Mercedes-Benz launches the ‘A’ team
Eight new models including SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks to share compact A-Class chassis
Mercedes-Benz plans to launch eight new cars on the platform that underpins the new A-Class, beginning with that car itself, chief executive Dieter Zetsche told Top Gear.
After that compact sedan and hatchback hit Canadian dealerships late this year or early next, the automaker is looking to build an SUV on the same chassis, “something more SUV than the GLA.”
Rumours are that vehicle will be called the GLB, offer three rows of seating and resemble a mini G-Wagon. The new GLA will also be based on the platform, as will “something between the A-Class and GLA,” or what Top Gear calls a GLA Coupe. To tally that up, there will be three crossovers on the A-Class chassis, the GLA, GLA Coupe and GLB.
A three-box sedan destined for North America is also in the works, something likely resembling the Concept A Sedan. That car will head to Asia as well, joined in China by a long wheelbase (LWB) version. To recap, we’re talking about a new sedan and its LWB variant, the three crossovers, and the A-Class sedan and A-Class hatchback — seven cars so far.
Finally, a replacement for the B-Class MPV will also be built on the chassis, for a total of eight vehicles sharing the same underpinnings.
Vehicles that won’t be built on the new A-Class underpinnings include the CLA sedan, which will nevertheless get a replacement because of its success in North America. Mercedes-Benz also plans to leave the Mini Cooper-sized vehicle segment to its rival BMW, and won’t build anything smaller than the A-Class on the platform.
Details on how many of the variants will show up in Canada and when have not yet been revealed.