Just a few months after the successful launch of the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is now adding two particularly fuel-efficient and eco-friendly BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models to the range: with a fuel consumption figure of 3.6 l/100 km according to the MVEG cycle and CO2 emissions of just 92 g/km, the A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition is the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz of all time. The A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition petrol model, with consumption of 5.2 l/100 km and 120 g of CO2/km is likewise one of the most efficient vehicles in its class. The models will go on sale on 1 February 2013, while the first vehicles will reach customers in March 2013.
The fuel consumption of the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models is even lower than for the basic vehicles– by 0.2 (diesel) and 0.3 l/100 km (petrol) respectively, representing an improvement of five percent in each case. Factors contributing to this include a lowering of the Cd value of the A-Class from 0.27 – already a record for hatchback vehicles in this segment – to 0.26. Additional aerodynamic optimisation measures include, for example, the partial covering of the upper section of the radiator grille, aerodynamically shaped spring link coverings that improve the flow of air along the underbody at the rear axle, and a suspension that has been lowered by 15 millimetres.
The generator management system has also been revised, as has the manual transmission, which now features longer gear ratios in the higher gears. Visually, the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models are differentiated by round LED daytime running lamps set into the bumper, assuming that customers have not selected either of the available options of bi-xenon headlamps or the Intelligent Light System.
Technical data at a glance:
| Model* | Displacement | Transmission | Output | CO2 emissions** |
| Diesel, direct injection | ||||
| A 180 CDI BE Edition | 1461 cc | 6-speed, manual | 80 kW (109 hp) |
92 g/km |
| Petrol, direct injection | ||||
| A 180 BE Edition | 1595 cc | 6-speed, manual | 90 kW (122 hp) |
120 g/km |
* BE = BlueEFFICIENCY, **combined
BlueEFFICIENCY Edition special models have also been available in the Mercedes-Benz C- and E-Class since late 2012: the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition (from 4.1 l/100 km and 109 g CO2/km) and the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition (4.5 l/100 km, 119 g CO2/km). All BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models reflect the Mercedes-Benz philosophy of “Real Life Efficiency”, combining a realistically achievable low level of fuel consumption under everyday operating conditions with fun at the wheel and the comfort typical of the brand.
