On the AMG performance end, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC, with peak output of 280 kW (381 hp) and a maximum torque of 475 N·m is the world’s most powerful compact sports model. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kmh takes 4.2 seconds—0.4 seconds faster than its predecessor. Fuel consumption has been kept at the previous level: 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers (34 mpg US), corresponding to 162 g/km CO₂.

The A 220 d is now 5 kW (7 hp) more powerful than before with 130 kW (177 hp), while the sport models A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4MATIC now develop 160 kW (218 hp) instead of the previous 155 kW (211 hp).

In combination with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, the A-Class now has "Launch Assist" for even faster acceleration from standstill. All in all the model range has 17 versions. The “ECO display” also takes a new form to assist the driver in maintaining an environmentally friendly style of driving.

The new-generation A-Class can be ordered in Europe from 3 July 2015. The first models will be in dealer showrooms at the end of September.

With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the engine, transmission, suspension, steering and air conditioning at the driver’s behest. The four driving modes “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Eco” and “Individual” can be conveniently selected using the switch in the upper control array.

Models A 200 d 4MATIC, A 220 4MATIC, A 220 d, A 220 d 4MATIC, A 250 4MATIC, A 250 Sport and A 250 Sport 4MATIC are equipped with DYNAMIC SELECT as standard. The system is also included as standard in all models with 7G-DCT, AMG Line or a lowered suspension. DYNAMIC SELECT is available on request for all other engine variants except the two BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models.

DYNAMIC SELECT allows a particularly broad range of setting options in combination with the new suspension with adaptive damping (optional extra). In this case the driver is able to modify the vehicle's damping characteristics using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch. There is a choice between Comfort mode with comfortable damping characteristics and Sport mode for a sporty and more taut damper setup. Acceleration sensors are used to measure the vehicle’s body movements, and other current information about the vehicle status such as the steering angle, steering speed and yaw rate is included when calculating the damping characteristics. A proportional valve is actuated electronically at each shock absorber to control the oil flow and therefore the damping characteristics. The damping system is infinitely variable, and the configuration is individual for each wheel.

The new-generation A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to be available with comprehensive smartphone integration: from the beginning of 2016 the infotainment systems Apple CarPlay (for iPhone owners) and MirrorLink will become available.

In the case of CarPlay, the system supports telephoning, navigation and listening to music, receiving and sending SMS and emails as well as Siri voice control. To avoid distracting the driver during a journey, only the relevant smartphone content is displayed on-screen.

At the same time the new generation telematics are being introduced into the A-Class. Operation is now even more intuitive, with the functions accompanied by animated menus and visual depictions on the even larger display in the head unit. On request the screen diagonal now measures 20.3 cm (8 inches), making it at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) larger than before.

Assistance systems. Some of the assistance systems have been revised. For example, the standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS extends the functions of the previous COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (radar supported proximity warning and braking assistance by Adaptive Brake Assist) with autonomous partial braking to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

The drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST (standard) has been similarly upgraded: operating within an extended speed range (60 - 200 km/h, or 37 - 124 mph), it now uses a five-stage bar display to visualize the driver’s current attention level.

The new generation of the A-Class entered the market in September 2012. It is manufactured not only in Rastatt, but, since August 2013, also by the Finnish production specialist Valmet Automotive. Unit sales soared by over 46% in Great Britain last year, and by more than 51% in the growth market of China. However, most A-Class models continue to be sold to customers in Germany.

Around one in two drivers of a Mercedes-Benz A-Class or B-Class, GLA or CLA in Germany and western Europe previously drove a competitor vehicle. In the case of the A-Class, no less than two out of three European customers come from competing brands. The Mercedes-Benz brand has also undergone a noticeable rejuvenation since the introduction of the new compact models. Nowadays, the average age of European drivers owning the new A-Class is around 13 years less than for the preceding model series. In China the average age is 34 years.