Earlier this week I went along to the Irish media launch of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which I had previously driven one afternoon on roads in the capital and in County Kildare. As it turned out, I learned a lot about the plans for the famous German brand over the next couple of years.
Global demand for premium compact cars such as the new A-Class is expected to go from 6.57 million units in 2011 to 10.62 million units in 2021. So expect to see all manufacturers speeding up development of new models in these segments and sub-segments in the next couple of years. Mercedes-Benz is well out of the starting gate in this regard.
I was surprised that in addition to the new B-Class and the new A-Class, there will be five more new models built on this platform arriving in the next 18 months. These should include a sports estate (shooting brake), a saloon codenamed CLA, an SUV and a coupe. Mercedes-Benz expects big things from the CLA saloon, which will sit well below the C-Class in price. I’ve seen spy shots of this car and it looks like it could be a real winner for Mercedes-Benz here in Ireland. Check out the new A-Class below.
Impressive new Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTec Hybrid
Last year, the F-Cell circumnavigated the globe with an alternative drive system 2011 as part of the Mercedes-Benz 125 years celebrations. This was a world first!
And the famous German manufacturer claims that its commitment to hybrid, electric, and fuel cell powered vehicles means that Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer that could run a large city transport because they manufacture bike, cars, vans, buses and trucks with these technology power sources. And their engineers will tell you that their philosophy is to make the new technology fit their cars, and not the other way around.
The new E 300 BlueTec Hybrid is humbly described by those same engineers as a realistic approach towards Mercedes-Benz declared objective of emissions-free driving. And the E300 is the first luxury diesel Hybrid Saloon & Estate. Prime examples of the aforementioned philosophy of the technology being designed around the car. And what was it that Apple’s late great Steve Jobs said: “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” Well, the E 300 BlueTec Hybrid ticks all of those boxes. It has a price tag of €51,020 less the current VRT rebate of €1,500 for hybrid cars.
for instance, luggage space is not restricted at all, because the lithium-ion battery is located in the engine compartment. Mercedes-Benz describe the E300 BlueTec Hybrid is a milestone in terms of economy, sustainability and comfort.
With a claimed combined cycle fuel economy of 70mpg (4.2L/100km), the 4-cylinder engine with electric motor is the most economical drive system in its class. It also features a boost function – allows the car to accelerate using the combined power of the diesel engine and the electric motor. And the automatic transmission is specially adapted for hybrid operation. Performance electronics coordinate the diesel engine and electric motor. The latter is super compact & lightweight and offers an additional 250Nm of torque.
The 120-volt lithium-ion high-performance battery stores energy from the electric motor and brake recuperation. In the cabin, the hybrid display is easy to read and clearly shows the current status of energy flow between the diesel engine and electric motor.
Check out this really amazing feature of the new E 300 BlueTec Hybrid. It can sail along at speeds up to 160 km/h or close to 100 mph. That’s relaxed cruising on long trips at a constant speed on a flat motorway gradient or decline, with the engine shut off and the battery powering you along until it runs out or you wish to overtake. This can substantially cut both fuel consumption and emissions. You also travel on battery power at speeds up to 22 mph.
Compared to a popular new E-Class 250 Cdi Automatic, the Hybrid version offers a lower road tax requirement, a super 45 per cent better fuel economy, about 16 per cent less emissions, similar bhp and torque, but I’ve kept the best news until last, it costs €655 more than the 250 Cdi. But when you take the current VRT rebate of €1,500 for hybrid cars, the new Diesel Hybrid has a price tag that’s actually €845 less than the 250 Cdi. Now that’s some very good news.
Stylish new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake
And if the E-Class Hybrid takes some beating, Mercedes-Benz had another debuted last week. The sculptured beauty that is the new and first ever CLS Shooting Brake (or sports estate car).
It features unique Shooting Brake with fastback coupe body, four doors, five seats, and a large tailgate. It also has a sleek rear roof spoiler as well as chrome twin-pipe exhausts.
The interior materials and standard of finish is first class. There’s lots of headroom in the back with two individual rear seats, a third seat option in the centre.
It has a super blend of sporty design with a great sense of the practical, like the variable loading space, 590 – 1550 litter capacity. And the rear seats fully split ( 60/40 ) and fold flat. Check out the optional American cherry wood floor. I love it but this feature is probably only for the very careful owner.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake 250 Cdi Auto sells for €70.590, and attracts current road tax of €225 a year.
