Shanghai show: Mercedes outs Concept A Sedan

MERCEDES-BENZ has used the Shanghai motor show to preview the design direction of its next-generation family of compact models, showing a sleeker and more futuristic look with the reveal of the Concept A Sedan.

According to Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific senior manager public relations, product and corporate communications David McCarthy, the design of the Concept A Sedan will likely make its way onto a production model towards the end of next year.

He also confirmed that the sedan body style of the concept would come to Australia, although he was unable to confirm whether it will be sold as a new model or as a variant of an existing model.

Measuring 4570mm long, the Concept A Sedan sits between the B-Class and CLA in terms of length, but is taller and wider than the CLA.

The new sedan is likely to appeal to buyers looking in the compact segment for a more traditional small sedan, with the swoopy CLA four-door coupe appealing to people looking for a sportier looking alternative.

The concept eschews the round, bulbous headlight design of the A-Class for a narrow, sloping design replete with a typically Mercedes long, thin strip along the top of the light, and an intricate grid structure inside the headlights that has been coated with UV paint.

When exposed to different forms of light, the headlights can glow in different colours.

The rest of the front fascia borrows a number of design elements from Mercedes-AMG’s halo GT supercar family, including the Panamerica grille which was until recently preserved for the GT, and the single, lower air intake with muscular side vents.

The distinctive grille has since been added to the upcoming GLC63 SUV, but the new sedan would be the first non-AMG model to wear the look if the design makes it into production.

It also bears a resemblance to the GT4 concept revealed at the Geneva motor show, with a similar diffuser, lined bonnet and red colour.

At the rear, the tail-light design is an evolution of the CLA’s lights but with a more triangular, boxy design that stretches all the way into the license plate nook.

Other features include the concept’s 20-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof and rear diffuser, as well as smoother lines in accordance with Mercedes’ ‘Sensual Purity’ design language.

Mercedes-Benz has not revealed what powertrain the Concept A Sedan uses.

When it arrives in Australia the A-Class-based sedan will go head to head with the likes of the Audi A3 sedan, and could potentially be offered in an AMG-fettled version that packs a 280kW/475Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder that would take the fight to Audi’s RS3 sedan ,which arrives locally mid-year.

Daimler AG chief design officer Gorden Wagener said the Concept A Sedan heralded a new design direction for Mercedes-Benz.

“Our Concept A Sedan shows, that the time of creases is over,” he said. “With its perfect proportions and a sensual treatment of surfaces with reduced lines, it is the next milestone of Sensual Purity and has the potential to introduce a new design era.”