- A conceptual forerunner of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class compact, due in 2012, will be introduced concurrently at the 2011 New York and Shanghai auto shows.
- The Concept A-Class features a 210-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline direct-injection engine mated to a dual-clutch transmission.
- The automaker's selection of New York as a joint introductory venue suggests Mercedes is seriously considering bringing the next-generation A-Class to the States.
MONTVALE, New Jersey — A conceptual forerunner of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class compact, due in 2012, will be introduced concurrently at the 2011 New York and Shanghai auto shows.
Company executives previously have hinted that the next A-Class might come to the U.S., and the choice of New York as a joint introductory venue with Shanghai supports that notion.
The exterior design of the Concept A-Class looks dramatically different from that of the current production model, which is not marketed in North America. The latter was designed originally with a unique "sandwich" platform that was engineered to accommodate a variety of drivetrains, including a pure electric system. The next-generation A-Class, as embodied in the concept, shifts to a more conventional transverse front-wheel-drive layout.
Powering the concept is a four-cylinder gasoline engine from the automaker's M270 BlueEfficiency family. The engine is a 210-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline direct-injection unit, driving the front wheels through a dual-clutch transmission.
The Concept A-Class also features a radar-based collision warning system that provides visual and acoustic warnings to the driver and is bundled with adaptive brake assist to help reduce the risk of a rear-end collision.
In addition to LED headlamps and fiber-optic daytime running lamps, the concept adds an integrated smartphone, with functions displayed as 3D apps and operated by the car's rotary/push controller.
Inside Line says: Look for the production version in U.S. showrooms within the next year or two. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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flwind says:
03:19 PM, 04/22/2011
No way MB upstages the looks of most their higher end vehicles with this. Expect something very frumpy and ugly from the production model.
mklrivowner says:
06:32 PM, 04/21/2011
It makes me do this --> :-)))
carfreak13 says:
03:57 PM, 04/21/2011
WOW stunning
thaitanium15 says:
12:12 PM, 04/07/2011
haha, looks like they just put an iPad on the dashboard.
vvnvcee says:
05:09 AM, 04/07/2011
One of the best looking Merc for years!
x5daddy says:
11:03 PM, 04/06/2011
...all these comparisons to the GTI, I guess MB is taking the A-class in a different direction? Right now (in Europe) it is a weird eco/van/roller-skate/Smartcar thingy that only old people drive and tends to roll over... go figure.
ttbuyer says:
10:04 PM, 04/06/2011
Looks Korean to me, which is NOT a critcsism. Hyundai and Kia are making some striking cars. Much more bold and exciting than Audi or BMW.
m89 says:
09:35 PM, 04/06/2011
Awesome job Merc! This is one hot looking hatch and a lot more refined looking than a GTI for example. As much as the sandwich concept has benefits - it's comes off too much like a crossover or small van so it's nice to see MB increase the cool factor. If they can keep the pricing fairly close to the GTI - young buyers will definitely gravitate to it.
Oddly enough in Canada, MB sold a lot of the C-Class fastback coupes back in the day - I see them everywhere and basically all young people are the drivers. It wouldn't surprise me if the same would end up happening with this new A-Class.
If the A-Class is going to be more of a Golf/GTI competitor, the B-Class will likely retain the sandwich concept/crossover type design (which I think from spy pics was determined anyway). It's definitely a versatile vehicle (E-Class space in a small package) which is great for families or active people, but it seems like the A-Class will be a cooler choice for young people like myself.
dennerline says:
09:08 PM, 04/06/2011
Yup - Works for me....One sweet design....Exterior daring enough, without going BMW overboard, nice balance front & rear and the interior is futuristic as hell...Let's see the cost & final production design...
autoscribesman says:
08:02 PM, 04/06/2011
Mercedes GTI DSG
Of course concept is bad$ss. But!! If the actual car looks half this good and drives as nice or nicer than a GTI (very big shoes to fill), Im def in. GTI, much as I love it, still looks like a college kids car.