In June 2004, the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the 169 series, celebrated its world premiere on a club cruise ship in Greek waters. Autumn of that year had been set as the date for the market launch of the new models. The new A-Class was offered in two body variants: in addition to the highly variable five-door W 169 model series, a 3-Door Coupé bearing the designation C 169 became available for the first time. In contrast to the previous generation, however, the new A-Class was only available with a wheelbase of 2568 mm.
The basic principle of the new A-Class once again followed the tried-and-tested sandwich concept that had already distinguished its predecessor. The engine and transmission were installed in an inclined position of up to 59°, partly in front of and partly under the passenger compartment. In the event of a severe frontal crash, the rigid drive unit did not shift in the direction of the interior, but instead slid down the front floor of the car, which was also inclined. Thanks to this arrangement of the engine and transmission, a greater effective deformation length was available in the short front section of the A-Class, which on the one hand resulted in the high safety margin for the vehicle occupants that is typical of the brand, and on the other allowed exemplary use of space in combination with astonishing interior variability.
At market launch, the 169 series was available in six engine variants. For the diesel models, the A 160 CDI with 60 kW/82 hp was the entry level to the world of A-Class Coupés, followed by the A 180 CDI with 80 kW/109 hp and the A 200 CDI, which already showed an emphatic power delivery with 103 kW/140 hp. The same turbodiesel engine was used in each case, namely the newly developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder OM 640, which was configured for three power levels and was at the cutting edge of diesel engine development with four-valve technology, two overhead camshafts and second-generation common rail injection, ensuring good power delivery combined with fuel economy. All diesel engines already met the limits of the Euro 4 emission standard, with an additional particulate filter system initially available as an optional extra and becoming standard equipment from summer 2005.
The petrol-engined models, the A 150 with 70 kW/95 hp, the A 170 with 85 kW/115 hp and the A 200 generating 100 kW/136 hp, were each powered by a four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine of the M 266 series, but had different displacements of 1498 cc, 1699 cc and 2034 cc. The engine family consisted of revised versions of the M 166 engines already used in the first A-Class generation from 1997. Though also presented in 2004, the top model of the 169 series, the A 200 Turbo, was only introduced in the following year. It also featured the 2.0-litre version of the M 266 with turbocharging and intercooling, and delivered 142 kW/193 hp to the driven front wheels. This made it possible to achieve a performance level significantly higher than that of the other A-Class Coupés: while their top speeds were between 170 km/h and 200 km/h, the A 200 Turbo was capable of almost 230 km/h. The petrol engines were also certified according to Euro 4 and had up to 10 % lower fuel consumption and commensurately reduced exhaust emissions compared to the corresponding preceding models of the 168 series.
As standard, power transmission in the A 160 CDI, A 150, A 170 and A 200 was by a manual 5-speed transmission, while the A 180 CDI, A 200 CDI and A 200 Turbo made six manually shifted forward gears available. Alternatively, the newly developed AUTOTRONIC CVT automatic transmission could be ordered for all models – a technical first at Mercedes-Benz. In this case the ratios were continuously variable thanks to a cone pulley variator and thrust link belt, so that vehicles equipped with the AUTOTRONIC could accelerate with no interruption of tractive power.
The A-Class Coupé was on the same technical basis as the 5-door variant, and the outer contour of both body variants remained the same, but the side design of the 3-door version visibly differed from that of the 5-door version. The longer doors not only divided the area differently, they also led to a largely remodelled vehicle side. In conjunction with a more obliquely angled C-pillar, a much more elongated, almost arrow-shaped window area visually emphasised the coupé character of the 3-door model. In addition, the designers had given the rear wheel arch a more generous contour – another measure that gave this variant a distinctive, more dynamic appearance.
In the rear design, both body variants showed the same design idiom, with the rear and side sections harmonising particularly well because the surface of the rear window visually extended into the flanks.
The appearance of the redesigned A-Class was rounded off by 15-inch wheels with a new hub cap in the "Classic" equipment line, 15-inch light-alloy wheels in a 7-hole design as standard on the "Elegance" models and 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design in the "Avantgarde" line. 17-inch and 18-inch wheels were also available as optional extras. The "Elegance" and "Avantgarde" versions were also equipped with rubbing strips along the sides.
Although barely apparent at first glance, the body dimensions of the new A-Class were very different from those of the preceding series, with the dimensions of the Coupé - even the height - no different from those of the Saloon. The vehicle length had increased by 232 mm and the width by 45 mm, which in combination with the extended wheelbase ensured slightly modified proportions and noticeably more space in the interior.
With its fully galvanised body, this new vehicle generation also offered long-term corrosion protection in line with the quality standards of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Highly exposed structural areas such as the front side members, the upper side member level, the side sills and the rear wheel arches were also protected by cavity preservation.
The second A-Class generation underlined its reputation as a technological trendsetter with numerous pioneering innovations with respect to handling safety and comfort. In addition to the well-known sandwich concept, the newly developed belt and airbag system, which included adaptive, two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners in the front and on the outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters and newly developed head/thorax side airbags instead of the previous sidebags, ensured a very high level of protection. The same applied to the increased use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel alloys, high-strength adhesive bonding and additional reinforcing sections in the body structure.
As for the suspension, the spherical parabolic rear axle represented the most significant innovation in the new A-Class. This axle design was characterised by particularly precise wheel guidance and good roll support when cornering. The new rear axle therefore played a significant role in the safe, dynamic and at the same time comfortable handling of all models of the 169 series. As a further special feature, the suspension offered a new type of damping system as standard, which was used in this form for the first time in automobile engineering. In principle it employed twin-tube gas pressure shock absorbers, which came with selective, amplitude-dependent damping adjustment. Its particular advantage was that it worked purely hydromechanically, without the complex sensors and electronics otherwise necessary, yet it adapted the shock absorber forces to the respective driving situation in a similar way to highly technical systems.
