Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1997–present
Class	Mini MPV
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a mini MPV produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The first generation (W168) was introduced in 1997, the second generation model (W169) appeared in late 2004 & the all-new generation late model W176 launched in late 2012. Launched as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a three-door hatchback to sit below the five-door. In the markets that the A-Class is or has been sold in, it has represented the entry level model of Mercedes-Benz.

First generation (W168: 1997–2004)

W168

Facelifted A 160 from 2002
Production	1997–2004 1999–2005 (Brazil)
Assembly	Germany: Rastatt Brazil: Juiz de Fora Thailand: Thonburi (TAAP)
Body style	5-door hatchback
Wheelbase	2,423 mm (95.4 in) 2,593 mm (102.1 in)
Length	3,606 mm (142.0 in)
Width	1,719 mm (67.7 in)
Height	1,587 mm (62.5 in)

Production of the W168 A-Class began in 1997. Its front engine, front wheel drive layout was quite unusual for Mercedes. To date, about 1.6 million units have been sold worldwide.^[1]

One innovation of the W168 was a frontal-impact absorption system called the "Sandwich" (see patents DE4326 9 and DE4400132 in the name of Mercedes-Benz). In the event of a violent frontal impact, the engine and transmission would slide underneath the floor below the pedals rather than entering the passenger compartment.

The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional "elk test" performed by the Swedish automobile publication Teknikens Värld. According to the report, the W168 overturned when manoeuvring to avoid the "elk". Mercedes initially denied the problem, but then took the surprising step of recalling all units sold to date (2,600) and suspending distribution until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control and modifying the suspension.^{[citation needed]}

Mercedes-Benz facelifted the W168 in 2001.

DaimlerChrysler invested EUR 900 million in developing the Rastatt plant where the A-Class is produced, and created 1600 new jobs (for a total of 4700). A further 600 people work on the industrial estate at the plant site.

Mercedes-Benz began W168 production on 17 February 1999 at its new Brazilian facility in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. The Brazilian plant was the company's first factory in South America dedicated to passenger cars, with an investment of USD 840 million and 10,000 employees. The factory initially produced A-Class and C-Class models, assembling them from pieces manufactured in Germany. The target for the cars was regional markets (from Argentina to Mexico) with modifications made to the cars to suit local conditions, like a protection for the motor base. On 15 August 2005 the factory stopped production of A-Class cars.

1997-2001 Pre-facelift A 140 Classic Fun   1997-2001 Pre-facelift A 140 Classic Fun   2001-2004 Facelift A 140 Classic   2001-2004 Facelift A 140 Classic

Specification	Rated Power	Motor
A160 CDI (1998–2000)	44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp)	1.7L Diesel
A160 CDI (2000)	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp)	1.7L Diesel
A170 CDI (1998–2000)	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp)	1.7L Diesel
A170 CDI (2000)	70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp)	1.7L Diesel
A140	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp)	1.4L Petrol
A140 (2000) Automatic only	60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp)	1.6L Petrol
A160	75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp)	1.6L Petrol
A190 (2000)	92 kW (125 PS; 123 hp)	1.9L Petrol
A210 Evo (2000)	103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp)	2.1L Petrol

Production

As of Dec 04, 2006, 1.1 million A-Class model had been sold between 1997 and 2004.^[2]

Second generation (W169: 2004–2012)

W169

Production	2004–2012
Assembly	Germany: Rastatt Thailand: Thonburi (TAAP)
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual CVT automatic
Wheelbase	2,568 mm (101.1 in)
Length	3,838 mm (151.1 in) (2004) 3,883 mm (152.9 in) (2008)
Width	1,764 mm (69.4 in)
Height	1,593 mm (62.7 in)

The W169 is constructed with high-strength steel alloys with bonded joints. It has a large number of airbags including optional rear side airbags (for side-impacts in the backseats), optional side-curtain airbags, and standard head and thorax-protection side airbags. The front airbags are adaptive with two-stage gas generators operating according to the severity of accident.

The force exerted by the seat belt system during a collision adapts dynamically depending upon the collision characteristics. The 'active' head restraints (standard for driver and front passenger) give enhanced protection from neck injury, especially during rear collisions.

The angle of the A-pillar is flatter than the windshield angle. The cargo capacity of the W169 was increased by 15 percent compared with the W168.

