The History of the Mercedes A-Class Series
Well-loved for a number of reasons, the Merecedes A-Class is the ideal premium car to lease.
And as one of the most popular cars on the market today, we thought we would take a look back at the history of the Mercedes A-Class Series.
Let’s go back to the very beginning...
A little bit about Mercedes-Benz...
Merecedes-Benz is a German automotive brand and a subsidiary of Daimler AG. Recognised for creating luxury and commercial vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has become one of the most sought-after vehicles in the world.
The brand is so popular, that in 2018, it sold over two million passenger cars, making it the largest seller of premium vehicles in the world that year.
Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has continued to invent and produce some of the best cars to ever take to the road – including the A-Class series.
The start of the A-Class series
Now onto its fourth generation, the A-Class began in 1997 with a compact car, offering space and practicality allowing it to act as a family vehicle.
Image source: Wikipedia
Differing from the usual Mercedes-Benz cars, this W168 A-Class featured a front-wheel drive and had a totally different shape.
Adding electronic stability control and modifying the suspension after flipping over during the traditional ‘elk test’, the A-Class has since gone from strength to strength.
Given a slight facelift in the early 00s, the A-Class benefited in changes to the headlights, as well as a new front and rear bumper design. The first-generation A-Class sold over one million vehicles.
Second gen A-Class
Around from 2004 to 2012, the second generation of Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W169) provided customers with the option to have three, or five doors in the form of Saloon and Coupe. As well as this, the new and improved A-Class also featured added boot space.
Image source: Wikipedia
Also introducing a sat-nav and added technologies, including stop-start functionality which resulted in the saving of fuel.
The A-Class continued to develop throughout this time and also included a USB port and Active Park Assist.
In 2009, the limited A-Class Special Edition included a CD player, Bluetooth hands-free system and a number of other impressive features.
2010 saw the addition of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell, which was part of a collaboration between Tesla Motors and Mercedes-Benz. Only 500 of the electric cars were built, although they weren’t sold outside of Europe.
As of February 2012, one million second generation A-Class cars have been delivered since its launch in 2004.
Third gen A-Class
The third generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class saw quite the change, in both its looks and technology.
Image source: Wikipedia
Hoping to target a younger audience, this model offers a brand-new design with much more space than its previous counterparts, making it a popular small family car.
Competing against the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, this A-Class offered drivers a number of models from the years 2012 to 2018 with a premium and sporty feel.
With a modern and hi-tech interior with a built-in touch screen system and a Collision Prevention Assis functionality, the all-new A-Class was a rival to many.
Powerful and sleek, the A-Class also introduced a 45 AMG model with a two-litre four-cylinder turbo engine and an ESP Sport Handling mode.
It was throughout this time, that the infamous A-Class began to take over the roads...
Fourth gen A-Class
The A-Class is now in its fourth generation and boasting a sleek interior and exterior design, continuing to prove it is one step ahead of its competitors.
Offering a range of models, the A-Class is available in both three and five doors, as well as Hatchback and Saloon body shapes. As well as this, there are a number of options when it comes to automatic, sport and AMG editions.
The fourth generation A-Class offers motorists premium quality and many of its models provide a new feeling of space and luxury.
Including a touch screen centre console and multimedia system, two USB ports, increased fuel-efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is incredibly versatile.
So, if you’re looking to lease a premium car at an affordable price, then look no further than our wide range of Mercedes-Benz A-Class models.
Leasing a car is not only affordable but allows you to drive away with a top of the range, luxury car with no admin or processing fees. And here at Pink Car Leasing, we stock a wide range of Mercedes A Class cars available to lease.
For more information on our car leasing options, contact our friendly team today. Our experts will be able to assist you in choosing the ideal car for you, whilst helping you to settle on a lease deal that suits your specific budget.