Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon leaked ahead of Beijing debut

-    It will be based on the A Sedan Concept from last year’s Auto Shanghai.

-    Will be positioned below the CLA and C-Class in the Mercedes’ sedan line-up.

-    The A-Class Saloon will feature MBUX infotainment system and driving assistance system from the S-Class.

-    The compact sedan is specific to the Chinese market with a long wheelbase.

-    It will share the stage with updated C-Class and Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept.

We had reported last week that Mercedes-Benz will officially take the wraps off the all-new A-Class Saloon at the 2018 Shanghai Motor Show. But just a few days ahead of its official premiere, we got a glimpse of the new entry-level sedan on a giant banner when workers forgot to cover it at the exhibition hall at the Shanghai stage. 

The leaked image of the compact sedan has ‘A Class L Sport Sedan’ written on the license plate. Which means that this is the China-specific model which will come with long wheelbase guise only. It sports massive sporty wheels with aggressive front bumpers. The A-Class Saloon features a coupe-like silhouette with short overhands and rear-offset body style. The front is similar to the hatchback but at the rear we expect the boot design to be more in tune with the new-gen CLS-Class. The other design elements are similar to the new-gen A-Class hatchback. 

The A-Class Saloon (as it will be officially called) will be positioned below the CLA and C-Class. It will be cheaper than the CLA-Class as well. The all-new A-Class promises to have a generous amount of space for the driver and front passenger. Apart from that, it will also feature the new MBUX infotainment system and driving assistance systems which are on par with the S-Class flagship

The A-sedan is an important car for Mercedes-Benz. It will be focused on the Chinese market and most probably will be built there. And as per the preference of the Chinese car buyers, the A-Class Saloon will have an extended wheelbase, thus fulfilling the promise of its roomy cabin. Powertrain would be the same as the hatchback – a 1.4-litre and a 2.0-litre petrol with a 1.5-litre diesel.

It will be manufactured in China at the Beijing-Benz joint venture. But we expect the baby sedan to be offered in international markets as well. It will rival BMW 1-Series sedan in China and the Audi A3 sedan elsewhere in the world.

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