June 24th launch for the Mercedes Benz A-Class and B-Class Edition 1 luxury hatchbacks

Both the Mercedes Benz A-Class and B-Class hatchbacks are well over a year old in the Indian luxury car market. For the record, the B-Class was launched in September 2012 while the A-Class came along in May 2013. Yet, the first anniversary edition versions of both cars arrive on the June 24th, 2014. What’s so special about June 24th? Well, June 24th might not be special but special indeed is the arrival of the Audi A3 sedan, which will hit the launch circuit in July.

The A3 sedan is likely to be pitched in as the least priced car in Audi India’s line up, as a direct rival to the likes of the A-Class and B-Class luxury hatchbacks. So, it isn’t surprising that the launch of the Edition 1 models of the two Mercedes Benz hatchbacks coincides with the arrival of the A3 sedan. The Edition 1 models of the A-Class and B-Class will be available only on the diesel variants of these cars, given the higher sales numbers that the diesel variants manage.

The A-Class and B-Class Edition 1 Models will add more kit to both the hatchbacks, along with minor cosmetic embellishments. Click here to delve into the details on what the Edition 1 A-Class and B-Class will bring to the table. The Edition 1 versions of both luxury hatchbacks will be priced higher than the regular 180 CDI diesel powered variants. The 2.2 liter turbo diesel engine (107 Bhp-250 Nm) and the 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox will be retained.

Over the past year and a half, Audi and Mercedes Benz are engaged in a tussle for the top spot in the  Indian luxury car market. Multiple car launches over the past 18 months have given Mercedes Benz a big advantage in terms of having a completely revamped product portfolio including affordable luxury cars such as the A-Class and B-Class hatchbacks, both based on the MFA platform.

Mercedes Benz has more affordable luxury cars such as the GLA crossover and CLA sedan lined up over the next 6-12 months. Audi is responding to Mercedes Benz’s onslaught in the affordable luxury segment with the A3 sedan. However, it remains to be seen whether Audi can hold on to its leadership position, especially when Mercedes Benz has another potential hot seller – the all-new 2015 C-Class – in the pipeline.