The new CLS Shooting Brake has a host of driver assistance systems on board. It is a fine blend of sporty design, an exclusive Interior, and a real refined sense of practicality.
If you’re shopping for a car in this price bracket, then check out the new CLS Shooting Brake.
New and very different Mercedes-Benz A-Class arrives
Mercedes-Benz sees their all-new A-Class as the car that will give it access to a new, younger generation of motorists. We will soon find out as it has just gone on sale here.
The new A-Class is as different from its predecessor as it is possible to be. Sitting some 18 cm closer to the ground, its low-slung posture and SL-like fascia give it a positively sporty appearance that will appeal to young male and female motorists alike.
Two models will take centre stage initially – one is the entry level A180 petrol version which comes on the market at €26,435 ex works and the other an A180 CDI diesel model at €28,550. The latter is the version likely to be the biggest seller due in no small way to its greener CO2 emissions of just 98g/km.
The entry-level diesel model, the new A180 Cdi sells at €28.550 including Style Pack (valued at €1600) runs higher than the entry-level BMW 116d ES 5dr. at €28.020, but less expensive than the entry-level Audi A3 1.6 TDi 5 dr. at €29,400.
Both models will come in a choice of three specifications and equipment lines – Style, Urban and Sports Pack. Entry models sold here come equipped with the Style Pack as standard. It includes 10-spoke alloy wheels, a two louvres colour & chrome grille, belt-line chrome, sports seats with Artico leather/ fabric/ top-stiching. It also includes a seat comfort package, trim in matrix look, and dashboard in high-gloss / silver chrome finish. This pack, which carries an aded value of €1,600 is standard in Ireland.
The next step-up is to the Urban Pack for an additional €700. Then for those sport styling fans, the stunning AMG Sport pack can be had for an additional €2,700.
Front-wheel drive, all engines have an idle-stop system as standard, linked to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. New four-link rear suspension has a range of settings that includes an optional sports setting with direct steer. Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Adaptive Brake Assist and Brake Hold are all part of its standard safety features.
Since it first appeared at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, worldwide interest in the new A-Class has been intense so much so that a backlog of orders already exists. Here in Ireland, Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales manager Ciaran Allen expects supply to keep pace with demand in the initial phases, at least.
“In keeping with its high-tech image, our launch plan will include a heavy concentration on Facebook and smart phone App technology to create an ‘interactive platform’ whereby prospective customers can learn about the A-Class and scroll through its features to model the version they like best” Mr. Allen said.
The younger generation drivers will certainly be attracted by the the new A-Class being compatible with the needs of the iPhone and iPad generation. Its optional on board high-tech functionality is such that iPhone Siri voice-activated units and iPad music and Apps can be played through the car’s infotainment system.
Already something of a ‘wunderkind’ in terms of its environmental features, the A-Class 180 CDI is acknowledged by the German TÜV organisation as offering fuel savings of up to 26 percent, emissions as low as 98g CO2/km, a best in class CD value of 0.27 and petrol engines that comply with Euro 6 emissions standard. Indeed, over its entire life cycle from production to recycling, it is estimated that the A-Class, in the guise of the A180 BE version, will produce 5.7 tons less emissions than its predecessor and meets the stipulated recycling rate of 95 percent by weight.
On offer are interesting new petrol engines with BlueDirect Technology bench marking in low-end torque, and power outputs from 1.6 to 2.0 litres, 90 kW to 155 kW, 122 to 211 bhp, and 200 – 350 Nm. However, most still want powerful and efficient diesel engines rand Mercedes-Benz delivers ranging from 1.5 – 2.2 litre from 98 g/km CO2, 80 – 125 kW (109 – 170 bhp) and 250 – 350 Nm.
The 2.2 litre complies with EU 6 standard.
And watch out for the A 45 AMG, It will have the highest specific output in its segment
A real high-end four-cylinder that will premiere in 1st quarter of 2013.
The new A-Class has so much more appeal than the old high-rise model. The new sporty design, high levels of standard specification, low cost option upgrades, and very competitively priced.
Mercedes-Benz main dealer Ian Moore of Michael Moore Car Sales in Athlone is pictured with Mercedes-Benz chief executive Stephen Byrne at the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class first versions of which are now arriving in dealer showrooms.
