Press Kit: The new-generation A-Class

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Equipment: More perceived value all-round

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Choice of two body versions and seven engines
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Standard appointments significantly upgraded
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Two equipment lines with a decidedly individual character

Stuttgart, May 20, 2008 - Since 1997 the A-Class has self-confidently and emphatically shown itself to
be a cut above other compact cars, and set standards in safety, practicality and reliability. To date around 1.7 million customers worldwide have been convinced by these and the many other qualities. More than half of these are new Mercedes customers � clear testimony to the great attractiveness of this vehicle.

In numerous respects the new-generation A-Class is now a more attractive proposition. Its design, equipment, technology, economy and environmental compatibility have been improved further, which means that the best and also most innovative A-Class ever is making its debut in spring 2008.

Individuality continues to be another hallmark of this model, with a choice of two body versions designed to appeal to different customer groups: the five-door A-Class with its great day-to-day variability and practicality, and the three-door Coup� which adds a special youthful and sporty appeal to the outstanding safety and comfort attributes. Further options to realise individual wishes are offered by the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE design and equipment lines, as well as by special equipment packages and optional extras.

As before, the A-Class is available with a choice of seven four-cylinder engines which are combined with a five or six-speed manual transmission, depending
on the level of torque. The variable AUTOTRONIC transmission is available on request. The output range of these engines extends from 60 kW/82 hp to 142 kW/193 hp. With a fuel consumption of 4.5 to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption), these four-cylinder units are among the most economical engines in their displacement and output classes.

New driver support systems as standard equipment

The A-Class is distinctly superior to other compact cars where safety and comfort features are concerned. The standard appointments already include adaptive front airbags, head/thorax sidebags, adaptive belt force limiters, crash-responsive front head restraints, a multifunction steering wheel, speed-sensitive power steering (parameter steering), a selective damping system and air conditioning.

Now Mercedes-Benz has extended this large range of features with more standard equipment and new driver support systems which further enhance both safety and comfort:

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Larger-capacity stowage compartment between the front seats
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Exterior mirrors painted in the vehicle colour
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Hill-holder
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Adaptive, flashing brake lights
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Crash-responsive emergency lighting
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Cupholder in a new design
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Power windows with one-touch control
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Headlamp assist
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Luggage cover
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Wheel embellishers in a new design
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Upholstery fabrics in a new design
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Door handles painted in the vehicle colour
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Ambient and warning light in the tailgate

ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE with even more individual features

The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines are highlighted by additional comfort and design features.

The features introduced with the model facelift include the following in addition to the basic model:

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Oval exhaust tailpipe of polished stainless steel
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Chrome trim strip above the side skirts
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Front apron with chrome insert, in a distinctive design for the AVANTGARDE line
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Rear bumper with chrome inserts and reflector-look, additional black insert for the AVANTGARDE line
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16-inch light-alloy wheels in a 10 twin-spoke design (ELEGANCE) or
five-spoke design (AVANTGARDE)
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Leather-lined steering wheel
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Foglamps with chrome surround
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Seat upholstery in fabric and ARTICO man-made leather
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Luxury seat package with front seat cushion angle adjustment, front lumbar supports and height-adjustable front passenger seat
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Myrtle wood trim (ELEGANCE) or diagonally brushed aluminium trim in smoke-silver (AVANTGARDE)

New optional extras for more economy and comfort

The list of available optional extras continues to include high-tech systems which are by no means to be expected in this vehicle class. For example the newly developed infotainment units, which boast a colour display, Bluetooth interface, telephone keypad and a connection for external audio units depending on the model. The new top-of-the-line Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS units also have additional functions such as Europe-wide navigation and a DVD drive. COMAND APS is also equipped with a voice control system as standard.
Another outstanding technical highlight is the new active parking assist, which helps the driver to reverse into parking spaces and carries out all the necessary steering movements automatically.

The newly developed optional extras for the A-Class at a glance:

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Active parking assist
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Audio 20, on request also with an integrated 6 CD-changer
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Audio 50 APS with Europe-wide DVD navigation, on request with an integrated 6 DVD-changer
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COMAND APS with HDD navigation and map display
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ECO start-stop function (for A 150 and A 170 with manual transmission)
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LINGUATRONIC voice control with whole-word commands
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�Logic7�� surround-sound system
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Media interface for external music units

A number of optional extras are also included in the attractive equipment packages which Mercedes-Benz has put together for the A-Class. These are the Light and Sight Package, the Sports Package and the new Selective Package. This includes a leather interior, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and the THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system.

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