Seven types of motors are available, and all are four-cylinders: four petrol (gasoline) (A 150, A 170, A 200, A 200 Turbo) and three diesel (A 160 CDI, A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI) partnered with either five- or six-speed manual gearbox. A continuously variable transmission system called "Autotronic Constantly Variable Transmission" (CVT) is an optional feature.

The petrol A 200 Turbo provides 193 hp (144 kW) and 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) of torque (rotational force); the diesel A200 CDI has 140 hp (104 kW) and 300 N·m (221 lb·ft).

The most powerful model can take the car from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 218 km/h (135 mph). The newly developed direct-injection CDI diesel units use a common-rail direct injection system that improves fuel consumption and reduces exhaust emissions and noise levels.

All the engines meet the tight EU4 emissions limits. A particulate filter system is available as an option for the diesel units which reduces the particulate emissions by about 99% without the need for additives.

The A-Class is a front wheel drive car and features traction control (ASR) as standard, as well as electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes (ABS).

Handling is improved by precision tracking and anti-roll support, and by a Parabolic Rear Axle.

A "Selective Damping System", in which the shock absorber forces respond differently according to conditions, is standard. For example, under normal conditions it operates at soft absorption; while cornering at speed it changes to full damping force.

The W169 optionally comes with light-alloy wheels, with a run-flat feature, Tirefit tire sealant and a tire-pressure-loss warning device.

A four-day, seven-country tour which officially introduced the car culminated in an event in Milan, in the Castello Sforzesco, where all the touring units were received by a myriad of European personalities from music, fashion, sport and movies. Armani presented a fashion show and Christina Aguilera did a live performance of her song "Hello", composed exclusively for the occasion. The W169 advertising campaign included television spots with Christina Aguilera, Giorgio Armani and Boris Becker.

Sales of the W169 were targeted at 50,000 units in 2004. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, said that target had been reached even before vehicles arrived in dealer showrooms.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class “F-Cell” (2003-)

The "e-mobility Berlin" project will see Daimler deploy a fleet of over 100 second-generation Smart ED and Mercedes A-Class cars powered by lithium ion batteries.^[3]

Facelift

The W169 facelift shown in the spring of 2008 and on the road that year, features redesigned front and rear bumpers, new tail lamps and headlights, new grille, new exterior mirrors, a restyled interior design and new upholsteries and colours. The 2009 A-Class was released alongside the refreshed 2009 M-Class and B-Class. The car is also available with Active Park Assist, which enables the car to parallel park itself, with only throttle and brake inputs required from the driver.

Facelift A 160 5-door   Facelift A 150 3-door   Facelift A 160 5-door

A-Class Special Edition 2009 (2009-)

It is a limited (5500 units) version for all model variants of the A-Class vehicles. It includes BlueEFFICIENCY package, black radiator louvres, 16-inch titanium silver light-alloy wheels in a new 9-spoke design (tyre size 195/55 R16), a "Special Edition" badge on the mirror triangle, two-tone colour scheme in black and grey, Audio 20 radio with CD player and Bluetooth hands-free system and the Light and Sight package with a rain sensor, automatically dimming rear-view mirror, an illuminated vanity mirror in the sun visor, separately adjustable reading lights in the rear, a reading light for the driver and illuminated front foot wells, Seating Comfort package (height-adjustable front passenger seat, seat cushion angle adjustment and lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger). Standard exterior features also include fog lamps and a free choice of metallic paint finish.^[4]

Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL (2010-)

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL was introduced in September 2010 and debuted at the October 2010 Paris Motor Show.^[5][6] The E-Cell has a range of 200 kilometres (120 mi) capable of developing a peak output of 70 kW (94 hp), a continuous power rating of 50 kW (67 hp) and a maximum torque of 290 N·m (214 ft·lbf). The Mercedes A-Class E-Cell can accelerate from 0-60 km/h (37 mph) in 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is 150 km/h (93 mph).^[5][7]

Tesla Motors, as part of its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, is building electric powertrain components for the E-Cell. The 36 kWh battery contains approximately 4,000 individual lithium-ion cells.^[5][8][9] Mercedes has developed a modular system for electric vehicles with battery and fuel-cell. This system allows the efficient use of shared parts in all the brand's electric vehicles. Thanks to the modular approach the electric drive of the A‑Class E‑Cell is also used in the B‑Class F‑Cell, and the energy storage units in the A‑Class EV are the same as the battery in the Smart fortwo electric drive.^[5][7]

