Mercedes finally pulled the wraps off this, the much anticipated long wheelbase Mercedes A-Class Sedan (dubbed the
A-Class L), at the ongoing Beijing Auto Show. While the car may be destined for the Chinese market, and the Euro-spec A-Class sedan is expected to be introduced in the second half of 2018, there may well be a market for this version here in India as well.
The sixth member of Mercedes-Benz’s compact car line-up – which goes under the internal code name Z177 – draws heavily on the earlier Concept A sedan unveiled at last year’s Shanghai motor show. Its appearance combines the distinctive front-end styling of the recently introduced fourth-generation A-class hatchback, while its rear end is reminiscent of the latest third-generation CLS. Set to become Mercedes-Benz's most affordable sedan in the world, here's what we know about the new A-Class L sedan:
Styling cues: same as the new-gen A-Class hatchback showcased earlier this year. The resemblance to the new CLS is remarkable - almost looks like a CLS that's been photocopied at 70%!!
Features: Underpinning the sedan is an updated version of the MFA (Modular Front-drive Architecture) platform used for the outgoing generation. Referred to as MFA2, the updated platform brings weight savings plus the capacity for alternative drivetrains. The car comes with the same diamond-studded grille design and the LED headlamps. It also ships with a set of sporty twin-5-spoke alloys (in sizes 16" to 19"), new sleeker ORVMs with integrated LED turn indicators, a bold waistline, blackened B-pillar, and a sloping roofline.
Dimensions: The China-spec version measures 4609 mm in length, 1796 mm in width and 1460 mm in height, with a longer wheelbase of 2789 mm - a full 60 mm longer than the 2279 mm that Mercedes has planned for other markets (other than, presumably, India). Many BHP-ians will be pleased to note that the main focus of the extended offering is on increasing knee-room for rear passengers. The boot has a capacity of 420 litres.
Interiors: The cabin is largely identical to the sedan's hatchback counterpart, and comes kitted with a well-equipped dash, larger (fully-digital) instrument cluster, and a fully-digital infotainment system. Also visible are the signature rotor-like chrome air-con vents, a new multi-functional steering wheel, and a smart centre console in piano black finish. Like the latest iteration of it's sibling, the sedan also comes with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User eXperience) multimedia system with artificial intelligence and the WeChatMyCar app, that introduces touchscreen control, conversational speech recognition and the ability for two users to connect simultaneously. The system comes integrated with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless charging areas for your smartphone.
Powerplant: Under the hood is a new all-aluminium 1.3 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated with power outputs of 136 BHP and 163 BHP. The car will also get a 2 litre turbo four-cylinder engine option that will churn out about 190 BHP. Both engines come with the 7G-DCT seven-speed dual clutch transmission as standard. The car is based on a front-wheel drive platform, and Mercedes is likely to offer all-wheel drive as an option.
Production: To begin with, the A-Class L sedan will be produced exclusively at Beijing Benz Automotive Company Limited (BBAC), a joint venture between Daimler and its Chinese partner BAIC Motor. Expect the China launch to take place in the second half of 2018.
AMG model?: Details on the high-performance AMG models will be revealed at a later date. The new AMG A-Class has a lot to live up to, as the outgoing AMG A45, as well as its CLA45 and GLA45 cousins, boast a titanic 375 horsepower. In keeping with its current product cadence, Mercedes will likely offer both a direct replacement for the AMG A45 and a less-powerful AMG model below it.
This new Mercedes-Benz model is specifically aimed at rivalling the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series sedans. Not to be confused with the yet-to-be revealed second-gen CLA, the A-class sedan is one of eight compact new compact models planned by the German automaker (the other seven include the new A-class hatchback as well as successors to the existing B-class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA). A new compact SUV is also in the works and likely to be named the GLB, and another yet-to-be-confirmed model is also reportedly planned.
Mercedes is apparently conducting a study evaluating the possibility of introducing the new A-class in India. It has to decide between this and the yet-to-be-revealed next-gen CLA, as both models have certain strengths that will likely appeal to Indian buyers. While the A-class is more practical and has greater back seat usability, the CLA has a coupé-like exterior that lends the model a sporty look. While the current-gen CLA has found reasonable success in India, the cramped rear seat of the CLA has left some prospective customers asking for more.