Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new A-Class L Sedan, the latest variant to join the Stuttgart-based brand’s compact family.
Set to debut at the Beijing Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz says the new notchback model has been “developed solely for the Chinese market”, where we expect it to go up against the BMW 1 Series Sedan.
Indeed, the vehicle will be produced exclusively by Beijing Benz Automotive, a joint venture between Daimler and Chinese partner, BAIC. However, Mercedes-Benz does say that a “version of the saloon tailored to the needs of customers outside China” will launch in the second half of 2018.
The A-Class L Sedan employs a 2 789 mm wheelbase, which is some 60 mm longer than that of the hatchback, along with short overhangs. It measures 4 609 mm long (that makes it 21 mm shorter than the outgoing CLA, although it’s not yet clear what sort of dimensions the upcoming second-generation CLA will adopt), 1 796 mm wide and 1 460 mm tall, while boot capacity comes in at a claimed 420 litres. It also inherits the brand’s new MBUX infotainment system. Wheel options will range in size from 16 to 19 inches.
At market launch in China, the A-Class L Sedan will be offered with a 1,3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, in two states of tune (100 kW and 120 kW). At a later stage, Mercedes-Benz says it will add a 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine worth 140 kW. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will come standard.
