Auto Nation Group, Inc. (ANG), the distributor of
Mercedes-Benz's range of vehicles in the Philippines, is set to
launch an all-new model from the German marque this week, and we believe it's the
all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Launched globally in February 2018, the all-new A-Class is available with
three different engine choices, one of which is a diesel, and a choice of
either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, though the former is only available in the entry-level A 200 variant. If we're to guess what variant could be made available locally, it would be the
A 250 since it's the same variant available for the outgoing W176 model. Output though has been bumped up to
224 hp and
350 Nm of torque. Sadly, there's no AMG version yet but we can expect to see a successor to the A 45 AMG in a couple of years' time.
What Mercedes-Benz likes to hype about the all-new A-Class is that it's the first model from the marque "to
feature the completely new multimedia system MBUX--Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which also ushers in a new era in Mercedes me connectivity."
According to the carmaker, a unique feature of the MBUX is its "ability to learn thanks to
artificial intelligence." The MBUX can supposedly be customized and adapts to suit the user. It also reportedly features
intelligent voice control, which can activated by the phrase "Hey Mercedes." The MBUX system is comprised of
two seven-inch displays for the
instrument cluster and
media display with touchscreen, a
multifunction sport steering wheel with
touch control buttons on the left and right, a
Type-C USB interface, and
Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone and audio sources.
If our guess is right and ANG is indeed launching the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, it'll only be the
subcompact hatchback as the
sedan body style was only
launched in April 2018 and is scheduled to
reach showrooms "in early 2019."
"The A-Class has been a big driver of change at Mercedes-Benz. It is the single best example on how we managed to rejuvenate our entire brand," said Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars,
Dieter Zetsche, at the global launch of the A-Class. "There’s not much of an 'entry-level' feel left in our new entry-level car. This grown-up A-Class fully incorporates our definition of 'Modern Luxury.' And it's unparalleled in this segment."
