Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class Edition 1: Review

Talk to any expert about the Indian automotive industry and one thing you will surely get to hear is that India is an extremely price sensitive market. But sometimes there are cars like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class that prove the statement wrong and are testimony of the fact that it is in fact not as rigid as we think. Both these cars have not only played a major role in changing the fortune of the luxury carmaker but also in carving out an entire new segment that wasn’t tapped until then. To commemorate the success both these cars have received and in line with its international range of models, Mercedes-Benz will introduce ‘Edition 1’ A-Class and B-Class.

So what’s new in this Edition 1 model of the A-Class and the B-Class? On the outside, both these cars sport glossy black Outside Rear View Mirrors housings and special Edition 1 decals. Both cars also get funky new 10-spoke alloy wheels but the wheel and tyre size remains unchanged. While there aren’t many changes on the outside, there are some considerable ones on the inside. The A-Class as well as the B-Class, in the Edition 1 trim, will now get electronically adjustable front passenger seats with memory function. Seats use a combination of leather and fabric upholstery. Although the panoramic sunroof doesn’t really stretch right up to the back, it does play its part in making the rather cramped rear bench of the A-Class feel a little roomier than before.

Near the controls of the sunroof is the only Edition 1 badging on the inside. Mercedes-Benz has plonked both these cars with a reversing camera. While it does make parking in tight spots a lot easier, it would have been even more stress free had it got parking sensors to go with it. Move on to the back bench and you will see the addition of the centre arm rests with cup holders. Additionally the B-Class also gets a rear seat entertainment system.

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The Edition 1 A180 CDI and the B180 CDI continue to have the same heart that is seen on the standard trim. Powered by a 2.2-litre mill both these cars produce 109PS of power and 250Nm of torque. In fact the only mechanical change on them is the raised suspension. The increase in ground clearance doesn’t have any effect on the overall handling dynamics of the car. What it does manage to achieve though is ensure that it can take on rough roads without having to worry about the underbelly scraping against the road. However, the overall ride quality continues to remain stiff and larger bumps do wallop into the cabin.

Overall, while many may think that the changes aren’t many, they are in places where it actually matters. Mercedes-Benz has done well to optimise both these products based on the valuable feedback it received from its customers. The standard A180 CDI is available at Rs 24.77 lakh and the B180 CDI at Rs 26.83 lakh (prices ex-showroom Delhi). One can expect the Edition 1 to be priced at a premium over the standard models. The Edition 1 will be made available only in the diesel trim and is scheduled to be launched on June 24. Also Read: Mercedes-Benz to launch Edition 1 A and B-Class in June