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• Comfort: long-wheelbase version with a luxury-class feel

• Boot: load capacity of a much larger estate car

• Model update: new design features and high-grade materials

• Safety: latest-generation ESP® and windowbags as optional equipment

Mercedes-Benz has added further diversity to the successful A-Class range with the introduction of two new extended-wheelbase models that offer larger interior dimensions, the spaciousness and comfort of a luxury-class saloon, outstanding adaptability and class-leading load space.

The new vehicle, which is 170 mm longer than the regular version, will go on sale at Mercedes-Benz dealerships Australia-wide in October.

With this long-wheelbase version, the A-Class is once again setting new standards among compact cars. No other car in this segment can match its load space of up to 1930 litres - eleven per cent more than that of the regular version of this model, which is still very much state-of-the-art. Equally remarkable is the efficient way that space is utilised: thanks to the innovative sandwich design with the power train elements positioned either underneath the passenger compartment or in front of it, 53 % of the car's total length of 3.78 metres – significantly more than for conventional cars of this size – is available for the occupants.

"With this kind of spaciousness we can now at last satisfy people who in the past were already won over by the design and concept of the A-Class but who needed more space for their own particular requirements" says Matthias Lührs, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars for Australia.

The long-wheelbase version the A-Class, which has sold more than 3,200 units in Australia since late 1998 thanks to its compact concept and avantgarde design, remains true to its philosophy of uniqueness through innovation.

Rear passengers: spaciousness and comfort similar to a luxury-class saloon

On spaciousness too, the A-Class enters dimensions which were previously unknown in this vehicle class. The extended wheelbase offers rear passengers unrivalled comfort. 170 millimetres more legroom and a hip-to-hip distance between front and rear occupants of 945 millimetres provide unprecedented comfort. In fact these dimensions go beyond those found in many luxury-class saloons.

Load space: family-friendly dimensions and outstanding adaptability

Thanks to the versatile rear bench seat, with 111 mm fore-and-aft adjustment, drivers can decide whether to use the extra space to extend the rear compartment or the load area. Even with the rear seats moved to the maximum forward setting, there is still 60 millimetres more legroom for rear seat passengers in the long-wheelbase A-Class than in the regular version. And with the rear seat in this same position, the load compartment space is increased by 80 litres to 470 litres.

With the rear seats lifted out, the luggage capacity of the long-wheelbase version when loaded to the ceiling and measured in accordance with the VDA method is 1530 litres. Even in a larger estate this would be significantly above the average, and in the compact class it provides a new reference point.

Design: new bumper design gives an even more dynamic appearance

An extensive package of engineering and design refinements makes both versions of the updated A-Class even more attractive and luxurious. Restyling at the front of the vehicle, with an eye-catching front bumper contours, the lower part of which features a redesigned air inlet, gives an even sharper, more dynamic appearance and makes the body appear broader and strikingly athletic. Also new are the integrated, replaceable rub strips on the front bumper and the state-of-the-art clear-plastic headlamp lenses which add further brilliance to the appearance of the smallest Mercedes model.

Interior: high-quality materials from the S-Class and improved ergonomics

As far as luxurious looks and high build quality are concerned, the interior of the A-Class can match the high standards of larger Mercedes saloons. The use of first-class materials which Mercedes-Benz also uses in the S-Class makes the dashboard soft and pleasant to the touch. The entire cockpit has been redesigned, with a new, smooth transition to the front windscreen, while preserving the strikingly dynamic lines. Discreet restyling of various details has further enhanced the appearance of the dashboard, making it appear as if cast in a single piece.

The new, more modern centre console treatment matches the high standards of the rest of the interior. Its top part is slightly wider than before and it is more sharply raked, giving the driver and front passenger an even better view of the controls. The positioning and design of the switches reflects the latest ergonomic advances derived from real-world research. The most frequently used buttons and the radio have been moved to the top, while the controls for heating and ventilation now occupy the lower part of the console.

All the centre console controls are integrated in a patterned, metallic-effect panel (CLASSIC). In the ELEGANCE this panel is trimmed with high-quality wood veneer. The redesigned three-spoke steering wheel is now supplied with height adjustment as standard.

Safety: latest generation ESP® and optional windowbags

The Electronic Stability Program ESP® has undergone further development by Mercedes engineers. This latest-generation system functions even more smoothly and for the first time is combined with a new hydraulic Brake Assist system which develops maximum braking power in emergency situations, thus shortening stopping distances to a minimum.

The large-size windowbags pioneered by Mercedes-Benz in the S-Class are now available as optional equipment for the A-Class as well. In the event of a side impact the windowbag, which measures over one metre in length and twelve centimetres in width, deploys like a curtain between the front and the rear pillars and offers head protection over a large area for both the front and the rear occupants. The windowbags thus extend the highly effective side impact protection already offered by the A-Class thanks to the sandwich concept, the strong structural members and pillars and the standard-fitted sidebags in the front doors.

Comfort: air conditioning with humidity sensor

Climate comfort in the A-Class has been raised to new levels by a newly developed air conditioning system which is controlled by a dew point sensor with reference to relative humidity. The A-Class is the first car in this market segment to be fitted with such a high-tech system.

Model range: Innovative and versatile

The long-wheelbase A-Class is available in the ELEGANCE design and equipment line with two engine variants: A 160 and A 190.

The choice of body sizes significantly extends the appeal of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and demonstrates the potential of its trend-setting design principle. It will help the A-Class to attract an even broader range of customers and to extend its successful position in the market.

At a glance
A-Class: the main points of the model update

Exterior	Interior
• New-design bumpers front and rear, radiator grille now features four (previously three) ribs	• New-design dashboard with high-quality finish
• Side rub strips as standard	• New-design centre console with styling matched to the new transmission tunnel trim
• Alloy rims for CLASSIC and ELEGANCE	• New-design door panel trim
• Front headlamps with new technology and state-of-the-art clear-plastic lenses, high-brilliance tail lights	• Three-spoke steering wheel with new design and larger rim cross-section
• Door handles for ELEGANCE body-coloured with chrome trim	• Trim parts of high-grade wood in ELEGANCE
• Three new paintwork colours: mangrove green metallic, polar silver metallic and atoll blue metallic	• A-pillars fabric-trimmed
	• Handbrake lever with sliding cover
	• Four accent colours: dark blue, quartz (only for ELEGANCE), chilli red and light slate grey

Ergonomics	Engineering
• Tailgate with new handle for convenient single-handed operation	• Latest-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and hydraulic Brake Assist C
• Steering wheel with height adjustment as standard	• Air conditioning system with a new dew point sensor to measure air humidity, a refrigerant compressor with infinitely variable control and a more powerful evaporator
• Switches and controls on centre console conveniently placed	• Five-speed fan (previously four-speed)
• Air recirculation now actuated by push-button (instead of previous sliding control)	• Heated windscreen washer system
• Air outlets with integrated thumb-wheels and higher efficiency	• Windowbags C optionally available
• Luggage cover rigid	• Rain sensor for windscreen wiper optionally available
	• Automatically dimming interior mirror optionally available

Specifications: A-class A160

Specifications: A-class A190