We’ve already seen many spyshots of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but only in hatchback form thus far. Now however, we finally get to see the new A-Class in sedan form, a model that was first previewed by the Concept A Sedan from this year’s Auto Shanghai.
Looking at this sedan prototype from the front, there’s hardly anything to distinguish it from the hatchback. Both feature the same headlight design that is sharper than on the current W176 A-Class, both come with reasonably long bonnets, and the side mirrors are now placed on the doors instead (previously sandwiched between the A-pillars and doors).
Progressing down the sides is where the obvious is revealed – the extra bit of bodywork found on the A-Class sedan compared to the hatchback. The new section warrants a gentler slope for the C-pillars, as you’d expect, as well as different taillights. The latter isn’t clearly seen with all that camouflage plastered on it, but it appears to mimic the look of the current CLA.
On the mention of the CLA, it’s clear that the A-Class sedan will offer more headroom (and boot space) compared to its slippery sibling. However, Mercedes-Benz does market the CLA as a four-door coupe, so it was never really meant to be an A-Class sedan to begin with.
Sadly, this batch of spyshots did not come with a view of the A-Class sedan’s interior, although we reckon it will be very similar to that of the hatchback. As reported previously, the cabin of the new A-Class hatchback is an all-new design, with a mix of influences from current Mercedes-Benz models.
For instance, air-con vents like in the C238 E-Class Coupe, a widescreen cockpit display similar to the W213 E-Class and a new steering wheel that is in a similar guise to that in the latest W222 S-Class, although that last bit isn’t a definite.
Other shared items include Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation front wheel drive platform, reportedly called Modular Front Architecture 2 (MFA2), and powertrains. The latter will likely include a mix of petrol and diesel engines, with plug-in hybrid technology being another possibility.
GALLERY: 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback spyshots
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan
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- Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan, 2017 ; Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan, 2017;
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I hope Mercedes didn’t just design a roomies car in the A class sedan coz the current CLA is such an uncomfortable car to be in. It’s suspension and chassis set up is so stiff that it hurts when the roads are less than perfect. The interior for and finish also feels plasticky in feel and view. So fingers crossed!
What do you expect?
Time to ready money!
Looks good!
A hydrogen fuel cell car with “a battery capable of holding enough charge for shorter-range driving” — the same battery that can also extend the car’s range — is the smart way to go, but Tesla will never get there because early on Elon Musk had taken an aversion to hydrogen. And nobody at Tesla now can tell him he is dead wrong.