Mercedes-Benz A-Class Plug-in Hybrid To Debut In 2019

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Plug-in Hybrid To Debut In 2019

The new W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class looks set to receive a plug-in hybrid variant, according to an Autocar UK report. The A-Class PHEV will likely wear the brand鈥檚 EQ Power badge, and join the existing line-up of petrol and diesel offerings. With zero-emissions plug-in capability, the upcoming model will rival against the Audi A3 e-tron. Prototypes of the A-Class PHEV have been sighted undergoing testing ahead of its possible debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in September. As the name suggests, it will get all-wheel drive, with the combustion engine powering the front wheels and electric motor exclusively channeling drive to the rear axle. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz said even though there are plans to roll out plug-in hybrid versions of the A-Class, a pure electric variant is not in the works despite the newly-developed MFA2 platform being able to accommodate an electric powertrain. Instead, such a model will be part of the EQ line-up and be called the EQA, which joins the EQC SUV and a possible EQS later on. In Malaysia, introduction of the W177 A-Class has been delayed, reportedly due to production issues which have delayed the market deployment of the hatchback on a global level.

It will likely go on sale here by year-end at the earliest. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Interieur: AMG Line nevagrau/schwarz, Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Interieur: AMG Line nevagrau/schwarz, Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse. Exterieur: Digital white pearl Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse, Edition 1. Exterieur: designo mountaingrau magno Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Edition1. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse, Edition 1. Exterieur: designo mountaingrau magno Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Edition1. Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse, Edition 1. Exterieur: designo mountaingrau magno Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Edition1.

Mercedes-Benz would like you to believe that the all-new A-Class is the 鈥渞ebel鈥?of its passenger car range, but nothing could be further from the truth - at least not where the petrol-powered variants are concerned. The A200 Urban I drove recently, for instance, is imbued with all the traits one would expect to find in a Mercedes. It has a stylish and refined cabin, and the car rides comfortably even on sports suspension. Plus, despite its dual-clutch gearbox, the A200 continues to perform in a relaxed manner even when the manual override function is utilised. Apart from the youthful, sporty design, there鈥檚 nothing really un-Mercedes about the A-Class. It鈥檚 a different story with the A220 CDI, however. Unlike the A200 and A250 Sport, which have smooth-revving 1.6-litre and 2-litre petrol engines respectively, the 2.1-litre turbo-diesel in the A220 is quite uncouth. Like an old-school oil-burner, it clatters when started, and sounds like a taxi at low speeds.

If you were expecting one of those advanced diesel units that are as quiet as their petrol counterparts, you鈥檒l be disappointed here. Now, while the A220 is coarse at low speeds, its acceleration is nothing short of delightful compared to the A200. With 170bhp and 350Nm (14bhp and 100Nm more than the A200), the A220 feels punchier and more effortless. And while the 7-speed dual-clutch in the A200 displays a lackadaisical response, it鈥檚 more urgent here. There鈥檚 less hesitation when moving off from a standstill and the manual override feels quicker, too. But because diesel engines are heavier than their petrol counterparts, the A220 weighs 40kg more than the A200. The A220 thus requires slightly more steering lock to get its nose to tuck in. Apart from this, the overall handling remains tidy. The diesel unit鈥檚 clatter vanishes once the engine reaches its operating temperature. Although the A220 feels speedier and has a more responsive gearbox, its century sprint timing of 8.2 seconds is surprisingly no quicker than that of the A200鈥檚. But when it comes to frugality, the A220 is clearly superior. Over a four-day test-drive, I easily managed a combined consumption figure of 17km per litre. Although this is still far from the manufacturer鈥檚 claimed figure of 23.8km per litre, it was achieved with a heavy right foot and without the use of the start-stop function, which is more jarring here than in the A200. The A220 might not be as polished as its petrol-powered siblings, but this is part of what makes it the 鈥渂lack sheep鈥?of the Mercedes family. For buyers who fancy themselves as rebels with a cause, they would certainly stand out by opting for this diesel model.