2014 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class anniversary edition launched

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the anniversary editions of its compact luxury cars, the A-Class and B-Class, called the ‘Edition 1’. These will be limited editions of the regular A-Class and B-Class, limited to 100 units each. The Edition 1 pack will be offered only on the diesel variants, and not the petrol. The A-Class Edition 1 has been priced at Rs 26.17 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai while the B-Class Edition 1 retails at Rs 28.75 lakh , a premium of Rs 30,000 and Rs 80,000 over the standard models respectively.

So what makes the Edition 1 special? To begin with, the suspension on both cars has been raised slightly based on customer feedback. On the outside, both cars get an ‘Edition 1’ decals and badges, new alloy wheels and blacked-out ORVMs.

The B-Class Edition 1 gets upgraded with a bunch of goodies inside, like entertainment screens for rear passengers, rear centre arm rest, a sunroof and electric controls for the front passenger seat with memory function. Similarly, the interiors of the A-Class get a central arm rest for the rear seat along with cup holders, electric controls and a memory function for the front seat, a panoramic roof and a reverse parking camera.

There are no changes to the powertrain, and both models sport the rather sedate 2.2-litre, inline-four diesel engine that develops 107bhp between 3200 and 4600rpm and 250Nm of torque produced between 1400 and 2800rpm. Mated to a 7G-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the A-Class hits the ton mark in 10.6 seconds while the bulkier B-Class is 0.1 second slower. Both cars can reach a top speed of 190kmph. Mercedes claims that the 50-litre fuel tank will enable a range of 1000km for both cars.

With over 2500 units sold, the A-Class and B-Class make for about 20 per cent of Mercedes-Benz India’s overall sales figures. While the A-Class finds competition in the BMW 1 Series 118d, the Volvo V40 Cross Country and the soon to be launched Audi A3 sedan, the B-Class is literally in a class of its own. Need a car for the school/grocery run but can’t be seen in an Ertiga? The B-Class is for you.

Here is our quick drive report on the A-Class Edition 1 and the B-Class Edition 1.