Skip advert
Advertisement

Updated Mercedes A-Class is greener than ever

The new Mercedes A-Class gets more economical engines and subtle styling tweaks, with more power for A45 AMG

The Mercedes A-Class has been given a thorough overhaul for 2015, including revised styling, new engines and improved kit.

Changes to the exterior are subtle, with a new diamond grille, optional LED headlamps and updated taillights. There are new front and rear bumpers, too, with the latter featuring integrated exhaust pipes to ‘emphasise the sportiness and dynamism’ of the new A-Class.

Inside, the new Mercedes will feature an updated instrument cluster and graphics on the dials, as well as new switches and buttons on the dash. Buyers will also get the option of a larger eight-inch central screen (standard on Sport and AMG Line cars), as well Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink functionality. There is a choice of new colours and upholstery variations, as well as ambient lighting that can be individualised with twelve colours and five different diming levels.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Arguably the biggest news, however, is that Merc’s most economical A-Class – the A180d (replacing the A180 CDI) – now matches the BMW 1 Series Efficient Dynamics Plus and Audi A3 Ultra for CO2. Providing you spec the SE trim with 16-inch alloy wheels, the 1.5-litre diesel will emit just 89g/km and return more than 80mpg.

Elsewhere, both the A220d (replacing the A220 CDI) and A250 petrol get a 7bhp upgrade, while customers speccing the 7G automatic transmission now get ‘Launch Assist’ for faster acceleration.

At the top end of the range, the flagship AMG A45 is now even faster thanks to a 21bhp boost in power (from 355bhp to 376bhp). That makes it 0.1 seconds quicker to 62mph than the new Audi RS3, completing the benchmark sprint in 4.2 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than before. It also has 25Nm more torque than its predecessor, at 375Nm.

Merc has also introduced a new Motorsport Edition, with design inspiration from the successful Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team. All A-Class Motorsport Edition models get petrol green trim on the bumpers and wheels, as well as air vents and interior stitching in the same hue. They also come with black leather sports seats – complete with petrol green details – and similarly adorned seat belts.

Prices haven’t been announced yet, though Mercedes has confirmed the Motorsport Edition package will be available on the powerful A220d and A250 models. Lesser versions will have to make do with the conventional SE, Sport, AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG trims, as well as previously announced Sport Edtion, AMG Night Edition specifications. The range-topping AMG A45 remains a standalone model, with no Motorsport Edition add-ons available.

The new A-Class will go on sale from 3 July, with first customer deliveries from September.

Now read our round-up of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, on this weekend.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best cars for £3,000 or less
Best cars for £3,000 or less - header image

Best cars for £3,000 or less

A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Here are some great used cars available for £3,000 or less
Best cars & vans
8 Jan 2025
Best future classics 2025: car investments that could make you money
Future classics - header image

Best future classics 2025: car investments that could make you money

Identifying future classic cars is a tricky but potentially lucrative business, here are our future classic recommendations
Best cars & vans
6 Jan 2025
Best low emission green cars in the UK
Best low emissions green cars - header image

Best low emission green cars in the UK

Low emissions and good fuel economy go hand-in-hand, and these cars deliver the best of both
Best cars & vans
22 Aug 2024

Most Popular

Plug-in hybrid cars are essentially pointless and in 2025 it’s high time we all accepted that
Opinion - PHEVs

Plug-in hybrid cars are essentially pointless and in 2025 it’s high time we all accepted that

Alex Ingram explains why he believes that PHEVs aren't all they're cracked up to be
Opinion
7 Jan 2025
New Peugeot 208 GTi aiming to be the next legendary French hot hatch
Peugeot 208 GTi render (watermarked) - front

New Peugeot 208 GTi aiming to be the next legendary French hot hatch

Stellantis’s UK boss Eurig Druce says Peugeot may go back to hot-hatch roots with sporty 208
News
9 Jan 2025
Dacia Bigster to hit UK streets fast as brand signals high hopes for the new SUV
Dacia Bigster - reveal front

Dacia Bigster to hit UK streets fast as brand signals high hopes for the new SUV

UK brand director says buyers will not be left waiting for Bigster deliveries as they have been for Mk3 Duster
News
9 Jan 2025