Mercedes-Benz is reportedly working on a dramatic overhaul of its compact model line-up. Rather than rest of its current string of five variants (A-Class, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA), the brand is looking at thoroughly redesigning its existing models as well as adding more body styles to the fray.
A report by Germany’s AutoBild claims that work on the next-generation A-Class will largely consist of a complete overhaul of its interior design. The new model is said to feature more spaciousness, new materials inspired by the W205 C-Class, a head-up display and a new infotainment system.
It is also said that the next-gen A-Class will have more headroom and legroom than the current model and will feature wider door openings to accommodate easier access to the rear seats. Expect to see this in the next two to three years’ time, given that the W176 has only just been given a facelift.
As for the other new models that are said to join the range, these will reportedly include a sportier three-door hatchback, a proper compact sedan (to battle the Audi A3 Sedan and the upcoming BMW 1 Series Sedan) and an all-new GLA. The two former models mentioned will be added to the existing range – to make room for the more traditional sedan, the low-slung CLA is set to be made even more striking.
Meanwhile, the GLA is said to adopt the G-Class’ styling heritage and become a true compact luxury off-roader known as the GLB. A seven-seat option is also expected to be on the cards, mirroring the mammoth GLS at the top of Mercedes’ SUV range.
The German publication also claims that Mercedes-Benz is working on a new modular architecture to underpin its compact models. The replacement for the current Modular Front-wheel Architecture (MFA) is expected to debut on the next-gen A-Class, and will then underpin the next-gen B-Class, CLA, GLB and other new compact Benz vehicles.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Looks like Meecedes finally found out that the current GLA can’t do well with that body and has decided that the next gen will be a proper SUV instead. People buy a SUV for its higher ride position and interior space and the current GLA is neither both.
BMW still haven’t notice people buy BMW for its handling, the rear wheel drive. 2-series is defintely failure, worse than 316i and 318i
Another dumb comment by John.
A-class is a front wheel drive too so why you kicking up a ruckus?
These cars handle beautifully even as a fwd.
A- class competitor is the 1 series,
2 series is an active tourer MPV.
Go harp on your Proton & Perodua.
Dumb john
Ugly range of MB. Period
No harm trying out new things. Who knows when you might just hit the jackpot. Porsche hit the jackpot with the Cayenne many years back and Audi did the same with the sportback.
No harm trying hard when u fail, but what the hell? 7 Seater GLA? Your GLA cant even Fit 5 adults, now u want to introduce 7 Seater? Yea right!
So make a spacious 7 seater lah. Logic.