OFFICIAL Official: 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Yes, the MINI is the FWD with the shortest overhangs. About all the other FWD hatches I don't know, and having seen the A Class I don't think its overhang it that huge compared to many other. The A3 is like the A Class.

There is one other way how to have a FWD car with short overhangs: like my Alfa 145. It had a boxer 4 engine, it was very short.

MINI is not the case ... it's not the same segment. It's sub-compact. The debate is about compact class (Golf, Focus, Astra, A3, 1er, A-class etc etc).

Yes I know. And that was my point, only MINI is a FWD with a short front overhang, but its not in the same segment. In the compact class there is no FWD hatch with a short front overhang. And unlike my old Alfa 145 Boxer, even the Subaru Imrpeza has a long overhang for a flat4 engine.

I like it better with facts, so here are the sizes of the front overhangs:

BMW 1 Series : 765 mm
Mercedes A Class : 906 mm
Audi A3 : 869 mm

The A Class has a 3,7 cm longer fornt overhang than the A3.

Interior design: Extraordinary perceived value

The starting point for the interior design was the interior sculpture "Mercedes-Benz Aesthetics No. 2" presented at the Detroit Motor Show in 2011 and which directed attention to the new Mercedes-Benz design language in the vehicle interior, too. The first concrete implementation of this was shown in April 2011 with the "Concept A-CLASS".

"The inspiration from aircraft design is continued in the A-Class", explains designer Jan Kaul. "The instrument panel is clearly divided into an upper part inspired on a wing profile and a muscular lower section. This creates the impression that the upper section is supported by a muscle."

The process used for the production of this muscle allows diverse soft surface textures. It is thus possible to create different surface appearances with an attractive play of lights thanks to three-dimensional structures embedded in foil.

"The interior of the A-Class represents a big step forward in terms of quality – both in the materials used and in the consistency of the design" says Kaul. Both objectives have been achieved with the help of a specific design idiom and through the various combination options possible with the high-quality materials selected. All trim elements have been given an electroplated finish, resulting in real metal surfaces with "cool touch" effect. The work has been executed with considerable care and attention to detail, so that they appear to have been moulded in one piece.

The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. "Like brilliant jewels they underscore the superior quality of the vehicle interior", explains Kaul. The outer rings of the round vents have a high-quality electroplated finish. The airflow direction is governed by an insert that is reminiscent of an aircraft turbine and reveals a meticulous attention to detail. This too has an electroplated finish in silver-chrome. The free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and a flush-fitting silver frame.

The instrument cluster comprises two large round instruments, each with a small dial set within it. When at rest, the dial needles stand at 6 o'clock. The pointer inlays are in white, although with the sportier design and equipment lines such as Urban and AMG Sport they are in red. The dials on the sporty equipment lines and packages are coloured silver with a chequered flag effect. The 3-spoke steering wheel comes with 12 function buttons and an electroplated bezel.

The centre dome and console, as well as the positioning of the various elements such as the head unit, lower control panel, air conditioning operating unit, stowage compartments, rotary pushbutton and armrest, reflect the findings of the ergonomics experts at Mercedes-Benz.

An extensive range of seat coverings, in terms of material (e.g. leather, fabric, ARTICO/fabric), colour combination and also geometry, provides scope for a broad range of individualisation options. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available with all optional design and equipment lines. The sporty nature of the seats is emphasized by the opening between the upper edge of the seat backrest and the head restraint. On the back of the front seats this opening is edged with a frame in silver chrome and, in conjunction with the Light and Sight package, can also feature ambient lighting.

Designer Jan Kaul sums up: "If you were to take a seat in the A-Class with your eyes closed – you would never think, upon opening your eyes, that you were sitting in a compact-class vehicle."

Source: Daimler

Aerodynamics: Saving fuel the aerodynamic way

With a drag coefficient (Cd) value of 0.27, the aerodynamic experts at Mercedes-Benz succeeded in creating another masterpiece with the A-Class. And the A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition due to follow later is even able to exceed this record for hatchback vehicles: thanks to a number of aerodynamic enhancements, this beacon of efficiency achieves a Cd value of 0.26.

Countless flow simulation studies on the computer and a great deal of fine tuning in the wind tunnel resulted in a clear goal: to enhance the basic shape of the A-Class design further, with a view to achieving an exceptional drag coefficient. This is no easy task, particularly for a hatchback model with a short rear overhang. But an improvement in the Cd value of just one hundredth will reduce fuel consumption by one tenth of a litre per 100 km when driving on the motorway at approx. 120 km/h. Based on NEDC figures, this corresponds to a CO2 reduction of one gram per kilometre.

With a Cd value of 0.27 and a frontal area of 2.20 m2, the drag area (CdA) is less than 0.6 m2 – a benchmark figure for hatchback vehicles in this segment.

