Concept A Sedan is a peek at Mercedes’ small car offerings
Compact four-door also hints at the German carmaker’s upcoming design language
Crossovers reigned supreme at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, but Mercedes-Benz bucked the high-riding trend. The German brand travelled to the event to reveal a brand-new design study named Concept A Sedan, and an updated version of its S-class flagship.
What is it?
The name says it all: it’s a concept that previews the very first A-Class with a trunk instead of a hatch. Smaller than the CLA, the concept rides on an evolution of the modular front-wheel-drive platform that underpins Mercedes’ current crop of compacts.
The Concept A Sedan also ushers in the design language that will influence all of Mercedes’ compact cars in the coming years. Moving forward, the brand’s smallest models will look sharper and more evocative.
Why does it matter?
Expanding its presence in the compact segment was a big gamble for Mercedes, but it has paid off in a big way and executives are ready to play again. The lineup now includes five models: A-Class, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, and GLA. The second generation of Mercedes’ popular compacts are right around the corner, and the lineup will ultimately grow to include eight models. A three-box A-Class is one of the three upcoming additions.
When will Canada get it?
Don’t let the term “concept” fool you. Mercedes openly admits the Concept A Sedan will morph into a production model in the coming years.
Styling cues such as the ultra-futuristic headlights won’t make the transition from concept to production. However, the Concept A Sedan’s basic silhouette and proportions will reach showrooms with only minor tweaks. Look for the production model to make its official debut in about a year, and go on sale before the end of 2018.
Should you buy it?
It’s difficult to say without seeing the final product, but early signs point to yes. Over the past couple of years, Mercedes has demonstrated it can make a compact, entry-level model look, feel, and drive like a car with a three-pointed star emblem on the hood should.