2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift revealed

The facelifted 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has debuted, ahead of its Australian launch in the second quarter of next year.

It is headlined by a larger front grille, redesigned headlight internals, modified tail-lights, and new alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the new-style steering wheel from the C-, E- and S-Class has filtered down to the smallest Mercedes-Benz, finished in Nappa leather as standard.

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The centre console has been simplified, with Mercedes-Benz removing the touchpad for its infotainment system, and repositioning the volume and drive mode controls.

However, an updated version of the current MBUX system remains, unlike the C-Class and S-Class, which feature a portrait-orientated unit positioned closer to the driver.

Mercedes-Benz has revised the software, allowing for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a revised 360-degree camera, "newly-designed" display styles, machine learning, and the ability to speak to the voice assistant without saying 'Hey, Mercedes' first in some instances.

The voice assistant can also act as a tour guide in the 2023 A-Class, however, this will be initially limited to the German market.

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A fingerprint sensor on the centre console will identify and authenticate the driver, while the brand has fitted an additional USB-C port.

Mercedes-AMG versions – the A35 and A45 S – pick up the round AMG emblem, in line with the next-generation C63 S E-Performance.

This replaces the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath, which remains fixed to the bonnet on non-AMG variants.

In addition, Mercedes-AMG has beefed up the A35, with the hatch and sedan gaining the A45's bulkier front bumper, Panamericana grille and power bulge on the bonnet.

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It also receives an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – replacing its current seven-speed unit – and a new front radiator for improved cooling.

The flagship A45 S 'hyper hatch' remains a hatch-only offering, with its 310kW/500Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder carrying over unchanged.

Under the bonnet, Mercedes-Benz has added 48-volt mild-hybrid technology across the A-Class range – excluding the A45 S.

The brand says its integrated starter-generator, which replaces a traditional starter motor and alternator, will provide 10kW more power in 'EQ Boost' mode.

Plug-in hybrid A250e variants – available in Australia as a hatch only – gain a larger usable capacity for the 15.6kWh battery, while the maximum AC charge rate has increased to 11kW, up from 7.4kW.

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The power of the electric motor has increased by 5kW to 80kW. As before, it is sandwiched between a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch auto, with 160kW and 450Nm in total.

Meanwhile, a limited AMG A45 S Street Style Edition will be available at launch, but Australian availability is unclear.

It is finished in matte grey, and receives fluorescent orange and matte black finishes inside and out – plus the Aerodynamics and Night packages as standard.

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The 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatch and sedan will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of next year (April to June inclusive).

Local pricing and full details will be announced closer to launch.

The current 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class starts from $49,890 before on-road costs.

It is the highest-selling luxury small car in Australia, with 2297 registrations year-to-date, ahead of the BMW 1 Series/2 Series Gran Coupe (2276) and Audi A3 (1516).