2018 Mercedes-Benz MFA2 (A/B/CLA/GLA/GLB Class)

[rage2]

We're around 6 months away from seeing the introduction fo the new A class on top of the new MFA2 platform, figure I start a thread tracking what we do know so far. There are HUGE changes to the platform, and will be adopted by the A, B, CLA, GLA and the new GLB class in the next 3-4 years.

Since the A class is the new one coming out, let's start with what we know for the 2018 A Class.

Engine:

Base engine will be the new M264 4 cylinder.


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It features a switch to 48V power, twin scroll turbo, and a 48V starter/alternator that drives water pump, acts as a starter, and energy recovery. It can also torque fill at <2500rpm, which eliminates the turbo lag which is especially bad on the AMG 45 engine. This engine is expected to power the base 200 as well as the AMG 25 version, with an all new AMG specific version pushing out over 400hp.

In addition to this, there are rumors that a plug in hybrid drivetrain will also be available at some point. While it's good news for tree huggers, it could signify a bigger shift to a performance hybrid drivetrain in the AMG models under the new AMG EQ hybrid branding.

Transmission:

Not much details other than leaked documents with 9G-DCT in the specs. A couple more gears, same DCT. For the purists, a 6 speed manual transmission looks to be available, but not sure if that's coming to NA or not. Could be a Euro diesel only transmission.

Chassis:

The MFA2 platform is larger and lighter than the current MFA platform. As such, all the cars based on MFA2 have an increase in length and wheelbase, and offer more interior room (which really is already a lot for it's size FWIW). The MFA2 platform is also extendable, which means it will increase in length and size to adapt to the upcoming GLB 7 seater (aka the mini G).


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Interior:

One of the key changes in MFA2 is that it's adopting the E Class Star 2.3 electronics platform. What does this mean? Well for one, dual "iPad" screen display.


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The other, full support for the new generation of driver assistance packages, multi camera support, all the way up to the semi-self driving Drive Pilot setup. The A spy shots show the camera setup in the windshield:


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The interior is getting a huge makeover to be more in line with the C and E interior design language.

The new A class is expected to be unveiled this September. Fingers crossed that Canada gets it.

Please post more if you have more info along the way.

[killramos]

Mini G... WHY IS LIFE SO EXPENSIVE

Between that and a new A45 I am destined for bankruptcy.

Power plant sounds really cool, any chance the 9G-DCT is going to fix.. well all of the issues with the last one? Sounds like buying one is flipping a coin.

[Neil4Speed]

Wow, that GLB, I didn't even know that was a thing, I love it in the strangest way possible.

[rage2]

Originally posted by killramos
any chance the 9G-DCT is going to fix.. well all of the issues with the last one? Sounds like buying one is flipping a coin.

Were there issues with the current one? The only complaints I've heard of are the lag off the line (it's terrible for making left turns on a solid green) in the AMG 45 cars.

[Xtrema]

Holy shit, in for Mini G.

[hurrdurr]

Can't say i'm a big fan of the styling in the A45 but the specs are unreal. Close to 400HP with great fuel mileage

The main reason I had to let go of the C63 was the cost to fill the tank twice a week lol.

[killramos]

Originally posted by rage2

Were there issues with the current one? The only complaints I've heard of are the lag off the line (it's terrible for making left turns on a solid green) in the AMG 45 cars.

Shift lag in general, reliability. Been reading some horror stories about them on PL, it's all obviously nothing I have personally experienced. I think its mostly in the A's which doesn't make much sense. I haven't ever really heard any good things about the A/CLA/GLA transmission in general over the years.



I even find my MCT a bit slow on the uptake from a stop as well unless I really punch it, find myself being beaten off the line in every day traffic pretty regularly while the transmission makes up its mind. If I punch it or use RS everything is fine this is just during more reasonable driving compared to a standard auto. Gunna push them to get a few software updates installed when I get the dif service done to see if that helps.

[rage2]

All those A owners on the PL are just bitching about lag off the line and lag from paddle click to actual shift. Shift lag was actually fixed for MY2016. Lag off the line was sorta fixed with different lower gearing to help compensate a little.

Even with the slower paddle to shift time in my MY2015, it's a quicker gearbox than my C63 BS MCT.

[killramos]

Fair enough, I still like the A and would get one in a heartbeat. Would have bought the GLA if it was up to me, wife liked the Lexus better.

[rage2]

Originally posted by killramos
Fair enough, I still like the A and would get one in a heartbeat. Would have bought the GLA if it was up to me, wife liked the Lexus better.

Is she loving the service? I have yet to take the Lexus in for service, 4x now it's been the gf. I can't appreciate a good mani/pedicure.

[killramos]

You mean when she doesn't just leave the keys under the front doormat and have them come pick it up and bring it back?

She loves it tbh, its a great car.

The esspreso bar was pretty cool when we were in looking at it.

[rage2]

The NW one (where we get it serviced) has a spa there. So she drives in, drops off the keys, gets her nails done, and drives home.

[killramos]

When we had the Toyota, Stampede used to do the manicures, she seemed to like that well enough.

[rage2]

Oops. A250 sedan and hatch accidentally revealed lol.



More here: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/s...ed-121434.html

[killramos]

Looks like a Q5... all kind of irrelevent to me until we see what AMG does to it. Oh yea also if it’s coming across the pond.

Timing is about right for me actually. Say 2 years?

[flipstah]

Mini G is like if the Nissan Cube started using steroids lol.

[Xtrema]

That interior

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/fir...des-benz-class

[rage2]

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That interior

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/fir...des-benz-class

Not a surprise at all, but great to see it's final execution.

Also, from my sources, the A Class is confirmed as a MY2019 model for Canada. No word on Sedan (most likely) or Hatchback (maybe) or both.

[npham]

I wonder if the AMG version will get the 48V treatment.

[killramos]

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Also, from my sources, the A Class is confirmed as a MY2019 model for Canada. No word on Sedan (most likely) or Hatchback (maybe) or both.

Fuck, I might have to make good in on my promise to my salesman to buy one .

I hope they don’t ruin it.