The All-new Mercedes A-Class Is HERE — Did The Germans NAIL IT This Time?

I remember it like it was yesterday. Mercedes-Benz came out and introduced to the US market a proper entry-level Mercedes product that wasn't similar to the God awful C230 Kompressor hatchback. Dubbed the CLA-Class, it was an all-new Mercedes for an all-new generation.

And it was a smashing success.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Echoing the design philosophy of the larger CLS-Class sedan, CLAs soon were everywhere. But, that doesn't mean that critics were singing the CLA's praises. In fact, they were, by and large, against it. The four-cylinder motor caught flack and then the interior was universally panned.

But when I drove it, I thought it did everything a sub $30,000 three-pointed star should do. Deliver a better than average mark across the board — driving dynamics, interior, style, etc. Was it something I would buy? Never. That didn't mean it was a failure though.

Now we're introduced to the all-new A-Class, which will carry the CLA's torch. Equipped with a much more streamlined exterior design and a fully revised interior, we're wondering what YOU think.

Did the Germans NAIL IT this time? Did they miss? What say you, Spies?

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

vdiv - 8/2/2018 8:07:45 PM

+3 Boost

That center console intrudes a lot into the foot well. I like the dual screens and HUD though some may find them too much or having a lot of glare. The steering wheel seems a bit large for this small car.

carloslassiter - 8/2/2018 8:52:41 PM

-2 Boost

Looks like a 4-door Figaro.

MDarringer - 8/2/2018 9:43:21 PM

+2 Boost

The styling is much better resolved here than on the rather ugly CLA, but like the CLA the tail is too stubby. A longer tail would give the lines a chance to finish. Mercedes really needs to hold the price on this given how soft sedan sales are and how much the CLA had to be subsidized for leases. They don't need this and the CLA and if the CLA went away, it would not be missed.

dumpsty - 8/5/2018 11:33:29 AM

+1 Boost

M-B is probably building the A-class as cheap as possible - maybe no more expensive to make a Camry or Accord.

Also, not ALL vehicles sales are CUV/SUVs. It would be wise to continue to make something that "aspiring" consumers will want to buy. Never put too much of a significant amount of production capacity into only one kind/size of vehicle. Consumer tastes WILL change just as they did 5-6 years ago. Developing good vehicles today takes about that much time as well. Remaining versatile should always be a priority so the company can more easily adjust to the changing market preferences.

If a consumer has the coin for the top level trim Accord/Camry, they will cross-shop the A-class...especially if they smaller sizing isn't an issue.

rgiorgio - 8/2/2018 9:52:58 PM

+9 Boost

Looks great, especially for an entry level vehicle. Will do alot to build brand loyalty. First update or upgrade i see coming is some kind of housing around the screens to keep the glare off. You can see quite a bit of glare in these pics.

dumpsty - 8/5/2018 11:46:41 AM

+1 Boost

Concerning the glare for dash screens...I have to agree only a little.

All the photo angles are from the exterior or from the passenger seats. At those angles should have glare.

I'll reserve final critique until a reviewer sits in the driver seat & provides his impression.

SanJoseDriver - 8/2/2018 10:27:19 PM

-9 Boost

I don't know how people like this interior over the Model 3. The air vents look like speakers on an early 90s boombox. No touchscreen and an outdated UI/UX. Even the CLA looks more well-thought out. The only thing I like are the seats and lighting.

MDarringer - 8/2/2018 10:30:12 PM

+8 Boost

The Mercedes looks premium and the Tesla looks like Walmart. That's why.

Runamukk - 8/2/2018 11:01:00 PM

+3 Boost

Actually it is touchscreen and is the first Mercedes to offer the latest user interface called MBUX. This user interface includes a natural language assistant that can control almost every function of the car along with augmented reality navigation which is sick. Its powered by an Nvidia GPU with 8gb's or ram which is a gaming computer basically. Also the vents are the first with ambient lighting led's that wrap around the control know to reflect outward on the turbine portion which looks pretty cool too. Definitely one of the most compelling entry level luxury proposals for any brand I have seen.

SanJoseDriver - 8/3/2018 4:21:03 AM

-5 Boost

Don't see it, this looks like something you would buy at Costco.

@Runamukk, you sure that's a touchscreen? If so it's in a really awkward spot. There is a laptop-style touchpad in the middle, I would assume that's how you control the screen. Processor is a Nvidia X2, which is a solid processor (50% faster than a Nintendo Switch).

zlives - 8/3/2018 1:27:18 PM

+1 Boost

i hope its not touch screen, heck i am not even sure if i would care for such a large display for reflection during the day and ambient light in the drive line at night...

