Making its world debut at the Shanghai Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan offers an early look at what the automaker calls its “evolved design language” previewed earlier this year in the Aesthetics A study. Along with providing the direction Mercedes plans to take with its upcoming generation of compact vehicles, the car also reflects a new A-Class body style that’s expected to launch in some global markets within the next year. As for now, there’s no word on an A-Class in America.
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“Our Concept A Sedan shows that the time of creases is over,” noted Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG at the reveal. He touted the perfect proportions, sensual surfaces and reduced lines of this sophisticated one-off as reflecting the next milestone in the firm’s “Sensual Purity” design philosophy.
Sedan with Élan
Like an increasing number of Mercedes-Benz 4-door models, the profile of the Concept A Sedan embodies a coupe-like flavor. This sleeker take on the car’s traditional 3-box configuration is complemented by a slim greenhouse, short overhangs and prominently flared fenders filled with a 20-inch wheel/tire package. The new-look Panamericana-style grille anchors Concept A Sedan’s aggressively shaped front fascia which is set off with distinctive headlamps. In show-car spec, they incorporate an internal grid with an ultraviolet coating that lets them glow in various colors depending on the light function.
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The boldly contoured rear of the Concept A Sedan makes a similar strong statement. Prominent but seamless integrated taillamps are bridged by an understated spoiler lip on the decklid while a diffuser-like lower valence uses a subtle brightwork element to link the dual exhaust outlets. Crowning the package is a panoramic glass roof.
Mercedes offered no additional information on the powertrain or platform that underpins the Concept A Class. However, Mercedes revealed the car is 2.4-inches shorter than the current CLA but 3.6 inches wider, giving the Concept A Sedan a more confident stance that bodes well for the production model as well as for all later M-B compacts.
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