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

[BW_Merc]

alebonau: red a250 and command pack
clip : mountain grey a250
mercer.dk : black a250
kdcorp : mountain grey a250
fortuner : red a220cdi
tonoboon : black a250
gumpy: White A200 (Command, Exclusive, Vision) Sept/Oct ETA
joyjas: White A250 (Command, Exclusive, Driver Assist)(Sep 24 ETA) Updated ETA from Dealer
frostee White A250 (mid Aug ETA)
bknight: White A250 (Command & AMG Executive pack) (Aug ETA)
TuNeS: White A250 (Mid June ETA)
db.: White A250 (Command & AMG Exclusive) - June 20th
kaktusdigital: White A250 (Command - Early Aug)
Shillo: Mountain Grey A250 (Command, AMG Exclusive, Driver Assist) Oct/Nov
Duds: Blue A250 (Command & AMG Exclusive Pack). Aug
Mercnewbie: red a250 (command, AMG exclusive, driver assist) oct
Dozer: white A200 cdi (command, exclusive, vision, night packages) - ETA Oct 13
Oz A250: White A250 ( Command, AMG Exclusive, Driver Assist ) ETA Sept / Oct 13
BW_Merc: polar silver A250 (command, AMG exclusive, driver assist) ETA Mid Oct (ordered mid May)
Ignoramus: White A250 (Command, Exclusive) Aug ETA
Shrap: Mountain Grey A250 (AMG Exclusive) ETA Nov
JTMerc: White A200, AMG inside and outside, COMAND, Black AMG Wheels Arrives in Australia 8 October (ordered mid April)

ETA provided by dealer, build 8th August, delivered mid Oct. Ordered mid May.

 

[clip]

Hi Clip. Sorry to hear you are weary of talking about your car! Because I'd like to hear more, especially your impressions on how it drives, its features, comfort, etc. Reviews from actual owners are few and far between and all we seem to hear is magazine writer comments about "brittle" rides...

Well, you asked for it JT
Let me say first up, these are my impressions only. I come mainly from a VW background (but have had a few older Benz's that I wish I still had!), and all my friends drive bimmers, but as the song goes: "Oh Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz, my friends all drive...BMW's... I must make a mends"

I should also add that this is an Australian delivered A250 Sports Engineered by AMG model (not a standard A250 Sports).

So, my thoughts only:

Looks - goes without saying, but I really do get uncomfortable when complete strangers keep coming up to me and starting conversations.

Ergonomics and layout:

The bad:​

• the start system. Why no keyless start? I would have been more than happy with the VW key fob push start (aka B7 Passat). But the stupid key fob start that you have to insert and then turn, located in a really bad position that I can never find, is driving me crazy. Absolutely no reason for this system, or the position of it.
• the accelerator pedal is too far over to the right, and the brake pedal is also too far over to the right, and too close to the accelerator pedal = when I'm wearing shoes, my right foot keeps getting caught up between the two. Might have to look for a replacement (smaller) brake pedal.
• Gear lever - why oh why? I'll happily lose a bit of storage space for a centre console gear stick! Not like there aren't enough places to store things!
• parking brake - another really bad position. Why stick it under the RH side of the dash, completely out of the way where you have to reach forward and fumble around to find it -because you sure as hell can't see it! Again, no reason for this. There is plenty of room around the centre console for this -especially as there's no gear stick cluttering it up!
• MFD - this was disappointing. Again, they could take a lesson from VW on what sort of info should be displayed - and how. Most of it is pointless or confusing - apart from a few basics - and it is basic at best!
• the Comand knob is a bit of a nob to be honest. It does take time to get used to it, and I still can't help feeling that a touch screen is quicker and better - although the Linguatronics does help.

