Mercedes is all set to introduce a special edition of the A- and B-class hatchbacks. The 'Edition 1', as this version will be known, will get additional equipment and will be available only on the diesel models of these cars.
The added kit will include reversing camera, central armrest on the rear seat, panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front passenger seat, glossy black exterior mirror housing, Edition 1 badging and decals. While these features will be common between the two hatches, the B-class will additionally come with a rear seat entertainment system. Both Mercs will also get new design alloys.
There will be no changes under the hood on these special edition cars over the standard ones and both the A- and B-class Edition 1 will retain the same shared 107bhp 2.2-litre diesel motor. What Mercedes will do though, with the Edition 1s, is raise the ground clearance of the A- and B-class. The move is a result of customer feedback regarding these cars bottoming out on Indian roads and the carmaker will henceforth undertake the same exercise on all Mercedes models on sale in India.
Mercedes India chief Eberhard Kern had recently said that these new, entry-level compact models are not only helping reposition the brand as "younger" and "sportier" but are also drawing new customers. In fact, Kern mentioned that entry-level models account for about 20 percent of Merc's sales here.
With the introduction of these special edition hatchbacks, Mercedes-Benz will hope to grow its share of India's luxury segment pie. And going by the enthusiastic reception of the standard models, added equipment is likely to only get the carmaker closer to that goal.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
