2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan review, first drive

Mercedes-Benz has launched the updated A-Class sedan in India following its global unveil late last year. Compared to the outgoing model, the list of changes isn’t very extensive and most of them are hard to spot. We drove the A 200, which is the petrol variant, to closely examine what’s new.

Starting with the nose, there’s a new three-pointed star mesh pattern for the grille which is flanked by LED headlights that get reworked internals and an LED light strip that acts as the DRL replacing the boomerang-shaped one seen on the outgoing model.

Subtle bulges have been added to the bonnet, adding a dash of muscle to the front section. There are new 17-inch alloy wheels, but since they look extremely similar to the ones they replace, it’s hard to tell the difference. Towards the rear, the tail lamps get revised LED lighting to bring them in line with Merc’s latest design language.

The most obvious change on the inside is the new steering wheel, similar to the one in the current generation C-Class. Compared to the earlier A’s steering wheel with touch pads on either side with physical controls for functions like audio volume, this one features a greater degree of touch-based control.

Interacting with physical scrollers for functions like volume and cruise control speed adjustment certainly felt more intuitive than the touch-based controls present on the new steering wheel. Mercedes has omitted the touch pad and wrist rest for operating the infotainment, replacing it with a small storage space making for a cleaner-looking centre console.

A welcome addition comes in the form of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The dual-screen setup with 10.25-inch displays for the driver and infotainment functions has been carried forward. The driver’s screen, though, gets new themes, including a new layout if the ‘Sporty’ style is selected.

Highlights of the features list include a large sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats with lumbar support and memory function for both, two-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, and ambient lighting. In terms of safety, there are seven airbags, and driver assistance functions like forward collision warning with auto braking, adaptive high beam assist, parking assist and more.

Entry/exit is completely keyless with the presence of request sensors on all four door handles and gesture-based opening of the boot. With the Digital Key Handover feature, the owner can leave the key fob inside the car and deactivate it via the smartphone app. The vehicle can be locked and unlocked and the key fob can be activated remotely.

A 200 continues with the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol mated to a 7-speed DCT. While max power remains the same at 163bhp, peak torque has gone up from 250Nm to 270Nm. However, the 0-100kmph acceleration figure of 8.3s has not changed.

The experience from behind the wheel isn’t discernibly different. It remains a very comfortable car, even over bad roads, and the powertrain performs admirably both in the city and on highways without giving users a reason to complain. It’s not an engaging car to drive per se, but delivers on the promise of being a comfortable everyday luxury car. The diesel variant will be launched in Q4, 2023.

At this price point, the alternatives to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class include the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the entry-level Audi A4. The updates for 2023 may not be very significant, but that doesn’t take anything away from the fact that the A-Class Limousine was and remains a very appealing package in the entry-level luxury space, offering buyers style, comfort, features, tech and an easy-going driving experience.

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan specifications

• Engine 1,332cc, 4-cyl, turbo petrol
• Power 163bhp@5,500rpm
• Max torque 270Nm@2,000-3,500rpm
• Gearbox 7-speed DCT
• LxWxH 4,558x1,796x1,429mm
• Wheelbase 2,729mm
• 0-100kmph 8.3s
• Top speed 230kmph

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan price in India

• Mercedes-Benz A 200 Rs 45.80 lakh (ex-showroom)