New vs old, here are the changes you are paying for in the facelifted 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan (W177) in Malaysia
Sanjay · Jun 17, 2023 10:56 AM
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L to R: Old and new
Four years has passed since the V177/W177 (code for sedan and hatchback, respectively) Mercedes-Benz A-Class first entered markets globally; and this week marked the facelifted model's entry into Malaysia. It's fair if you didn't catch the changes right away - they're as subtle as can be on the outside; anything but mechanically.
With prices now starting from RM 238,300 for the A200 and an estimated RM 264,000 for the A250, both locally-assembled sedans (CKD Pekan) see a circa RM 3,000 and RM 4,000 increase respectively. What's new? We shed light...
Powertrain: A200 remains, A250 is now MHEV + AWD
It's the A250 AMG Line that gains the most here: it's now all-wheel drive (4Matic), it's got a mild hybrid powertrain, and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) to go with it (previously 7-speed DCT).
Significantly, it now features a 14 PS belt-driven starter generator (RSG), enabling smoother engine start-ups in stop-go driving. Fuel efficiency should also see an improvement as the 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain allows for engine-off gliding during steady cruising.
Meanwhile, the A200 is just as we know it earlier. Under the hood of that is a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (163 PS/270 Nm) mated to a 7-speed DCT, and still front-wheel drive as before.
Interior: No more touchpad, new UI & steering wheel
Step into the cabin and you'll find a layout that's pretty much identical to the pre-facelift model. The main physical difference is that the central touchpad is no longer there, and in its place today is a shallow storage cubby, buttons for its Dynamic Access drive modes, and a new-for-the-facelift fingerprint sensor.
New steering wheel designs for the lot too, in-line with what other models get.
Its dual-screen (10.25-inches each) setup stays, now powered by the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) software (NTG 7). The tech bump sees both variants gain wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 1 more USB-C port (all are fast-charging capable), and refreshed cluster/icon designs.
As for the seats, the Artico synthetic leather units (with Microcut fibre details for the A250) are exactly the same as they were on the pre-facelift models. The rear air-cond vents that disappeared in a 2022 update also doesn't return, and in place of that we got a power-adjustable front passenger's seat.
Exterior: Minor updates to fascia, new wheels for A200
Note the hood
The modest styling revisions start with the inclusion of Mercedes' iconic 'Powerbump'; two bulges on the hood that is now even on the A200. You'd have noticed the LED headlights are new too, with its daytime running lights (DRLs) now running lengthwise up top instead of the 'L' shape of the older car.
The A200's new front bumper sees a slight restyled by way of larger lower intake grilles and a new chrome piece by the centre, and it also gets new 17-inch wheels in place of the old 18s, all in the name of comfort.
For the A250, it keeps its AMG Line kit, so that includes the 18-inch wheels. Bumper revisions see some changes to the lower front-end design to go with its reshaped grille.
Minute changes at the back, coming in the way of revised light signatures; though the bumpers look pretty much the same.
Conclusion
Typical of mid-life refreshes, changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. All in all, the relatively tiny quantum of price increase isn't so bad considered the new look and updated features; plus don't forget the performance switchup of the A250 AMG Line.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