The good:​

• it really is the perfect car for me - 4 doors, good sized hatch, easy to park, amazingly economical (if you drive it that way), good interior space, loads of storage spaces, comfortable interior, great interior ambiance lighting at night, and every time I open the door it reminds what I'm driving!
• seats are very, very good. I'm not a fan of leather (unless I'm wearing it to protect my butt on a bike), so I didn't go for it. I would have liked the power/memory seats, but the cloth is so much nicer to sit in than the leather.
• controls - other than gear selector and the park brake and key start, the others are really well positioned and work well. The Cruise Control is more sensible in the way it works - pushes, pulls etc, than a lot of others that also work off a single stalk.
• Air con is great, in that it is very quiet - all those big red-ringed vents let the air out without restriction, which I'm sure helps with the noise.
• Linguatronics - what can I say! this works so incredibly well! I've used other systems, but this just works! First time, every time! So I use it all the time. It really pays to do the "Individualization" and to learn just how many commands can be done through it. Everything from controlling the Sat Nav, phone, music, radio, it's so clever and it just works!
• the Harmon Kardon system - without doubt worth every cent (plus you get the Sat Nav with it! But I would have paid the $$$ for HK alone). Although it's not quite Dynaudio in top end, it more than makes up for it in overall dynamic presence, and the mids and rich bottom end that never intrudes, makes for a really satisfying experience. It's obvious that it has actually been tuned for the interior of the A series. I listen to most of my music in the car, so always happy to spend some $$$ on it. This is great setup for the money - really great - especially when cranking it up!
• being able to fold in the side mirrors with a push of a button, rather than having to wait until I've parked for them to fold in. This is great for me considering where I have to park every day.
• and last but not least, opening the door and being reminded what make of car I own - in lights!

The Drive:

The bad:​

• Transmission in E mode doesn't like gentle acceleration off the line. It's in far too much of a hurry to drop into the next gear, and this causes some unpleasant sensations i.e. obvious gear changes and lack of finesse. MB could take some tips from VW in this respect. Having said that, if you want to accelerate a little faster it is quite smooth and much less noticeable.

The good:​

• Transmission - near perfect ratios!
• In S mode it's ballistic! Totally transforms the car. Perfectly spaced changes, doesn't hang in too long or change too quickly - VW could take some tips in this respect!
• In M mode, very quick, positive changes. No lag or slip.
• Road dynamics- a near perfect setup for a 'Sports' car. It's very compliant, but doesn't compromise on handling. Its firm but controlled and well-damped suspension keeps it planted even on poor roads. Bumps and dips just don't unsettle it. It stays firmly planted. Such a great chassis, great suspension and great steering - and it all adds up to something really special. What I love most is that you can brake really late into a corner, go in deep and accelerate hard out, - all of which unsettles lots of other similar cars. It is also sublimely quick with direction changes. It's just so flickable through the twisties it makes me laugh out loud! An absolute joy to drive!
• Power - delivery is great. Some have made comparisons with GTI's saying that the A250 has too much down low and then runs out. But I actually think that that's a bit of a con, in that VW have tuned the GTi to give a bigger rush up high (for cheap thrills), at the expense of a more usable, flatter delivery across the rev range. So no, you don't get that surge at higher revs, but I reckon you'd already be well in front of the GTI, and you'd be staying there for sure. Having said all that, it could do with another 40kw, just a few more herbs would be nice. Although to honest, it really is fine as it is (but can you ever have too much power? - bring on the A45's!).

All up, I love the comfort and the sophistication, but it's the drive that gets me every time. MB has done such a great job with the chassis, suspension and steering on the A250. The harder you drive it, the more it loves it. It just keeps giving. It really is getting under my skin, and I can't recall the last time a car had such an impression on me. Can't wait to drive an A45!

 

[joyjas77]

Well, you asked for it JT
Let me say first up, these are my impressions only. I come mainly from a VW background (but have had a few older Benz's that I wish I still had!), and all my friends drive bimmers, but as the song goes: "Oh Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz, my friends all drive...BMW's... I must make a mends"

I should also add that this is an Australian delivered A250 Sports Engineered by AMG model (not a standard A250 Sports).

So, my thoughts only:

Can't wait to drive an A45!

Thanks for taking the time to give us a great rundown of the car. Now I am still waiting on mine but after reading your don't likes I'm thinking they will be mine as well. Not that it will detract from my overall feeling of the car, but I don't see why keyless go etc is not standard on a car like this. I also feel that I'm going to grab the gear lever and put it in neutral a few times at least, and the park break is not easily seen.

But after thinking and thinking over the A45, I'm definitely going to test drive one. But I am thinking I shouldn't put out that much money on a hatch.

Anyway thanks once again.

