Renewed Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class get fingerprint scanner

Here’s what’s new about the Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The updated Mercedes-Benz A-Class gets a new grille, narrower light units and a rear diffuser. The LED taillights also received an update. There are also things new that are natural with a facelift, such as new wheel designs and new colors.

The biggest novelty is found in the interior. There we detect not only a new steering wheel, but Mercedes-Benz also places an improved MBUX infotainment system, with the top version having two 10.25 displays. The A-Class has also received an additional USB-C charging port.

Fingerprint scanner

New colors and materials are also available for the interior. Salient detail: a so-called fingerprint scanner for driver identification will follow in the first quarter of 2023. This scanner is linked to the car’s telematics system. There is no more information yet about this feature.

Enhanced driving assistance systems

And speaking of systems, the range of driving assistance systems has been further expanded, including Lane Keeping Assist now works more comfortably in conjunction with Active Steering Control. Mercedes-Benz is also installing the latest version of the Parking Package, including a 360-degree camera system for even easier parking. Automatic parking, of course, the system can also do this.

Engines, including plug-in hybrid

And what about the engines? There is news there, too. All engine variants are now electrified, that is, with mild-hybrid technology (48 Volts, 10 kW boost). Plug-in hybrids are also on the menu. Of that variant, the power of the electric motor has been increased by 5 kW so that it now delivers 80 kW.

The energy density of the battery has also been improved so that the EV range has increased. Charging the battery pack can go from 3.7 kW to 11 kW. Previously, the limit was 7.4 kW. Charging at a 22 kW charge point is also possible. In the latter case, charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent takes about 25 minutes.

What about the Mercedes-Benz B-Class?

All well and good, but what about the Mercedes-Benz B-Class? After all, doesn’t it share its technology with the A-Class? True, the A-Class and B-Class are technically the same. Not surprisingly, the B-Class also benefits from the same novelties, right down to the powertrains. There are also some cosmetic changes to the B-Class, including a new grille, sportier bumper work and modified light units.

A-Class as AMG

There is an important difference, however, because the Mercedes-Benz B-Class does not come as an extra sporty AMG version. That’s a different story with the A-Class, which is available as the A 35 and alf A 45 S. Only the hatchback is available as the A 45 S. As ever, that variant has an output of 421 hp. The 35-version – available as a hatchback and as an A-Class Sedan – has 306 horsepower.

Other engines

The 180 still follows the basic version. That one has 136 hp. Diesel can also be had with a 118 d with 116 hp. The 250 e plug-in hybrid has a system output of 218 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Battery capacity comes out to 15.6 kWh, good for an EV range of 70 to 82 kilometers, depending on chosen wheels and equipment. All engine versions have an automatic transmission. Depending on version, that is a seven- or eight-speed automatic.