Mild hybrid tech sweetened for A- and B-Class.

UPDATES for Mercedes’ A-Class model (top) and its bulked B-Class people carrier spin-off (immeidately above) have been revealed, a year ahead of likely New Zealand availability.

The big technical update is that all petrol models now run 48-volt mild-hybrid technology as standard, with an integrated starter generator. Replacing the traditional starter motor and alternator, this provides the models with 10kW more power in ‘EQ Boost’ mode.

A plug-in hybrid B250e is offered overseas, with the same updates as the A250e for 2023, including a more powerful electric motor and 11kW AC charge rate, up from 7.4kW, to increase the electric-only range very slightly to 80km.

Almost all styling changes are common and include the inclusion of a reshaped ‘star pattern’ grille, redesigned headlight internals, modified tail-lights, and new alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the new-style steering wheel from the C-, E- and S-Class has filtered down, finished in Nappa leather as standard.

The centre console has been simplified, with Mercedes-Benz removing the touchpad for its infotainment system, and repositioning the volume and drive mode controls.

The cars maintain the current MBUX system, unlike the C-Class, which feature a portrait-orientated unit.

Mercedes-Benz says the MBUX software has been revised to allowing for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, "newly-designed" display styles, machine learning, and the ability to speak to the voice assistant without saying 'Hey, Mercedes' first in some instances. It also achieves a superior 360 degree camera.

A fingerprint sensor on the centre console will identify and authenticate the driver, while the brand has fitted an additional USB-C port.

As part of the Driver Assistance package, the Lane Keeping Assist function has been improved so that it is now simpler and more comfortable to use in conjunction with Active Steering Control.

As with the standard models, the performance-edged AMG variants of the A-Class have seen some touch-up work.

The A 35 4Matic and its more powerful sibling the A 45 S 4Matic plus both get some of the same styling upgrades as the base model A-Class, albeit with a few AMG-specific details such as an AMG radiator grille, a new front apron, a round AMG bonnet badge replacing the traditional one bearing the Mercedes star and some other small changes at the rear.

The addition of the same mild-hybrid power as its non-AMG counterparts to the A 35's 2.0-litre engine means that 228kW is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, though the 2.0-litre engine in the A 45 remains solely petrol-powered for now, still developing 320kW without hybrid assistance.