A limited production of 500 A-Class E-Cell electric cars will be built, for trial purposes, at the Mercedes Rastatt plant, near Stuttgart beginning in September 2010. As part of a demonstration program, the cars will be leased to selected customers in several European countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Daimler is not planning to sell the electric version outside Europe.^[5][7][10]

Technical data

Specification	A160 CDI	A180 CDI	A200 CDI	A150	A170	A200	A200 Turbo
Length	3,838 mm (151.1 in)	3,838 mm (151.1 in)	3,838 mm (151.1 in)	3,838 mm (151.1 in)	3,838 mm (151.1 in)	3,838 mm (151.1 in)	3,838 mm (151.1 in)
Width	1,764 mm (69.4 in)	1,764 mm (69.4 in)	1,764 mm (69.4 in)	1,764 mm (69.4 in)	1,764 mm (69.4 in)	1,764 mm (69.4 in)	1,764 mm (69.4 in)
Height	1,593 mm (62.7 in)	1,593 mm (62.7 in)	1,595 mm (62.8 in)	1,593 mm (62.7 in)	1,593 mm (62.7 in)		1,595 mm (62.8 in)
Wheelbase	2,568 mm (101.1 in)	2,568 mm (101.1 in)	2,568 mm (101.1 in)	2,568 mm (101.1 in)	2,568 mm (101.1 in)	2,568 mm (101.1 in)	2,568 mm (101.1 in)
Luggage (l)	435-1995	435-1995	435-1995	435-1995	435-1995	435-1995	435-1995
(3 doors)	435-1485	435-1485	435-1485	435-1485	435-1485	435-1485	435-1485
Empty weight (5-doors)	1,325 kg (2,921 lb)	1,345 kg (2,965 lb)	1,365 kg (3,009 lb)	1,225 kg (2,701 lb)	1,240 kg (2,734 lb)		1,305 kg (2,877 lb)
(3 doors)	1,300 kg (2,866 lb)	1,320 kg (2,910 lb)	1,340 kg (2,954 lb)	1,195 kg (2,635 lb)	1,210 kg (2,668 lb)		1,275 kg (2,811 lb)
Tank Capacity	54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal)	54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal)	54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal)	54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal)	54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal)	54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal)	54 L (14.3 US gal; 11.9 imp gal)
Tank Reserve	6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal)	6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal)	6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal)	6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal)	6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal)	6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal)	6 L (1.6 US gal; 1.3 imp gal)
Cylinders	4/in-line 4-valv/cyl	4/in-line 4-valv/cyl	4/in-line 4-valv/cyl	4/in-line 2-valv/cyl	4/in-line 2-valv/cyl	4/in-line 2-valv/cyl	4/in-line 2-valv/cyl
Displacement cc	1991	1991	1991	1498	1699	2034	2034
Motor	2.0L Diesel	2.0L Diesel	2.0L Diesel	1.5L Petrol	1.7L Petrol	2.0 Petrol	2.0 Petrol
Fuel per 100 km	4.9L	5.2L	5.4L	6.2L	6.6L		7.2L
Rated Output kW/ hp/ PS (rpm)	60/82/83 (4200)	80/109/111 (4200)	103/140/142 (4200)	70/95/96 (5200)	85/116/118 (5500)	100/134/136 (5750)	142/193/196 (4850)
Rated Torque	180 N·m (130 lb·ft) (1400-2600)	250 N·m (180 lb·ft) (1600-2600)	300 N·m (220 lb·ft) (1600-2600)	140 N·m (100 lb·ft) (3500-4000)	155 N·m (114 lb·ft) (3500-4000)	185 N·m (136 lb·ft) (3500-4000)	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) (1800-4850)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (sec)	15.0	10.8	9.5	12.6	10.9		8.0
Top Speed km/h	165 km/h (103 mph)	184 km/h (114 mph)	202 km/h (126 mph)	173 km/h (107 mph)	188 km/h (117 mph)	195 km/h (121 mph)	218 km/h (135 mph)
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual	6-speed manual	5-speed manual	5-speed manual		6-speed manual
Wheels	6j x 15	6j x 15	6j x 16	6j x 15	6j x 15	6j x 16	6j x 16
Tires	185/65R15	185/65R15	195/55R16	185/65R15	185/65R15	195/55R16	195/55R16