I personally would love to hear from other owners, the good, the bad and the ugly details of their mercedes A class rides.

 

[clip]

A45 drag race against c63 shooting brake

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Thanks Joyas, but I really don't need to be watching things like that!

 

[clip]

But after thinking and thinking over the A45, I'm definitely going to test drive one.

My advice Joyjas - don't do a test drive! Keep right away from it, do not sit in it, do not look at it, and worst of all, do not -under any circumstances -drive it! Otherwise you will be $90k out of pocket for sure!

 

[Shrap]

• the Harmon Kardon system - without doubt worth every cent (plus you get the Sat Nav with it! But I would have paid the $$$ for HK alone). Although it's not quite Dynaudio in top end, it more than makes up for it in overall dynamic presence, and the mids and rich bottom end that never intrudes, makes for a really satisfying experience. It's obvious that it has actually been tuned for the interior of the A series. I listen to most of my music in the car, so always happy to spend some $$$ on it. This is great setup for the money - really great - especially when cranking it up!

So happy to hear the sound is good! It was the first option I ticked, but I haven't heard it in person yet.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Frostee]

Excellent, well balanced review Clip - Thank You.

A question and probably a very ignorant one at that. What is the difference between your Australian delivered A250 Sports Engineered by AMG model and the standard A250 that we receive when we order here in Australia?

 

[db.]

The standard A250 delivered here in Aus is the equivalent of the 'Engineered by AMG' A250 delivered in the UK and Europe, so I think it was for the benefit of the people over there that have the availability both a standard A250 which is lower spec than ours and the Engineered.

 

[Frostee]

The standard A250 delivered here in Aus is the equivalent of the 'Engineered by AMG' A250 delivered in the UK and Europe, so I think it was for the benefit of the people over there that have the availability both a standard A250 which is lower spec than ours and the Engineered.

Ahh that makes sense. Thank you.

One other question.

When someone purchases a A200 and has the AMG sports pack added to it, does that make it the same as the A250? I'm struggling to understand whether they become "like for like" in terms of brakes, suspension, body kit etc or whether there are differences? I know the wheels on the 250 are unique to it, as to the red highlights, but am just not clear re the mechanics (other than engine of course)

 

[clip]

When someone purchases a A200 and has the AMG sports pack added to it, does that make it the same as the A250?

No, I think the sports pack is mainly just cosmetics and wheels. The A250 Eng by AMG version has AMG’s tweaks: sports-tuned suspension (custom shocks and springs, thicker anti-roll bar and different front camber, more direct steering ratio), a louder exhaust, standard tyres as opposed to runflats, perforated front brakes discs and ECU changes for more focused engine and transmission performance.

 

[clip]

so I think it was for the benefit of the people over there that have the availability both a standard A250 which is lower spec than ours and the Engineered.

thanks db, spot on

 

[clip]

gumpy, are there reports coming out about oil consumption?

 

[Shillo]

I should also add that this is an Australian delivered A250 Sports Engineered by AMG model (not a standard A250 Sports)

I didnt realise the was a difference , do I need to check with my dealer or do I have nothing to worry about? i'm in SA Australia HELP !

 

[Frostee]

I should also add that this is an Australian delivered A250 Sports Engineered by AMG model (not a standard A250 Sports)

I didnt realise the was a difference , do I need to check with my dealer or do I have nothing to worry about? i'm in SA Australia HELP !

Nothing to be concerned about. There is only one version of the A250 sold in Australia

 

[Jimmy Zhang]

