While flexible finance options have existed amongst premium automakers for years, the current economic situation has consumers and motoring journalists alike searching for ways to lower personal mobility costs. We attended an event recently that explained Mercedes-Benz's Agility Finance programme, which may be a good option for those looking to enter the brand.
Related: Mercedes-AMG A-Class Rules the Streets
Updated A-Class
We will not delve too deeply into the updated A-Class range as we are in the process of testing the current range and will share our opinions on them soon. Aesthetically, the updated A-Class gets reshaped LED headlights, a redesigned grille with a star pattern, four new alloy wheel designs, a new rear diffuser and LED rear lights.
The interior now features a 7.0-inch digitised instrument cluster and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen as standard, with a 10.25-inch cluster display as an option. The MBUX infotainment software has been updated, too, with new colours, themes, functions and better performance. Various packages offer several features in one option, like the Driver Assistance Package with Lane Keeping Assist with Active Steering Control or the Parking Package, which supports longitudinal parking and includes a 360-degree car visualisation when parking.
Model lineup
The lineup remains similar, with the A200 petrol being the entry point. Its 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine produces 120 kW and 250 Nm in both the hatchback and sedan variants. There's a diesel variant available, too, in the form of the A200d; it produces 110 kW and 320 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbodiesel powerplant, and again, it is available as either a sedan or a hatchback.
The AMG models still include the A 35 AMG 4MATIC and A 45 S 4MATIC+, with the former being available in hatchback and sedan flavours. The A 35 now features a 48-volt in addition to its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with a total outputs of 225 kW and 400 Nm. The flagship A 45 S 4MATIC+ produces a potent 310 kW and 500 Nm from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, allowing for a sub-4.0-second 0-100km/h time!
Agility Finance
Mercedes has a product that allows customers to select their mileage and payment terms while offering what the brand calls 'Guaranteed Future Value'. The Guaranteed Future Value represents an upfront commitment by Mercedes-Benz to the vehicle's value, which is how the brand can ensure the lower monthly instalments and shorter finance terms that make the products a bit more attainable. The terms for this product range from 12 to 60 months, with the advertised prices consistently reflecting a 36-month term.
Customers choosing the product over 36 months will have a 0.25% interest rate reduction in the second and third years of their finance contract for timely monthly payments. At the end of the chosen finance term, customers can decide whether to renew and get a new car, retain the current car, or return the vehicle. These conditions are all subject to the car's fair wear and tear and mileage within the specified limits.
The biggest drawbacks of premium brands such as Mercedes are their initial cost and eventual depreciation, which appear to be addressed with this product. However, it will not be for everyone as there are mileage restrictions (20 000 km per year) and a deposit requirement (10%), and you're stuck with the brand for the foreseeable future, too, all of which are likely not to be an issue for many but are key considerations.
At the launch event, we could drive two models, an A200 AMG Line hatchback, which worked out to R14 399 per month* on Agility Finance versus R17 844 using traditional finance**. The A200 we drove was specified to the tune of R968 459 for reference.
Similarly, the AMG A45 S we drive was listed at R1 695 903 with options and works out to R25 199 per month* versus R31 247 per month using traditional finance**. It certainly works to be more affordable for those happy with this sort of financial arrangement.
*Calculated using Agility Finance with a 10% deposit over 36 months
**Calculated using a 10% deposit over 72 months with an interest rate of 13.75% as per the AutoTrader finance calculator.
Pricing
Hatchback
A 200 R 791 550
Sedan
A 200: R 846 550
A 200 d: R 916 200
AMG
Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Sedan: R 1 128 750
Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Hatch: R 1 234 550
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Hatch: R 1 381 550