Specification	W169 (5 door)	W168 (long wheelbase)	W168 (standard)
length	3,838 mm (151.1 in)	3,776 mm (148.7 in)	3,606 mm (142.0 in)
width	1,764 mm (69.4 in)	1,719 mm (67.7 in)	1,719 mm (67.7 in)
height	1,593 mm (62.7 in)	1,589 mm (62.6 in)	1,575 mm (62.0 in)
wheelbase	2,568 mm (101.1 in)	2,593 mm (102.1 in)	2,423 mm (95.4 in)
VDA boot capacity L	435-1370	470-1180	390-1040

Production

As of Dec 04, 2006, 371,700 second generation A-Class model had been sold since September 2004.^[11]

As of Jun 26, 2009, the 750,000th A-Class vehicle was built at Rastatt plant.^[12]

As of Feb 01, 2012, 1 million second generation A-Class model had been delivered since autumn 2004.^[13]

Third generation (W176: 2012–present)

W176

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	2012–present
Body style	5-door hatchback

The third generation of A-Class was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show (8 to 18 March 2012). It is a five door hatchback, different in design from previous A-class.

The European model will go on sale in September 2012.^[14]

Engines

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm, Torque@rpm
A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	1,595 cc (97.3 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL red.)	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)@5000, 200 N·m (148 lbf·ft)@1250–4000
A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	1,595 cc (97.3 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 16 AL)	156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp)@5300, 250 N·m (184 lbf·ft)@1250–4000
A 250 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) I4 turbo (M 270 DE 20 AL)	211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp)@?,

Diesel engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm, Torque@rpm
A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	1,796 cc (109.6 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 18 LA red.)	109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp)@3200–4600, 250 N·m (184 lbf·ft)@1400–2800
A 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	1,796 cc (109.6 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 18 LA)	136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)@3600–4400, 300 N·m (221 lbf·ft)@1600–3000
A 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	2,143 cc (130.8 cu in) I4 turbo (OM 651 DE 22 LA)	170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)@3000–4200, 350 N·m (258 lbf·ft)@1600–3000

Transmissions

Model	Years	Standard	Optional
A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	6-speed manual	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	6-speed manual	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 250 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)	n/a
A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	6-speed manual	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	6-speed manual	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)
A 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY	2012-	7-speed automatic (7G-DCT)	n/a

Production

As of Dec 04, 2006, 1,500,000 A-Class model had been produced from DaimlerChrysler’s Rastatt plant.^[15]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mercedes-Benz A-Class

External links

W169

Press kit:

• The new-generation A-Class
• The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL

v t e « previous — Mercedes-Benz road car timeline, 1980s–present
Class	Model	Body	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
			0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2
Mini	A	Hatch																			W168							W169
Small	B																											W245							W246
Compact	C	Saloon			W201											W202								W203							W204
		Estate																	S202					S203							S204
Executive	E	Saloon	W123					W124										W210							W211							W212
		Limousine	V123										V124																				V212
		Estate	S123						S124										S210							S211							S212
Luxury	S	Saloon	W126											W140								W220							W221
		Limousine	V126											V140								V220							V221
		Pullman	W100																	VF140			VF220										VF221
		Landaulet																		A140
Compact	CLC | C	Coupé																						CL203							CL203
Executive	CLK | E		C123							C124									C208							C209						C207
		Cabriolet												A124						A208							A209						A207
	CLS	Coupé																											W219					W218
Luxury	CL		C107		C126										C140							C215							C216
Sports	SLK	Roadster																			R170							R171					R172
	SL		R107									R129														R230									R231
Exotic	SLS	Coupé																															C197
	SLR																									C199
		Roadster																												R199
		Speedster																														Z199
Small	Vaneo	MPV																							W414
Executive	Viano																		W638								W639
Luxury	R																												V251
Compact	GLK	SUV																													X204
Executive	M																				W163								W164						W166
Luxury	GL																												X164
Utility	G		W460											W461
													W463
	Vito	LCV									MB100								Vito								Vito
	Sprinter		T1															W901 - W905											NCV3
	Vario		T2						T2										W670
Class	Model	Body	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2
			1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s