Fresh-faced 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class update revealed, set for Australian launch soon

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the facelifted A-Class, with the car brand’s local arm having already confirmed timing for its Australian launch.

The updated 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will be launched in Australia during the second quarter of 2023, with changes across the entire range including AMG models.

Each A-Class will now be mildly hybridised, with all four-cylinder engines to be equipped with a 48-volt system that Mercedes says contributes 10kW more power.

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For the A180, power is now 100kW with 230Nm. For the A200, it's 120kW and 270Nm. Moving up to the A220 reaps 140kW/300Nm, while the A250 gets 165kW and 350 Nm.

A belt-driven starter-generator from the system also aims to smooth out engine vibration from startup, while also regenerating power under braking and deceleration like a very mild version of an F1 car’s MGU-K power generation. 

It then uses the collected power to assist acceleration or allows the engine to switch off during “steady cruising” where acceleration isn’t needed. This also applies to the AMG A35.

Plug-in hybrid variants like the A250e also will come with improved battery systems, upping power by 5kW, improving driving range, and increasing charging speed.

Outputs for the A250e are pegged at 160kW and 450Nm.

While design changes to the cars are subtle, including things like slightly redesigned grilles and bumpers, the focus for the update is mainly inside the cabin for elements like multimedia and tech.

Most notable is the updated steering wheel, which borrows the double-stack design from higher members of the Mercedes family, while AMG models get two drive adjustment scroll wheels found underneath for changing drivetrain or electronic intervention intensity.

Materials in the cabin have also shifted to be made from significantly more recycled material than before.

Mostly visually unseen is the new generation of Mercedes multimedia MBUX system, which aims to integrate more seamlessly with elements like the ‘Mercedes me’ app or driver profiles activated with a fingerprint scanner.

MBUX’s voice activation system has also been refreshed, with the “Hey Mercedes” activation phrase no longer needed for certain actions.

An updated ‘Driver Assistance’ package now features tweaked lane keeping assist which uses active steering to be “much more comfortable”, while the ‘Parking Package’ includes updated visual assistance and 3D modelling when parking.

Specific to the AMG models, A35 and A45 S hatch plus A35 sedan, the AMG logo replaces the Mercedes star on the nose, but not in the grille.

New wheel designs, a rear spoiler lip, updated tail-lights, and for the A35 a wider stance borrowed from the A45 S, all make the AMG models look a little more aggressive.

Finally, the AMG A45 S will be available as a ‘Street Style’ edition upon the launch of the facelifted A-Class, featuring “extroverted” design elements such as a matt grey exterior colour highlighted by bright orange trim elements and the addition of the AMG Aerodynamics Package, the AMG Night Package I and II.

The specific details of the Street Style option and its availability in Australia are yet to be confirmed.

The A35’s 225kW/400Nm outputs and the A45 S’s 310kW/500Nm outputs all remain unchanged.

In terms of the overall lineup upon launch, Mercedes-Benz Australia says we should expect a similar range to that currently available.

That means a base Mercedes-Benz A180, followed by A250 and the electrified A250e, then the AMG A35 and A45 S in hatch form. For the sedan, A180, A250, and AMG A35 will be available.