Mercedes-Benz Malaysia teased two new models over the weekend, and the images are above. One says “Time to speed up your day” and the other says “Discover a class of your own.” What could these two new ‘Coming Soon’ contestants be?
The turbocharged car comes with the caption “Make a statement on the road. Experience the ultimate driving pleasure and exhilaration that seamlessly introduces you to the exciting world of Mercedes-AMG”, which is why we know it’s an AMG model. The other caption to the post reads: “Meet your new everyday companion and add a touch of class to your ride. From intuitive technology to cozy luxury – make your everyday something special.”
Our guess is that this is the Class A facelift, which first appeared in October 2022. Currently, the A-Class is sold in Malaysia mainly as the V177 sedan with three variants: A200 Progressive Line, A250 AMG Line and AMG A35 4Matic, all of which are locally assembled CKDs. The only way to get the W177 hatchback is to take the big step to the CBU-imported AMG A45S 4Matic+.
One detail that might have made the sneak peek harder to guess is the LED daytime running lights: the ones here are single-fronted, whereas this generation of A-Class is known for Inverted L-shaped DRL. Well, that’s one of the biggest changes for the facelift, which is otherwise very minor.
Revisions include new headlights (optional LEDS) that have been slightly reshaped and feature the new DRL signature. Elsewhere, the bumper has a different lower intake shape, while the hexagonal main grille has been resized.
The non-AMG standard package look features small “side inlets” on the trim and a black grille insert. With the AMG package, the bumper sports a more expressive ‘A-wing profile’, larger false side air intakes and a grille filled with tiny three-pointed stars. At the rear, the AMG package sports false corner outlets and a diffuser element sandwiched by chrome exhaust finishers.
Both the hatch and sedan retain their taillight shapes, but the LED signatures have been tweaked, just like on the front. All facelifted A-Class variants, AMG package or not, have two power bonnet bulges.
Inside, it’s a familiar dash layout, but the touchpad linked to the infotainment system has left the center console vacant. In its place is a shallow storage cubby, buttons to access Dynamic Select and parking assist systems, a volume dial and a new fingerprint sensor. The latter allows for quick biometric driver authentication, but we’re not sure if it will be available in Malaysia.
The linked screens are powered by the latest version of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which offers a range of connected services, compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as selectable display styles. With the optional Driver Assistance Package, Lane Keeping Assist is enhanced with the support of Active Steering Control. The parking package now supports longitudinal parking and offers, among other things, a 360-degree camera with 3D images.
Under the hood, all gasoline engines now come with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that integrates a Belt-Driven Starter Generator (RSG), providing up to 14hp of starting assistance and improving coasting. Complete details about the W177/V177 Class A renewal here.
There are no changes to the output for the facelifted AMG models – the hatchback-only A45S 4Matic+ persists with 421PS/500Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 270km/h. The ‘normal’ S version with 387 PS/480 Nm has been scrapped.
As for the A35 4Matic, available as a sedan and hatchback, the M260 engine wins the RSG of lesser models, but quoted outputs remain unchanged at 306 PS/400 Nm. However, the previous seven-speed AMG Speedshift 7G dual-clutch transmission has been replaced by an eight-speed unit. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h, both unchanged. More about high performance models here.
For a summary of outgoing A-Class models in Malaysia, see the A200 Progressive Line, A250 AMG Line and AMG A35 4Matic sedans as well as AMG A45S 4Matic+ hatchback. Stay tuned for the imminent release.
GALLERY: 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift
GALLERY: 2023 Mercedes-AMG A45S 4Matic+ facelift
GALLERY: 2023 Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic facelift
