new auto cars 2012: 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2013, Cars, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz A-Class 9:25 AM

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a mini MPV produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The first generation was introduced in 1997, and the all-new second generation model appeared in late 2004. Launched as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a three-door hatchback to sit below the five-door. In the markets that the A-Class is or has been sold in, it has represented the entry level model of Mercedes-Benz. Production of the W168 A-Class began in 1997. Its front engine, front wheel drive layout was quite unusual for Mercedes. To date, about 1.6 million units have been sold worldwide.

One innovation of the W168 was a frontal-impact absorption system called the Sandwich. In the event of a violent frontal impact, the engine and transmission would slide underneath the floor below the pedals rather than entering the passenger compartment. The W168 became infamous in 1997 after flipping over during the traditional "elk test" performed by the Swedish automobile publication Teknikens VArld. According to the report, the W168 overturned when manoeuvring to avoid the "elk". Mercedes initially denied the problem, but then took the surprising step of recalling all units sold to date and suspending distribution until the problem was solved by adding electronic stability control and modifying the suspension.

The Mercedes A-Class E-Cell was introduced in September 2010 and debuted at the October 2010 Paris Motor Show. The E-Cell has a range of 200 kilometers capable of developing a peak output of 70 kW, a continuous power rating of 50 kW and a maximum torque of 290 N·m. The Mercedes A-Class E-Cell can accelerate from 0-60 km/h in 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is 150 km/h.

Tesla Motors, as part of its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, is building electric power-train components for the E-Cell. The 36 kWh battery contains approximately 4,000 individual lithium-ion cells. Mercedes has developed a modular system for electric vehicles with battery and fuel-cell. This system allows the efficient use of shared parts in all the brand's electric vehicles. Thanks to the modular approach the electric drive of the A‑Class E‑Cell is also used in the B‑Class F‑Cell, and the energy storage units in the A‑Class EV are the same as the battery in the Smart for two electric drive.

A limited production of 500 A-Class E-Cell electric cars will be built, for trial purposes, at the Mercedes Rastatt plant, near Stuttgart beginning in September 2010. As part of a demonstration program, the cars will be leased to selected customers in several European countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Daimler is not planning to sell the electric version outside Europe.The third generation of A-Class has been presented on March 5 2012. It is a five door hatchback, different in design than previous A-class.