More details on the upcoming Mercedes-Benz A-Class limousine

Mercedes-Benz has a slew of product launches planned for India in 2020, but as is the case with every other manufacturer, these plans will have suffered a delay given the COVID19 pandemic. One such launch, and possibly one of the more significant ones, given that it will be the new entry point to the German carmaker's line-up in India is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class limousine.

The sedan had been unveiled at the Auto Expo 2020 in its A 35 AMG guise and bookings have begun as well. But now, more information is available on A-Class, given that it has been listed on the brand's website.

The India-spec A-Class limousine will come with numerous features previously seen on higher end cars in its line-up. These include LED headlamps and taillamps, a panoramic sunroof, the twin-screen MBUX infotainment system, Mercedes Me connected car tech, drive modes, cruise control, wireless charging, dual-zone air-conditioning, powered seats and the pre-safe safety system. We expect most of these features to be available on a top-spec Progressive trim, with a base version losing much of the tech but coming in at an aggressive price point. The top-tier AMG version will add a unique exterior styling package with a more aggressive grille, bumpers, exhaust tips and larger wheels. Feature additions to this version will include the Burmester sound system and a new AMG-specific steering.

The AMG version will also come with unique interior trim. Two options will be available, both are come with grey/black upholstery finished with either micro-fibre or longitudinal-grain aluminium. The standard A-Class, conversely, can be had with a lighter interior pallete finished in black, machhiato beige or open-pore walnut wood trim. Five exterior colour options will be available, cosmos black, denim blue, mojave silver, mountain grey, and polar white.

Mercedes hasn't confirmed the engine options that will come with the standard A-Class limousine, other than that there will one petrol and one diesel option. We suspect the petrol version to be the A 200 which will make 165PS and 250 Nm from a 1.3-litre turbochaged unit. The diesel is expected to be the A 180d with its 1.5-litre diesel engine making 117PS and 260 Nm. Both versions should come paired with a seven-speed DCT sending power to the front wheels.  As has been revealed, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 will come with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 306PS and 400Nm. Mated to Mercedes's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 4Matic AWD system, the car propels from 0-100 kmph in 4.8s and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph.

Mercedes-Benz hasn't disclosed any prices for the A-Class limousine, but we expect a starting price between Rs 30 to 35 lakhs, ex-showroom Mumbai. When launched, the A-Class will compete against the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupoe also in the pipeline for India. Further it will also compete with larger sedans like the Toyota Camry hybrid and the upcoming petrol Skoda Superb facelift.