SanJoseDriver - 8/3/2018 9:13:06 PM

+1 Boost

Non issue to both if the screen is built right. Matte screens don't glare or reflect light and at night colors should invert (night mode) and the screen should dim automatically.

runninglogan1 - 8/2/2018 11:39:53 PM

+4 Boost

Looks good. Especially the interior.

cidflekken - 8/3/2018 12:40:30 AM

+1 Boost

"the all-new A-Class, which will carry the CLA's torch"

There is a new CLA coming, no?

runninglogan1 - 8/3/2018 2:30:31 AM

+2 Boost

No. This is replacing it.

cidflekken - 8/3/2018 4:24:56 PM

+1 Boost

Why is a new CLA in development and seen testing in camo?

TomM - 8/3/2018 5:37:47 PM

+1 Boost

Nope - there is a new CLA being tested and developed by Mercedes - the Class A is a different beast.

valhallakey - 8/3/2018 1:32:06 AM

+5 Boost

Much better than the current A class. I am not real big and even I had a hard time getting into the rear seats of the current model. This one looks like they have improved on that quite a bit. Overall the design definitely looks more mature with a couple of small nits. 1) Too much front overhang and the front wheels are crammed up by the door... the result of front wheel drive. 2) I hate trunk hoops, do a proper hinge even in an entry level Mercedes. 3) The giant wide screen iPad is ok, but they need to figure out how to cut the glare as everyone has mentioned above. I normally don't like the iPad sticking up all the time look but it seems acceptable here. 4) While I applaud the large air vents as it reduces noise when using higher fan speeds, they look a bit boom boxy as mentioned above as well. Overall though a much better interpretation of an entry level premium car that the current model. A- exterior and B+ interior.

CarCrazedinCali - 8/3/2018 2:12:08 AM

-1 Boost

I can just imagine how awful this interior will look without the upgrade dash screens....

TomM - 8/3/2018 3:22:46 AM

+1 Boost

The car looks good - so the question is HOW does it perform - and how reliable is it. While it is better than the current car - I do not see really small expensive sedans selling well in the USA - and unless something changes - I cannot see Mercedes actually bringing it here. I note that the New Car is actually smaller than the Audi A3 - and it has to sell in the low end of the Luxury market (Around $30,000) - with a Renault made (Although co-developed) engine and an updated Megane platform. IF Cadillac produces a replacement for the ATS - that is a tweener - slightly BIGGER than its class - it will have it all over the Mercedes for the price.

Hawk - 8/3/2018 7:16:43 AM

+4 Boost

I drive nothing but BMWs, so I'm not a MB aficionado, but I think MB did a very nice job on this A-class. 2 thumbs up.

bw5011 - 8/3/2018 11:19:52 AM

+2 Boost

That's because it looks like a BMW 2 series in the back with Audi tail lights. This is not my segment so whatever they need to do to get people to buy their cars over honda accords, civics or whatever is in that class is smart on their part. I'm not about to try to make a case for this car. I just hope it stays out the left lane

Lovesponge76 - 8/3/2018 9:05:00 AM

0 Boost

i like everything I see, with the exception of the wide-screen television. What happen to LCD screen tucked and morphed into the dash.

This is looks like Telsa & MB had a baby A-Class

Runamukk - 8/3/2018 9:42:58 AM

+1 Boost

@sanjose driver
Definitely a touchscreen and uses the trackpad also. The dual screens and keyless go are included in the premium package which every car will have. Pano roof, led's ,appple car play/android auto, power trunk with foot sensor are all standard. Also the rear seat has class leading headroom. All that while being the most affordable option to wear the star.

SanJoseDriver - 8/3/2018 9:14:39 PM

+1 Boost

Nice, MB is upping their tech game. How much extra is the premium package?

Runamukk - 8/3/2018 9:50:52 AM

0 Boost

FYI this is not replacing the CLA as there is a new one in development with this interior along with a new GLA, GLB (a more traditionally shaped SUV similar to the old GLK in design, and even a GLA Coupe design suv.

Yonder7 - 8/3/2018 10:25:11 AM

+2 Boost

But there is a CLA ¨Coupe¨ coming up. So this is not the replacement of the coupe.

knowitall1985 - 8/3/2018 11:32:21 AM

-2 Boost

pos poser!!

john56 - 8/3/2018 12:18:12 PM

-4 Boost

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john56 - 8/3/2018 12:19:07 PM

-5 Boost

MDarringer - 8/5/2018 11:59:47 AM

+1 Boost

lemme write you a check

Runamukk - 8/3/2018 12:25:20 PM

+1 Boost

I'm in...can I send them money via Western Union? ^^^

valhallakey - 8/3/2018 1:06:19 PM

+3 Boost

Me too runamukk, John, please let us know where to send our bags of money.

MrEE - 8/4/2018 12:25:39 PM

+2 Boost

If they can't control the glare in a staged photoshoot, imagine how bad real-life will be. Vents are badly mismatched with the rest of the interior which looks fine.