LED DRLs. While the sedan mirrors the A-class hatchback's design till the B-pillar, beyond this, the model gets longer rear doors and a smooth roofline that flows into a well incorporated boot lid. Large swept-back tail lights and a well-shaped rear bumper complete the look.
Interestingly the car sets a world record for the lowest drag coefficient of any production car, at 0.22cd.
Performance
Under the hood, the A-class sedan will be available with a choice of both a petrol and diesel powertrain. The petrol engine will likely be a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol unit producing 163hp, while the diesel unit will be a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine making 150hp. The power will be sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox in the petrol version and a 8-speed automatic in the diesel version.
While ‘200’ once denoted a 1.5 turbo-petrol hybrid in the C-class and has since been replaced by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, in the A 200, it’s a 1.3-litre turbo petrol. Confusing, perhaps, but don’t be put off by the modest swept volume, because it makes a pretty healthy 163hp and 250Nm of torque. Other stats worthy of note are a claimed 8.3sec 0-100kph time and a class-leading ARAI fuel efficiency rating of 17.5kpl. As with the old MFA models, the A-class is front-wheel drive, and the A 200 puts its power down via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The A 200d has an engine to match its badge – the OM654 2.0-litre diesel you’ll find in the C, E, CLS, GLC and GLE. It’s a lower state of tune, of course, but its outputs of 150hp and 320Nm are far from shabby in this smaller vehicle. It too gets a class-leading ARAI figure – 21.35kpl – and a claimed 0-100 time of 8.2sec. It also uses a new 8-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox.
Mercedes-AMG A35 Limousine
Mercedes will also be bringing the performance-oriented AMG A35 sedan to India further down the line. Powering the A35 will be a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine churning out 306hp of power and 400Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system will also come as standard fit.
This model will get some AMG specific styling, including a tweaked front grille and bumpers, sportier alloy wheels, an aggressive rear diffuser, a boot lip spoiler and circular dual-tip exhaust pipes.
Interior
On the equipment front, the sedan is expected to come in a single fully loaded Progressive Line trim, sporting a twin-screen layout (one for the infotainment system and one for the instrument cluster) with the latest MBUX infotainment system and connected-car tech. Also, part of the package will be dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, powered front seats with memory function and a wireless phone charger.
By Nirmal Nandakumar
0 Comments