2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan: New Baby Benz Is A High-Tech Showcase

A small, entry-level Mercedes-Benz sedan is nothing new. The company’s first attempt, the compact 190E of 1982 to 1993, was a more affordable way for consumers to experience the attributes of this prestige brand. And by affordable, this meant a US price of around $25,000 in the early 1980s!

The 190E was replaced in 1994 by the larger and more powerful C-Class, which was originally priced from $30,000. Since then, the C-Class has evolved to become a rock-solid part the Mercedes-Benz lineup. As the C-Class grew in size and cost, a space appeared for yet another entry-level vehicle. This was the CLA, which joined the lineup as a 2014 model, priced at $29,900, more than $8,000 less than the 2014 C-Class. The latest version of the CLA now starts at over $33,000. When it is redesigned soon, it will get larger – and presumably more expensive.

So once again, there is room at the magic $30,000 price point for the next entry-level Mercedes-Benz. Enter the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan, which will target aspirational millennials, enticing them to make it the first Benz of the rest of their lives. The proof of this is that the vehicle’s World Premiere was held recently in Brooklyn, New York!

Fun fact: Millennials, defined as consumers between the ages of 22 and 37, accounted for all of the growth in North American new-vehicle sales during the first quarter of 2018, according to Experian, the credit reporting agency.

What’s So Special About The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan?

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan is not only priced and sized for upscale millennials, it is also packed with technology, including:

MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) Multimedia System

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the completely new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system. A unique feature is its ability to learn through artificial intelligence. MBUX is customizable and adapts to the user, creating an emotional connection.

MBUX has intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition, activated by the keyword “Hey Mercedes.” A touchscreen high-resolution media display with Augmented Reality capabilities is part of the comprehensive MBUX touch-control concept.

MBUX has been integrated into the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan’s standard digital dashboard, which has two 7” inch screens as standard, with an upgrade to 10.25” screens available as an option.

New connectivity services are being launched with MBUX. These will include functions based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle tracking, which will make it easier to find your parked car.

Semi-Autonomous Driver Assistance Features

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan will be available with the very latest driver assistance systems, adopted directly from the larger S-Class. This will enable the A-Class Sedan to drive semi-autonomously under certain conditions.

To do this, it uses improved camera and radar systems to watch traffic more than 1,500 feet ahead. The A-Class integrates this information with map and navigation data, which allows it to predictively adjust speed when approaching curves and intersections. Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Lane Change Assist are also available.

Active Brake Assist is standard on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan. It can mitigate or avoid the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead. It can even recognize crossing pedestrians and cyclists, and can intervene or support the driver in the event of a collision involving them.

One Engine, Two Drive Systems

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan will come with a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine, with an output of 188 horsepower. It will drive either the front wheels (in the A 220) or all four wheels (in the A 220 4MATIC) through a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. High performance AMG models will likely follow at a later date.

Production of the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan for North American markets will begin this year in Aguascalientes, Mexico. It will be produced at a factory that is a joint compact-car production venture between Daimler and Nissan. It will go on sale in the US in late 2018. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Should You Lease A 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan?

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan should be a great vehicle to lease. As the new entry-level Mercedes-Benz, it should be heavily promoted at very reasonable monthly payments. Plus, a full factory warranty for that brand new, high-tech MBUX multimedia system will be a great thing to have during your lease term!