In 1997, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the very first A-Class to the world which was very out of character for the German automaker. Up until that point, Mercedes-Benz was known for its premium sedans, SUVs and busses, not so much for compact hatch models. However, since then, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has grown in popularity with every new generation.
The current and fourth-generation A-Class is not only offered as a hatch but in sedan guise too. The model has become so significant within the product range, that Mercedes-AMG has created performance derivatives of the small offerings that has since garnered much attention from the media and public.
In this article, we will explain what customers can expect from the two trim levels offered by Mercedes-Benz as well as the Mercedes-AMG derivatives. Please note that the specifications listed below were correct at the time of writing the article and can change at any time, without notice.
Trim levels
Progressive
The Progressive trim is the base level for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. On the exterior, customers can expect a less aggressive design employed on the bumpers and 17-inch wheel options. The interior comes as standard with partial cloth and artificial leather comfort seats with areas such as the door cards and dashboard also clad with matching artificial leather.
Centrally fitted is a 10.25-inch infotainment display that offers customers access to the standard THERMATIC automatic climate control system as well as the comprehensive smartphone integration services. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is supported by the system that also comes with a GPS aerial, E-call System, LTE module MME Connect and digital radio.
The system that can be controlled through voice commands, the central touchpad or multifunction steering wheel and doubles as the reverse camera display, shares a single glass pane with the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The driver further benefits from automatic functions such as cruise control, windscreen wipers and lights.
Safety is taken care of ABS brakes with active brake assist as well as stability and traction control systems. Occupants further benefit from 7 airbags as standard. The driver gains access to a tyre pressure monitoring system, a hill-start assist system and an electro-mechanical parking brake.
AMG-Line
Customers who opt for the AMG-Line trim level, not only benefit from the more performance-oriented bumpers and spoilers but also retains larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior trim also sees a comprehensive upgrade applied with partial suede and leather sport seats fitted. This upholstery theme is carried through to the door trim as well as other areas within the cabin which in the AMG-Line derivative is bathed by the standard ambient lighting system.
This derivative also come fitted with a lowered comfort suspension setup as well as a direct-steer system and multi-link axle. The driver further benefits from DIRECT SELECT shift paddles, a multifunction sports steering wheel clad with Nappa leather and automatically dimming mirrors.
To enhance the driving experience, Mercedes-Benz added adaptive high-beam assist to the LED headlamps as well as a parking pilot system to bolster the standard setup. AMG-Line owners also benefit from a larger, 51-litre fuel tank to increase the driving distance. All of the above additions features as standard over the standard equipment of the Progressive trim level.
Mercedes-AMG A35
For customers in the market for a slightly more powerful solution than the offerings from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG has developed the A35 sedan and hatch models. In addition to the improved powertrain and drivetrain configurations, these models offer sportier exterior styling as well as more standard equipment.
In addition to the standard trim and features found on the Mercedes-Benz derivatives, customers can expect wider wheel arches filled by 18-inch wheels as well as dual exhaust pipes flanking a more aggressive rear diffuser. Underneath the sculpted AMG body, Mercedes-AMG has also incorporated an upgraded AMG suspension system which is controlled through the now-standard AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system.
On the interior customers can expect light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim pieces as well as AMG floor mats and red Designo seat belts to set it apart from its more subdued siblings. The driver further benefits from the AMG Performance steering wheel clad in Nappa leather which also features AMG steering wheel buttons. All these additional features build on top of all the features found in the Progressive and AMG-Line derivatives.
Mercedes-AMG A45s 4Matic+
The Mercedes-AMG A45s is the flagship option in the range and is only available in a hatch body style. This is the most powerful variant of the bunch with styling to match its character. This model sees additional exterior design changes such as a more aggressive rear spoiler, gloss finishes on the front bumper, and the Panamericana grille.
Furthermore, the A45s 4Matic+ derivative also comes standard with larger 19-inch wheels as well as red-painted AMG brake calipers. The interior sees new trim pieces incorporated such as the AMG Performance steering wheel now clad in a combination of Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre. Pilots of the A45s 4Matic+ further benefit from an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as opposed to the 7-speed unit in the other variants as well as the AMG Driver's Package.