The detailed work behind this development is highlighted by the following examples:

• The distinctive side spoilers next to the rear window ("finlets") help to create a run-on design which significantly reduces the disruptive longitudinal vortices generated at the D-pillars.
• Flow losses at the front wheel arches have been reduced substantially with the aid of patented serrated wheel spoilers at front and rear, slots in the wheel arches and optimised hub caps. These measures result in improved wind flow around the wheel arches.
• The A-Class has an adjustable radiator shutter, already familiar in larger model series. The louvres behind the radiator grille are for the most part closed when there is no specific need for cooling air.
• The underbody has also been aerodynamically enhanced: the main floor panel features extensive cladding up to the rear wheel arch, followed by additional cladding of the rear axle. The rear silencer has also undergone aerodynamic optimisation.
• The new A-Class features exterior mirrors which have been optimised in terms of a number of details and already proven their excellent aerodynamic properties in large model series such as the S, E and C-Class, and also the B-Class. The position of the exterior mirror is adjusted in respect of the A-pillar in such a way that the airflow is directed along the side window without any significant interference or disruption.

The exterior mirrors and the low stepped height of the A-pillars reflect the fact that the work conducted in the wind tunnel was not just about optimising the flow conditions, but also about minimising wind noise. And in addition to aerodynamics and aeroacoustics, there is often another discipline to consider: in terms of water management too, the flow around the exterior mirrors and the A-pillars also has to be optimised in the wind tunnel in order to guarantee good visibility is maintained towards the rear and at the sides during wet weather.

More than with previous model series, in the case of the A-Class the aerodynamics experts at Mercedes-Benz made particular use of flow simulation (CFD, Computational Fluid Dynamics): each component was first improved over several cycles using flow simulation before having its aerodynamic properties put to the test in the wind tunnel.

Digital flow simulation is based on so-called finite volumes as a mathematical model. A volume net is formed from around 60 million hexahedrons, or cubes, and is based around the CAD data of the new A-Class. This enables the driving cycle to be simulated over a free area in a large virtual wind tunnel. The Mercedes engineers generate the airflow using a predetermined turbulence level.

Setting new standards in terms of Cd value and consumption: BlueEFFICIENCY Edition

Due to follow later is the A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition boasting even better consumption levels. It is among the most efficient vehicles of its class: thanks to a series of additional aerodynamic optimisation measures, it has been possible to reduce its Cd value from 0.27 (standard model) to 0.26.

These measures include:

• partially covering the upper part of the radiator grille
• aerodynamically shaped spring link coverings to improve the underbody airflow at the rear axle
• lowering of the suspension by 15 mm
• Text: Source: Daimler

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http://blog.mercedes-benz-passion.com/2012/07/die-neue-a-klasse-wir-fuhren-den-angreifer-als-a250-blueefficiency-und-211-ps-mit-350-nm/&act=url
http://mercedes-benz-blog.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-mercedes-benz-class-aerodynamics.html

All Marketing talk. Pretty worthless imo (no offense Wolfgang)

I've seen, and sat in the new A yesterday or the day before. Don't like it at all. The front is ok, but the back is a Citroen, and the car looks incredibly bloated in real life.

Yes, other than the many hard technical and scientific facts explaining features of the A-Class which help it save fuel, nothing but "marketing talk".

I'm glad your sarcasm detector is working today.

Job #1 rolled off the line in Rastatt today.

Mercedes has so far received 40,000 orders for the new A-Class.







http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http://blog.mercedes-benz-passion.com/2012/07/neue-a-klasse-in-rastatt-von-band-gelaufen-uber-40-000-vorbestellungen/#more-100071&act=url

As always Wolf is on it!

M

Wolf is like our version of SCOTT, but without all the marketing BS cluttering up his posts.

Compact SUV to be next model from Rastatt.


http://www.germancarforum.com/community/threads/mercedes-benz-mini-suv-a-k-a-gla-blk.20691/page-9

Start of production at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant: First New A-Class Rolls Off the Production Line

• Dr Dieter Zetsche: "This start of production marks a further milestone in our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy."
• Dr Wolfgang Bernhard: "Thanks to the joint architecture we can flexibly produce all models of our new compacts on the same production line at the respective site."
• Daimler invests total of €1.2 billion in Rastatt plant
• Compact SUV to be next model from Rastatt

Rastatt, Germany – In the light of the motto "the pulse of a new generation", the first new Mercedes-Benz A-Class rolled off the production line today at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant. The A-Class is the company's second new compact model, following the start of production of the new B-Class at Rastatt in September 2011 and at the new Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét, Hungary at the end of March 2012.

"This start of production marks a further milestone in our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy. The A-Class represents our offensive in the compact segment", said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "And there is more to come: The compact SUV will be the third model we will build here in Rastatt."

Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Manufacturing & Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans: "We are on a roll in manufacturing as well: Hard on the heels of the new B-Class, we are now producing the totally new A-Class for our customers. Thanks to the joint architecture, we can flexibly produce all models of our new compacts on the same production line at the respective site."

Daimler is investing a total of around €1.2 billion in the Rastatt plant for the production of the new compact models. In a first wave of expansion, €600 million were used e.g. for the construction of a new bodyshell building and for tools, and a further €600 million will follow this and next year for a second wave of expansion. These new investments are slated for modifications of the assembly and corresponding equipment installations in the bodyshell production.

