A-Class [Official] Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176)

[Wolfgang]

Will likely be upgradeable. Thought the previous answer implied that.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Are there any decent A-class forums?

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Also anywhere where I can check out A250 Sport AMG's in different colours?

 

[Wolfgang]

The configurator on www.mercedes-benz.de lets you select the A250 Sport with different colors.

Here's more on the iPhone integration, which **may** also work with the iPhone 5:

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/Mercedes-Drive-Kit-Plus-Well-Thought-Smartphone-Integration_a3870.html
http://www.benzblogger.com/2012/10/iphone-5-and-the-mercedes-benz-iphone-cable.html

Bonus point for the first user report running the Digital DriveStyle app on an iPhone 5 and successfully connecting via the Lightning to the Drive Kit Plus.

 

[Tumbo]

I really like the new A-class. I do. But I also understand the people that say it looks like a Citroen, cause it does. But a CItroen designs nice cars, and plus the premium add to it, with the nice interior and all, woila!
But I read all the negative press reviews... Swedish press hates it! Just dont get that. It looks as good, or even better then the A3, and the 1er I dont even want to compare to. It's like Pamela Anderson vs Shrek.
So, more love for the A!

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The British press has been loving the looks, which is a damn surprise!

Thanks Wolf for the information.

With respect to the colours, I'm actually after live pictures rather than the configurator, which I've already tried. The configurator is always somewhat deceiving.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Mr. Mercedes, the iPhone supports PAN and so will COMAND Online, starting in 2013.

Another connectivity option for COMAND Online (I'd choose with what the dealer phone tech is most comfortable with -- that's what I do), is MB order code 386 comfort phone. MB Accessories released a Bluetooth module recently which one just sticks onto the connector in the center armrest. The module then connects via Bluetooth to COMAND Online and also your iPhone; and also has an optional SIM card slot, in case one doesn't want to use the phone for data traffic. Here's a pic:

MB Passion

Drive Kit Plus - My dealer confirmed it will be a dealership accesory IF it is made avaialble in Australia.

Command Online - So that bluetooth module actually connects to your phone and get's Command Online working with the iPhone? Do phone calls etc. to your phone still come through as normal?

 

[lukeswiss]

I saw one parked yesterday, looked lovely. Of course it could still be any brand of car.

 

[Wolfgang]

Good to hear MB Australia may make the Drive Kit Plus available.

Do phone calls etc. to your phone still come through as normal?

Yes, and while using COMAND Online at the same time.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Wolf, my dealer has confirmed the comfort phone option is not available in Australia. So until MB sorts out the Command Online system, there's no command online internet for Australian iPhone (and most other smart phone) users.

 

[Monster]

Wolf, my dealer has confirmed the comfort phone option is not available in Australia. So until MB sorts out the Command Online system, there's no command online internet for Australian iPhone (and most other smart phone) users.

Do you have any more questions mate, I am going to the show tomorrow.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Just one...can you take me with?

The thing I would really like confirmation on is that the A-class Command Online System for cars delivered in March be able to pair with the iPhone and other smart phones. Currently anyone in Australia with Command Online and an iphone or other smart phone, which is pretty much every Mercedes owner, has a useless online system.

Also if you could ask about Drive Kit Plus, that would be awesome.

Enjoy the show.

 

[Wolfgang]

Some recent remarks from Jerry Stamoulis.

Mercedes-Benz Australia’s Jerry Stamoulis said the brand expected the technology to be available in the A-Class range in Australia, but said the full specifications of our car were still to be finalised.

Stamoulis said Mercedes-Benz Australia did not view the Drive Kit Plus for Apple iPhone as a “nice-to-have” feature, but as a “must-have” feature, insisting it was right up the alley of the car’s demographic, which he described as iPhone users and those in-touch with social networks, as well as people after a fuel-efficient small car with strong performance.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/160356/mercedes-benz-a-class-takes-iphone-integration-to-new-levels/

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Thanks Wolf. The article is quite old (February 2012) and they STILL haven't been able to confirm Drive Kit Plus for Australia. I've been told it's due to legalities rather than technical issues. I do take comfort in the fact that it is a dealer fitted accessory though so when it's available I should be able to fit it.

