Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2023: mild-hybrid and more standard features added, A180 variant removed

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The Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatch and sedan has been updated, and it’ll begin to arrive in Australian dealerships this month.

Gone is the entry-level A180 variant, with A200 and A250 in both body styles now filling the non-AMG lineup. 

Prices now start at $61,900 before on-road costs for the A200 hatch, a significant entry-point increase of $10,500 over the outgoing A180. 

Pricing peaks at as much as $119,900 before on-road costs for the flagship AMG A45 S 4Matic hatch.  The A45 is now $13,000 more expensive than before. 

The updated Mercedes-Benz A-Class is expected to launch in Australia this month. 

The A-Class competes at the premium end of the small hatchback and sedan market alongside the BMW 1 Series / 2 Series and Audi A3.

So what’s changed about the A-Class for 2023?

Mercedes-Benz says that the A-Class range now includes standard features such as a panoramic sunroof, AMG Line interior and exterior, metallic paint, electric and memory function front seats and a 360-degree camera across all engine types. 

Aesthetically, the A-Class looks subtly different to before, thanks to a power-bulge bonnet, redesigned radiator grille, new rear diffuser and standard LED rear tail lights. 

Inside the A-Class, two free-standing 10.25-inch displays are standard and run the latest MBUX infotainment software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. 

Any changes to engines and driveline?

Mercedes-Benz says it has also updated its engines, adding a mild-hybrid 48-volt system to its four-cylinder engine range, aside from the A45. 

The German brand says that the mild-hybrid system not only helps with starting the vehicle, but also provides 10kW more power for the driver when setting off from a stop. 

A new belt-driven starter-generator aims to quieten the start of the A-Class, while also recuperating the onboard battery while braking or on the overrun. 

The A200 is fitted with a 120kW/270Nm 1.3-litre mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the A250 utalises a more powerful 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre engine.

In the AMG range, the A35 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces outputs of 225kW/400Nm. 

The Audi RS3-rivaling A45 S 4Matic is also powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but produces significant figures of 310KW/500Nm.  

AMG range also sees updates for 2023   

The feistiest A-Classes money can buy have also been tweaked for 2023, with the A35 becoming more aggressive in the looks department than before. 

Tweaks include revised front LED headlamps, an AMG-specific radiator grille, new AMG round badge, revised front apron and power bulges from the A45 make the A35 more chiseled than before. 

A new wheel design, rear spoiler lip, revised rear tail lights and round exhaust pipes are also installed on the AMG A-Class models. 

The AMG A35 also gains the 48-volt mild-hybrid system found on the rest of the A-Class range for 2023. 

Mercedes-Benz A-Class 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

Hatch:

• A200 hatch: $61,900 (new)
• A250 4Matic hatch: $71,900 (+$5000)
• AMG A35 4Matic hatch: $87,900 (+$5900)
• AMG A45 S 4Matic hatch: $119,900 (+$13,000)

Sedan:

• A200: $63,400 (new)
• A250 4Matic: $73,400 (+$5500)
• AMG A35 4Matic: $89,400 (+$6000)