As Autocar UK understands, the Audi TT and BMW 2 Series may be facing a bit of competition come 2019 as its arch nemesis, Mercedes-Benz, will be looking to introduce a compact two-door coupe to rival the aforementioned models from Munich and Ingolstadt.
The entry-level sports coupe is slated to ride on the second-generation MFA platform, developed in conjunction with Renault-Nissan as part of a technical partnership. Should it go on sale, Autocar UK believes that the new car is expected to supersede the current A-Class hatch and will draw on stylistic elements from the Mercedes-AMG GT for a “highly emotional” outlook.
A 2+2 layout has been mentioned along with a boot capacity of around 350 litres, which should help to further broaden the car’s day-to-day abilities. Along with a hardtop variant, the new coupe is likely to spawn a roadster version which, unsurprisingly, has led to rumours of Mercedes-Benz pulling the plug on the SLK/SLC – a move that has been denied by the German carmaker.
Further emulating the Audi TT, a transversely-mounted engine is likely to feature with a front-wheel drive layout offered as standard – all-wheel drive should come as a cost option. As for powerplant options, not much is known but sources close to the magazine have disclosed that a range of petrol and diesel engines, again co-developed with Renault-Nissan, are expected to feature.
As is the case with future Mercedes-Benz models, a plug-in hybrid is expected to debut as well. Naturally, the top dog in the range will be an AMG model. The fire-breathing adversary to the Audi TT RS and BMW M2 is touted to pack an uprated version of the A 45 AMG‘s turbocharged 2.0 litre engine. Power figures should hover around the 400 hp-mark while a dual-clutch gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive will come as standard.
The second-gen MFA platform is also expect to form the basis for the successors of the current B-, GLA- and CLA-Class models. Speaking of a CLA replacement, Mercedes-Benz is reportedly developing a new compact sedan that will square up against the likes of the sedan variants of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
Also touted is an entry-level GLB-Class SUV that will rival the Audi Q1 and next-generation MINI Countryman. Slated to receive the same 2019 market debut date as the A-Class coupe, the GLB will, allegedly, boast a more rugged, off-road-esque design as opposed to the more street-oriented outlook donned by the GLA-Class. Looks like an interesting few years ahead for the premium compact segment…
GALLERY: 2015 Audi TTS Coupe
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Merz playing the manipulation game like Proton now, lololol
good marketing strategy although name bit confusion
LET US SEE YOUR PRODUCT.
TT: sportscar look.
Countryman: ground clearance, height and width.
Mercedes ya?