2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class interior revealed – it’s high-tech

Mercedes-Benz has completely overhauled the new A-Class’ interior as it prepares to go on sale in 2018.

Codenamed W177, the most prominent feature of the new dashboard is the dual screen layout that the A-Class inherited from its dearer siblings. But unlike the fully integrated screens of the E- and S-Class, the screens on the A-Class are free standing above the dashboard.

There will be two different screen sizes on offer, with the range-topping A-Class featuring the larger 12.3-inch wide displays you see here. The base model gets a dual 7-inch setup, while the mid-range variants use a 7-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system.

Meanwhile, Mercedes has also increased the number of ambient lighting colour from 12 to a massive 64. Further, the different colours are composed into 10 colour worlds for ‘an avant-garde’ lighting display. They can be matched to the different styles of the widescreen display if required for a harmonious overall impression.

Another striking feature in the new cabin are those turbine style air vents that look similar to those on the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, while the new steering wheel are lifted straight from the S-Class to give Mercedes’ entry-level model a premium look.

The new seats on the A-Class were developed using computer-based comfort simulation – a first in the compact segment, according to Mercedes. Customers will get to choose from three different front seats, with the comfort seats featuring as many as 20 adjustments. Sports model will continue to get tombstone style sports seats.

Further aback, all A-Class variants will be equipped with 60:40-split rear seats, with a more practical 40:20:40 split configuration offers as an option along with the Load Compartment Package which positions the rear seat backrest in a more upright position to increase rear cargo space.

And while we’re on the topic, boot space has increased by 29 litres to 370 litres compared to the outgoing model. Mercedes says the loading aperture is also 20cm wider and the boot floor 11.5 longer. As expected with a new generation model, there will be more room for the passengers, too (refer table below).

Finally, Mercedes says all-round visibility has improved courtesy of thinner A-, B-, and C-pillars, which reduce obscured area by 10 percent. This is further aided by moving the wing mirrors onto the outer door panels instead of being attached next to the A-pillar like the current model.

The 2018 Mercedes A-Class is set for a full reveal early next year, followed by a first-ever four-door sedan shortly after.