Mercedes-Benz A Class Limousine
Indian Automobile industry has always attracted big players around the globe to expand their business but it sure is very risky to generate profits due to various reasons be it government regulations, high import duties, and an intense competition with the Japanese and South Korean brands. Many global automobile giants like Ford, General Motors (Chevrolet and Opel) and Harley Davidson have failed to succeed in India and had to return back to their home country. German Luxury carmakers like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz have cracked the code to success by bringing a low cost car and swim in high number of sales. One such example is Mercedes-Benz which during the pandemic and scarcity of the semi-conductor chips, recorded highest sales for the C class and the A Class Limousine.
Earlier, Mercedes-Benz had 2 entry level cars, one was the A Class hatchback and the other was surprisingly stylish and funky CLA which appeared more or less like baby C class. Regardless of their design and some impractical bits, they did result in mass numbers. Now in order to bring a new entry level car, Mercedes-Benz has whisked both the CLA and A Class hatchback in a bowl and made the A Class Limousine. The idea behind the new car was to eliminate all the quirks of CLA and A Class hatchback so that the customers can enjoy what it feels like to be in a Mercedes-Benz. The 3 variants – A 200 petrol ₹41.55lakhs, A 200 diesel ₹43.58lakhs and the powerful A35 AMG ₹56.24lakhs are put forward to compete with the Audi A3 and the BMW 2 series Gran Coupe. What new changes the A Class Limousine has and is it really worth it you ask? Let us find out.
Engine and Engineering
Each of the 3 variants have a different engine to offer, the A 200 petrol comes with 1.3L engine producing 160hp and 250nm of torque, the A 200 diesel has a bigger 2L engine but 10hp less than the 1.3L petrol, as always the diesel engine wins in torque by 70nm. The A35 AMG is the meaner version of A Class Limousine which comes with a 2L petrol engine producing 306hp and 400nm of torque. Both petrol engines come with 7-speed DCT and the diesel engine comes with 8-speed DCT which has helped a lot in bringing down the 0-100kmph figures. The A 200 petrol takes 8.3 secs whereas the A 200 diesel takes 8.2secs. A35 AMG with its bigger engine and the AWD system has managed to reduce this time even more to 4.8secs.
Design
The name “Limousine” is suffixed here to highlight the class leading wheelbase of 2729mm. Continuing to talk about the dimensions, this baby C class has a length of 4579mm, 1796mm width and a height of 1446mm. 5 basic color choices are offered which includes – Polar White, Cosmos Black, Mountain Grey, Mojave Silver and the absolutely amazing Denim Blue Metallic, whereas the A35 AMG gets an additional and rather eye catching yellow color scheme. The extra color option is not the only difference in exterior design, it gets a different bumper and 18-inch allow wheels in contrast to 17-inch allows in the A 200 petrol and diesel.
Mercedes-Benz is preferred by many due to its plush and luxurious interior that stands out, every new car by the brand has a pressure to live up to the high expectations. The A Class Limousine does not disappoint for the interior is more luxurious then what one can expect at this price point. Mix of wood and leather on the center console, soft touch materials used on the dashboard and every hand resting place. The ambient lighting flows from the door to the center console connecting the chrome air vents as well which have a small light to create a flow which looks absolutely beautiful. Lots of piano black used in the center console near cup holders which is not very practical as this is the place which gets maximum scratches. Comfortable seats with extended thigh support but good for 4 passengers due to elevated central hump and hard back hand rest. The doors have ample storage spaces with brushed aluminum door handles to get that premium experience. Rear A/C vents with USB ports, Napa leather wrapped steering wheel and single glass setup which includes both the instrument cluster and the infotainment system completes luxury offered.
Features
The A Class Limousine includes all those updated features and technology that one thinks of, be it wireless phone charging, Alexa and Google home connectivity, Panoramic sunroof, 64 color ambient lighting and dual zone climate control. The infotainment system in the A Class Limousine can be accessed through touchscreen, touchpad on the steering and in center console and also through voice commands, if you are lazy enough, Mercedes-Benz is always there for you. Comfort features include Autonomous Emergency Parking and Seat Kinetics that moves the lumbar support by low angles to help reduce fatigue.
Verdict
Mercedes-Benz offers high level of comfort and luxury in all of its cars, the royal image is evidenced by the pride of loyal customers. The A Class Limousine checks all boxes that a Mercedes-Benz buyer expects in a car to have. The BMW 2 series Gran Coupe offers a bigger 2L engine producing 190hp for the same price so I would suggest to go for the BMW 2 series Gran Coupe if you prefer performance over luxury or you can go for the A35 AMG if budget permits to get good performance. Other vise the A 200 is a good option if you like to be chauffeured in business class.