Mercedes-Benz has revealed preliminary images and details surrounding its a-Class Concept, which will be formally unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 19.
Given the somewhat utilitarian, dowdy styling treatments previously thrown at the A-Class, the Concept’s bold lines, described by Mercedes as “Concentrated dynamism”, lend the new car a far sportier air. The design is influenced by an esoteric combination of wind, waves and aviation engineering, and given the aggressive-looking result; it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to imagine such a vehicle getting the AMG treatment.
Much like the recently-revised C-Class, great attention has been paid to interior quality and while there are obviously some prohibitively expensive jewel-like adornments to the concepts facia, the overall perceived quality will be lifted considerably come production time. The flowing interior panels are hewn from high-grade materials and much of the switchgear is borrowed from the C-Class.
The new A-Class will reportedly move away from its predecessor’s ‘sandwich’ platform underpinnings, instead adopting an all-new platform, dubbed MFA, which features strut front suspension and a multi-link rear axle. Power will be provided by a turbocharged 2,0-litre petrol engine mated with a dual-clutch transmission channeling 155 kW to the front wheels.
Among the technological niceties showcased by the concept car are full LED headlamps, a raft of fuel-saving BlueEfficiency technologies and a radar-assisted collision warning system augmenting the adaptive brake package.
