Mercedes-Benz prices A-Class sedan, B-Class

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia/Pacific has ramped up its assault on the prestige small-car segment by adding the new-generation A-Class sedan and B-Class tallboy hatch.

The A-Class sedan follows in the tyre tracks of its hatch counterpart with entry-level A180 and A200 variants that command $2600 and $2200 premiums respectively for the 60L of extra cargo capacity that they bring, at $44,900 and $49,400 plus on-road costs.

The A200 is now in showrooms, while A180 will go on sale in August. The German brand has also confirmed that the yet-to-be-priced A250 and Mercedes-AMG A35 are due later this year.

Comparatively, the B-Class range has been trimmed from four variants to one, with only the B180 soldiering on, although it has moved upmarket by $3300, to $46,400 plus on-roads.

As a result, the B200, B200d and B250 have all been discontinued Down Under due to low demand, although the latter two are available in other markets.

As their names suggest, the front-wheel-drive A180 and B180 share the same 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 100kW of power and 200Nm of torque.

It is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and has a fuel consumption claim of 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined-cycle test for both models.

Standard B180 equipment includes a hands-free power-operated tailgate and keyless entry/start, while the A180 only gets keyless start but picks up the Style exterior package that features a ‘diamond’ grille insert, among other kit.

Shared features extend to 17-inch alloy wheels, power-folding side mirrors, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, DAB+ digital radio, a nine-speaker sound system, climate-control air-conditioning, ‘comfort’ seats, a sports steering wheel with touchpads and paddle-shifters, and Artico artificial leather upholstery.

The A-Class sedan and B-Class are both equipped with a pair of 10.25-inch displays as standard: a digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen. This set-up is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s artificially intelligent MBUX infotainment system that supports always-on natural voice control.

Advanced driver-assist systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep and steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, park assist, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

The A200 uses the same engine as the A180 and B180 but gets a more potent tune, at 120kW and 250Nm. It also uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and has an equivalent 5.7L/100km fuel economy claim.

It also includes a longer list of standard equipment, with 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped twin exhaust tailpipes, the Progressive exterior and interior package, wireless smartphone charging, four-way power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat, a folding rear armrest and high-beam assist.

The A250 and A35 will up the performance ante with their shared 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which develops 165kW/350Nm and 225kW/400Nm respectively. Both are matched to the company’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

As reported, B-Class’ hallmark is its practicality, with 455L of cargo capacity available with its 40/20/40 split-fold rear bench, or 1540L with it stowed.

For reference, the A-Class sedan can swallow 430L.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs

2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs