Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off their Concept A sedan ahead of its official debut at the Auto Shanghai 2017. This is a glimpse into what to expect from their next generation of compact MFA (Modular front architecture) underpinned cars and with this design, specifically the CLA sedan.
It is 4.5-metres in length and is an extension of the idea that defined the CLA- a coupe-like design with a low roof, but with four doors and a boot to make it a properly useable sedan. The face is dominated by the sporty Mercedes grille (seen on the AMG GT-R) while the headlamps sit like large wedges on the edge of the bonnet.
Since these are full LED units, Mercedes has not fit lights elsewhere on the face. Their speciality is that their grid structure has been coated with an UV paint and it is exposed to ultraviolet light. As a result, the headlamps "glow" in different colours, depending on the light medium.
Typical of the luxury German sedan, the boot is stubby while the hood is long, giving the car a forward sloping profile. The all-too familiar Mercedes lines are evident at the rear thanks to the tail lamps and the shape of the boot. But this comes with a hint of sportiness due to the spoiler on the boot lid.
The current crop of MFA underpinned cars have been around since 2012 and have been a great success for the German automaker. Comprising the A-Class hatchback, CLA sedan, GLA crossover, B-Class MPV and CLA Estate, these cars have boosted the German automaker’s volumes and today are sold in a variety of markets where they are present. The entire range (excluding the Estate) is sold in India with the CLA and GLA being locally assembled at Mercedes’ factory outside Pune.
