The Best Luxury Small Sedans in Singapore [Updated]
CarBuyer Team
29/12/2022
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon
Our pick: Mercedes-Benz A 180 Saloon Progressive from S$221,888 with COE (December 2022)
Read our review of the Mercedes-Benz A 180 Saloon here
Mercedes-Benz is unique in that it has not one, but two four-door sedans in this segment. But whereas the CLA is the stylish ‘coupe’ (as Mercedes-Benz insists on calling it), the A-Class Saloon is the more down-to-earth four-door sedan that will attract the more practical-minded buyer.
The pricing strategy reflects that too, with the A-Class Saloon starting at S$221,888 with COE for the A 180 Progressive variant, whereas the equivalent CLA 180 Progressive goes for S$225,888 inclusive of COE. This makes the Merc a fair bit more expensive than its two German rivals, but the brand is hoping that the appeal of the three-pointed star is enough to justify the premium.
Like the Audi and BMW, the A-Class Saloon is now available with a Cat A-friendly engine, with the A 180 being driven by a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 130hp and 200Nm of torque. This enables it to just make the cut for Cat A, but also means it is a fair bit more powerful than its rivals. However, in terms of the driving experience, the Merc lacks that same bit of sparkle as its two main competitors, with a generally underwhelming ride and handling balance.
Inside, there’s room to accommodate four adults comfortably, and the A-Class’s interior is a stylish, tech-laden wonder, boasting futuristic dual 10.25-inch screens that stretches across the dashboard, and incorporates the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Like the BMW, the Merc also features its own voice activation technology, dubbed Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), although between the two, BMW’s system comes across as marginally more intuitive to use.
The Merc does seem a bit more stylish however, albeit it being a matter of subjective taste. The A-Class Saloon’s design feels better resolved, with its sleek lines and a rear end that doesn’t look like it was simply grafted on from the A-Class hatchback.
Ultimately though, the A-Class Saloon’s greatest appeal is what’s sitting on the front grille: the three-pointed star badge. That alone on a four door sedan is enough to attract Singaporean buyers to it like bees to honey.
Continue to page 5 – what happened to the progenitor of the class, the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
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CarBuyer Team
CarBuyer Singapore brings the most relevant, accurate and useful car news to Singaporeans in both print and online formats.
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