Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine

Does the most affordable entry point into the three-pointed star club deliver on the luxury experience?

- BENJAMIN GRACIAS

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS LIMOUSINE A 200

Engine: 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol Power: 163PS @ 5,500rpm Torque: 270Nm @ 2,000 - 3,500rpm Weight: 1,440kg Gearbox: Seven-speed DCT Price: ₹ 45.80 lakh ex-showroom

A decade back, Indian luxury carmakers realised that there was a viable market for entry-level cars given the vast number of potential buyers wanting to enter the luxury fold. Mercedes-Benz came up with the A-Class, a good-looking hatchback with the features and feel of their larger models. However, the Indian audience has always considered cars as a status symbol and categorised vehicles according to their body styles. The idea of a ₹20 lakh-plus hatchback didn’t really appeal to the masses. Mercedes-Benz rectified this by offering the CLA, a sedan based on the A-Class. The current entry-level Mercedes-Benz is the A-Class Limousine which received a mild facelift for 2023. It promises to offer an affordable ticket into the three-pointed star club, but does it offer the same VIP experience?