Another €400 million will be invested in the powertrain plants this and next year for production of components solely used in the new compact models. A total of 900 new permanent jobs have been created at Rastatt since 2010, 500 of them in 2012 alone. The plant is thus responding to the ongoing high demand, and continues to grow with the new generation of compact cars.

Since the start of sales in mid-June more than 40.000 customers have already ordered the new A-Class. More than 70.000 vehicles of the new B-Class were delivered to customers since its market launch in November 2011, "Demand for our premium compact cars is so strong that we are going to to introduce a third assembly shift in October 2012", said Peter Wesp, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant. "Our team in Rastatt is doing a fantastic job, and we are very proud of their achievements." The number of trainee positions has been increased to 70 per year.

About the new A-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sets new standards in the compact segment: exceptionally emotive in its visual design, dynamic with engine power ratings ranging from 80 kW (109 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), highly efficient with emissions from 98 g CO2/km and a best-in-class drag coefficient value of 0.27. The new A-Class underlines at the same time that safety is not a matter of price at Mercedes-Benz – among others, the radar-supported COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system comes as standard equipment. Prices in Germany start from €23,978.50 (incl. 19% VAT) for the A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY.

About the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt

The Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant was inaugurated in 1992. The first production model was the E-Class, made until 1996. Series production of the A-Class, which established the premium compact car segment, began in 1997. Unit sales of the A-Class reached 1.1 million until 2004, when the second generation was introduced.

The team at Rastatt has now made more than a million units of the successor generation. 2005 saw the arrival of another model, the B-Class, over 700,000 of which were supplied to customers all around the world over the following six years. The Rastatt plant is the company’s centre of competence for Mercedes-Benz compact cars. In September 2011 the new B-Class went into production at Rastatt as the first of the new compact car models.

The new generation of compact cars comprises the A-Class, the B-Class and a further three sporty and emotive vehicles, including a coupé and an SUV. These five new compact models are built in a production network of the Mercedes-Benz plants in Rastatt and Kecskemét, Hungary, which opened at the end of March 2012. The Rastatt plant will produce three of the five models: the new A-Class, the B-Class as well as the compact SUV.

Text: Daimler

MB Passion took a pic of the standard TIREFIT kit.




AUX heat/vent (Standheizung) remote start key on the right


standard TIREFIT kit

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http://blog.mercedes-benz-passion.com/2012/07/neue-a-klasse-detailbilder-ausstattungen/&act=url

http://www.germancarforum.com/commu...2013-first-drives-reviews-thread.44033/page-2

What is that other key in the photo?


M

I would say that's for the webasto.

MB offers remote start, but not in the US .

The extra AUX heat/vent (Standheizung) button was also mentioned in this thread recently:
http://www.germancarforum.com/community/threads/official-2013-mercedes-benz-gl-class.44059/page-7

MB may be planning an A-Class sedan.


A-Class Sedan for China and India -- Source: Focus Magazin

Compare:


Concept Style Coupe (2013 CLA) -- Source: BILD

Daimler Expands Production Capacities for the New Mercedes-Benz A-Class

• Very positive resonance of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class – more than 40,000 orders to date
• Agreement on contract manufacturing with Finnish production specialist Valmet Automotive

Due to the very positive resonance of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Daimler will expand production capacities for the model. The company thus signed an agreement with the Finnish Supplier Valmet Automotive. According to the agreement, Valmet will produce more than 100,000 units for Daimler from 2013 through 2016. The company has received more than 40,000 A-Class orders to date. Market launch will be in mid-September.
http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-7153-1-1515604-1-0-0-0-0-0-16694-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

“We are very excited to manufacture for one of the world’s most recognized automotive brands”, said Ilpo Korhonen, President of Valmet Automotive. “Our capability to rapidly launch the production benefits from our expertise in process engineering and profound experience of demanding manufacturing projects and was essential in coming to an agreement with Daimler. We are looking forward to create further success through our high quality performance. We already have a long term, well established customer relationship with Daimler through our roof manufacturing business in Germany and Poland where Daimler is one of our key customers.”
http://www.valmet-automotive.com/automotive/bulletin.nsf/pebd/A05F4305111CB80FC2257A4500325A70

Hi all, I'm new here.

I've just ordered an A180 AMG Sport for delivery in January. Have to make a choice over colour very soon, being either Cosmos Black or Mountain Grey. Seen plenty of promo pics of the car in grey, but does anyone have links to a picture in Black (preferably in AMG Sport trim).

Whilst I like the look of the grey, my last two cars have been grey, and now looking to go for a change.

BTW - did really want one in white, but the lease deal I was offered had to be in metallic !

Thanks all.

Best looking car in it's segment...!
For me it's a good feeling and good to know, that the smallest of all the Benzes isn't ugly anymore (like the Old A-Klasse was in my opinion). Now I can park my car next to it without any feelings of dissapointment and asking myself: "why doesn't Mercedes-Benz has got a nice looking compact car?".