Another central area of focus in the development of the 169 series was the reduction of noise in the interior. To further reduce the already significantly lower noise level of the A-Class vehicles compared to competitors, a number of additional measures were taken. These included a firewall of composite sheet metal as well as bonded metal sheets in three areas of the main floor and the spare wheel well to provide additional, vibration-damping rigidity.
When designing and equipping the interior of the new A-Class models, the developers placed great emphasis on the look and feel of the materials used, so as to match up to the premium claims of Mercedes-Benz in the compact class segment as well. In the same way, the latest ergonomic findings were taken into account with respect to seating position and ease of operation. This also included the then unusual use of a multifunction steering wheel in this vehicle segment, which had already proven itself in other Mercedes-Benz model series. This allowed convenient control of the telephone, radio and central display functions. An air conditioning system with automatic temperature control and humidity sensor was also standard equipment – and not typical in this class. The THERMOTRONIC automatic air conditioning system was also available as an optional extra, and regulated the interior climate on the basis of sensor data for the temperature, position of the sun, humidity and pollutant content of the outside air.
The boot capacity of the new A-Class exceeded that of the preceding model by up to 15 %, and set standards in the competitive line-up at 435 litres. This was especially true for the further improved variability concept. The interior could be adapted for the respective transport task with just a few simple steps. Thanks to the 1/3 to 2/3 split-folding rear seat system with foldable seat cushions and backrests, a completely level loading floor could be created. This increased the capacity of the luggage compartment to up to 1370 litres (according to the VDA measurement method). To create even more space for luggage, recreational or sports equipment, the rear seat cushion of the foldable 2/3 section could be removed and stowed under the height-adjustable load compartment floor.
At the time of market launch in autumn 2004, the gross list prices of the new A-Class Coupé covered a range from 17,632.00 euros for the entry-level model into the Mercedes-Benz world, the petrol-powered A 150, to 24,302.00 euros for the diesel version A 200 CDI. The already announced A 200 Turbo, which only became available from July 2005, was priced at 24,592.00 euros in a coupé version – hardly more expensive than the top-of-the-range diesel model despite its high engine output.
After an exceptionally successful market launch, with more than 200,000 units of the 169 series having already been delivered within a year, the first special model named the "Polar Star" followed in 2006 and was also available in conjunction with the 3-door body variant of the new A-Class. The features of the corresponding equipment package were added to those included in the "Classic", "Elegance" and "Avantgarde" lines. The "Polar Star" models were equipped with an "Audio 5" radio with CD player and 6 speakers, cruise control including variable SPEEDTRONIC control, the Exterior Light & Sight Package, a leather steering wheel, silver-edged floor mats with Edition lettering, specially designed seat upholstery materials and a number of Edition-specific trim elements both inside and out. Three different metallic paint finishes and 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a 7-spoke design rounded off the added value of the "Polar Star" models.
In the case of the Coupé, the gross list prices ranged from 19,894.00 euros for an A 150 in the "Classic" version to 25,868.00 euros for an A 200 Turbo with "Elegance" or "Avantgarde" equipment. The customer advantage compared to a standard model was up to 800.00 euros, depending on the selected basic equipment.
In the autumn of the following year, the threshold of 500,000 model series 169 vehicles was already reached, and at the same time, with the special "Edition 10" model, Mercedes-Benz highlighted the fact that the A-Class had already been part of the model portfolio for ten years. The "Edition 10" models were enhanced with particularly high-quality and extensive additional equipment. External distinguishing features included 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a 7-twin-spoke design, a matt silver-painted radiator grille with perforated louvres and the panoramic sliding sunroof, which was also included in the Edition package. Metallic paintwork and an Edition plaque in the mirror triangle subtly rounded of the exterior look.
The interior features included seats in a black fabric/leather ARTICO material mix, a leather steering wheel, the "Audio 5" radio with 6 speakers and CD player, velour floor mats with silver edging and embroidered "Edition" logo as well as specially designed aluminium trim in the optional equipment package.
Another unusual highlight of the "Edition 10" was a service contract offered by Mercedes-Benz for 10.00 euros per month, which covered all servicing and repair work and thus made the maintenance costs calculable in a customer-friendly manner.
The special models were again available in combination with both body styles and all engines, with the special equipment package once again supplementing the individual lines. The corresponding gross list prices started at 21,182.00 euros for an A 150 in the "Classic" line and ended at 27,340.25 euros for an A 200 Turbo in the "Elegance" version.
Until the major model facelift scheduled for spring 2008, there were no further significant changes to the specifications of the A-Class Coupés. The updated vehicles were first presented to the public at the "Auto Mobil International" (AMI) trade fair in Leipzig in April of that year.
In general, the new A-Class generation had by then been able to meet all expectations in terms of unit sales. Around 540,000 Saloon models alone had left the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt by the time the facelifted versions were introduced. However, in contrast to this figure, the Coupé variants lagged behind dramatically despite their virtually identical utility value and sportier visual appeal. In the corresponding period, only around 90,000 units of the C 169 were produced. It was the petrol-powered A 150 Coupé that established itself as the clear leader in the production statistics with almost 34,000 units, followed by the A 180 CDI Coupé of which a good 25,500 units had been produced. Third place, as for the Saloon models, was taken by the second petrol model, the A 170 Coupé. The true outlier was the powerful A 200 Turbo Coupé, of which less than 900 units had been built in the first production cycle from 2005 to 2008.