Adding to the list

alebonau: red a250 and command pack
clip : mountain grey a250
mercer.dk : black a250
kdcorp : mountain grey a250
fortuner : red a220cdi
tonoboon : black a250
gumpy: White A200 (Command, Exclusive, Vision) Sept/Oct ETA
joyjas: White A250 (Command, Exclusive, Driver Assist)(Sep 24 ETA) Updated ETA from Dealer
frostee White A250 (mid Aug ETA)
bknight: White A250 (Command & AMG Executive pack) (Aug ETA)
TuNeS: White A250 (Mid June ETA)
db.: White A250 (Command & AMG Exclusive) - June 20th
kaktusdigital: White A250 (Command - Early Aug)
Shillo: Mountain Grey A250 (Command, AMG Exclusive, Driver Assist) Oct/Nov
Duds: Blue A250 (Command & AMG Exclusive Pack). Aug
Mercnewbie: red a250 (command, AMG exclusive, driver assist) oct
Dozer: white A200 cdi (command, exclusive, vision, night packages) - ETA Oct 13
Oz A250: White A250 ( Command, AMG Exclusive, Driver Assist ) ETA Sept / Oct 13
BW_Merc: polar silver A250 (command, AMG exclusive, driver assist) ETA Mid Oct (ordered mid May)
Ignoramus: White A250 (Command, Exclusive) Aug ETA
Shrap: Mountain Grey A250 (AMG Exclusive) ETA Nov
JTMerc: White A200, AMG inside and outside, COMAND, Black AMG Wheels Arrives in Australia 8 October (ordered mid April)
JZhang: Mountain Grey A250 (Command & AMG Exclusive) - Ordered Mid March. ETA 19th August (Sydney)

 

[joyjas77]

My advice Joyjas - don't do a test drive! Keep right away from it, do not sit in it, do not look at it, and worst of all, do not -under any circumstances -drive it! Otherwise you will be $90k out of pocket for sure!

Yeah, I know. But I was hoping a drive on my own in one of these beasts might just give me the fix my mind would like. Just to say that I've driven one. Hopefully when I send my car in for a service they will send me back out with one of these.

Do you know I was originally buying for something that would be cheap to run around. Went from looking at Festiva diesel (no auto transmission so no good for wife) to Prius C, to Golf, to A200CDI, no further looking needed once I sat in this baby. But when I upgraded to External and Internal sports kits I got delayed so I thought stuff it. A250! But $20k to shave an extra 2s from a 0-100 time. That is a car for my daughter who will be driving in a few years. If I don't stop it now where will it end, probably in a Bugatti Veyron with a 2.2s 0-100. I don't want to be known as the first A-Class driver to have their car impounded under the anti-hoon laws. So I'll be satisfied but still would love a drive just to satisfy the curiosity of what a 4s car feels like.

 

[kaktusdigital]

Yeah, I know. But I was hoping a drive on my own in one of these beasts might just give me the fix my mind would like. Just to say that I've driven one. Hopefully when I send my car in for a service they will send me back out with one of these.

Do you know I was originally buying for something that would be cheap to run around. Went from looking at Festiva diesel (no auto transmission so no good for wife) to Prius C, to Golf, to A200CDI, no further looking needed once I sat in this baby. But when I upgraded to External and Internal sports kits I got delayed so I thought stuff it. A250! But $20k to shave an extra 2s from a 0-100 time. That is a car for my daughter who will be driving in a few years. If I don't stop it now where will it end, probably in a Bugatti Veyron with a 2.2s 0-100. I don't want to be known as the first A-Class driver to have their car impounded under the anti-hoon laws. So I'll be satisfied but still would love a drive just to satisfy the curiosity of what a 4s car feels like.

That's a classic, you went from a Festiva all the way to the A250! Brilliant. Now I don't feel so bad
I know the feeling of wanting to just get a taste of that 4 second car and pray to god that in the end you'll say something like 'oh it really wasn't THAT much faster than my car..'

For me, I'll be down at the dealership once the A45 arrives simply to test how good or bad the 19"s are before committing to them.

Oh and here's what my car looks like at the moment...

 

[clip]

Do you know I was originally buying for something that would be cheap to run around. Went from looking at Festiva diesel...

Yep, priceless joyjas! And good on you, you only live once, might as well enjoy the ride as much as you can!

 

[clip]

Just a quick demo of the Nanolex wash a couple days after the treatment was applied- featuring my car of course (please forgive the shaky camera work, and typos! I was on my own today and had to hold the phone and wash at the same time -no excuse for the typos).

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[joyjas77]

Just a quick demo of the Nanolex wash a couple days after the treatment was applied- featuring my car of course (please forgive the shaky camera work, and typos! I was on my own today and had to hold the phone and wash at the same time -no excuse for the typos).

Thanks man! Appreciate the video. But are you trying to make all of us still waiting on their cars salivate with envy! ;-) The car looks absolutely awesome. I'm definitely going to do my own car. Just a little nervous about first getting of existing wax etc