“Hey Mercedes” is the most exciting element of the new, recently launched Mercedes-Benz A-Class, breaking barriers with the latest artificial intelligence with a new multimedia system, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX).
The MBUX, learns and adapts to the needs of the driver/user through artificial intelligence and the more a user engages with it, the more the car becomes in sync with the user, which is why Mercedes-Benz claims the car is, “Just like you”.
In my more than 300km drive through the scenic Cape Town vineyards via Grabouw, Franschhoek and back to the Raddison Red Hotel, there was not a dull moment in the sporty, fun and feisty looking A-Class during its launch in Cape Town.
The journey was an intriguing one with a car that became my companion, we were learning about each other along the way and it became more familiar with my frequent requests of “Hey Mercedes” as I figured out what it can and cannot answer to.
At times it asked,“Would you like to make a call?” “Must I play the radio?” repeating some of my previous requests. It feels like a car from the future.
It also heats the car seat, adjusts the air-conditioning, plays music available on your phone and sends a text message at your command.
In addition to the impressive technology the smart car also comprises navigation functions like emergency braking, on-street prediction, real-time information and off-street Information, which can save time and reduce stress levels when searching for parking.
The luxurious interior and sporty looking seats, as well as bigger boot space are also unique selling points in the smart car.
Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and executive director of Mercedes-Benz Cars Johannes Fritz said expansion and rejuvenation were key factors behind the sustained market of the A-class.
He said: “The feeling of spaciousness is accentuated by the increased shoulder, elbow and headroom. The new A-Class also offers easier access to the rear and a larger, more family- and recreation-friendly luggage compartment.
“Thanks to two-section rear lights, the loading aperture is 20cm wider than before, and the luggage compartment floor is 11.5cm longer with all-round visibility in the new A-Class which has also been improved, with the area obscured by the pillars reduced by 10% compared to its predecessor, enhancing both safety and space,” he said.
Marketing director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa Selvin Govender said the A-Class boasts several features which were previously preserved for the luxury S-Class.
“Real-time parking, for example, and the ability to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. To do this, it keeps a close eye on the traffic as the improved camera and radar systems allow it to see up to 500m ahead.
“It comes with extended Active Brake Assist as standard and depending on the circumstances, this can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slow-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles. Govender said this extended Active Brake Assist also responds to crossing pedestrians and cyclists to help prevent collisions altogether.
The A-Class is available in two variants – the A 200 and the A 250 Sport, with the diesel model expected in South Africa in early 2019. Both models benefit from new engines.
The A 200 is powered by a 1.33-litre unit which generates 120kW and 250Nm of torque with a 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission (5.2 l/100 km). The 2.0-litre engine of the A 250 Sport generates 165kW and 350Nm, and is available with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission which provides a claimed fuel consumption of 6.2 l/100 km. New features for both engines include CAMTRONIC for the intake camshaft, and particulate filter as standard...