Now all I want is an unwavering, 'yes your March delivered A-class Command Online will work with your iPhone' and I'll be happy.

 

[Wolfgang]

Have an update on the A250 SPORT.

Mercedes-Benz A 250 SPORT comes with 10 kW power boost

Mercedes-Benz has not released much data about the SPORT model of the new A-Class, with 350 Nm and 211 hp it's similar to the standard model A 250 BE, which would have no added value.

What Mercedes-Benz has not talked about muchly: The A250 SPORT has something that the standard model of the A250 SPORT does not: the vehicle has, in addition to enhanced electronics, an added value that shows technically: In boost mode the model has a (temporary) increase in power of 10 kW over the standard model.

In our direct road test comparison in Slovenia the boost at full throttle was noted in any case, which was the subject of on-site discussions. Last week Mercedes-Benz confirmed again that the production version of the A250 SPORT will receive the boost power of 10kW.

The SPORT version hangs nicely on the pedal, and the sound from the mufflers is also much stronger than the normal A250, which sounds moderate in comparison. The SPORT features different tires: 235/40R18 all around instead of 225/45R17. The A 250 SPORT is "Engineered by AMG" and not only is the 7G-DCT standard, the model is also most closely related to the CONCEPT A-Class show car. The vehicle comes with its own individual front axle engineered by AMG, and the entire automobile is tuned to fit.

This included subtle visual modifications and a distinctive sporty interior design with sports seats and sports steering wheel (By the way the A 45 AMG is celebrating its premiere in Q1 2013). The A 250 SPORT with 155kW/211 HP has a starting price of € 36,860.25 - the standard A 250 starts with 33,498.50 euros base price.

The first vehicles have already been delivered, but apparently there is currently a change in the braking system, which may result in some delivery delays. Initially first deliveries were planned from December 2012.
Translated from the MB Passion Blog

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Great...power boost...but delivery delays as well!

If it's got a 10kw power boost why is the 155kw rating still the same as the efficiency model?

Do you have a source to the article wolf?

 

[Wolfgang]

The 10 kW/13.4 hp boost is available temporarily under full throttle (up to 30 seconds).
That's probably why MB doesn't add it to the total.

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http:///2012/10/der-a-250-sport-10-kw-mehrleistung-im-boost/&act=url

 

[Wolfgang]

New A booms. Daimler has to add third shift.

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http:///2012/10/die-neue-a-klasse-boomt-zusatzliche-schicht-fur-die-montage-im-werk-rastatt/&act=url

PS. The A 220 CDI SPORT with 170 hp starts in the spring of 2013.

 

[Wolfgang]

Found some earlier reviews talking about the boost.

Under the bonnet the Sport gets an overboost function that adds 11kW at throttle openings above 4000rpm. The function delivers the extra power (but not extra torque) for up to 30secs. A new muffler and modified exhaust design delivers the trademark 'boof' on gearchanges that the GTI set so cherishes.

http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2012/prestige-and-luxury/mercedes-benz/a-class/mercedes-benz-a-250-sport-quick-spin-31167

A250 Sport has an overboost function to achieve and additional 11kW over the ‘normal’ output when in sport mode. The petrol engines are all direct injection with a new cam system called Camtronic that alters valve lift on the inlet side and also has cylinder cut-off for fuel savings. It’s the first time this system has been used in a production car.

Mercedees-Benz A-Class 2012 Review

But it didn’t take much time behind the wheel for us to see the light. The 2.0-liter four has an overboost function that delivers up to 225 hp for as long as 30 seconds. Top speed is not governed as it is in the regular A250; the A250 Sport will break the 155-mph barrier.

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-class First Drive – Review – Car and Driver

 

[Wolfgang]

A 250 SPORT -- Engineered by AMG in cirrus white.

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http:///2012/07/der-a-250-sport-neue-impressionen-des-fahrzeuges/&act=url