Merc ceases creases

Next-generation CLA ushers in a cleaner, minimalist look for Mercedes-Benz WORLD CAR OF YEAR

HE TIME of creases is over, says Mercedes-Benz in unveiling its Concept A Sedan that likely previews what the next-generation CLA will look like.

Making its world premiere at this week’s Shanghai motor show, the compact premium car lacks the side sculpting that characterises current Mercedes models and introduces cleaner, more minimalist lines that represent the next iteration of the German brand’s design language, says Mercedes.

It has the potential to introduce a new design era, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG, hinting that other compact Mercedes models - including the A-Class, GLA and B-Class - will in future follow a similar styling template.

Like the existing CLA, the Concept A Sedan is a four-door car with dynamic coupé-like lines, albeit with a more vertical C-pillar to make it more of a three-box sedan.

The concept car also adopts AMG’s Panamericana grille, with its aggressive vertical chromed bars and a pair of powerdomes on the bonnet.

The production version of the car is likely to go on sale in 2018. Technical details haven’t yet been announced but the line up isn’t likely to stray much from the current A-Class which comprises a range of front wheel drive, four-cylinder petrols and diesels - all turbos - ranging in size from 1.6 to 2.1 litres. And there’s sure to be a hot all-wheel drive A45 version as well.