[Hawkeye269]

https://youtu.be/FcXmlTdotyM

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.

[karan561]

This is indeed a beautiful sedan which is equally good both inside & out.

Not to be confused with the yet-to-be revealed second-gen CLA

BUT if this isnt the CLA but an A class Sedan then whats in store for the CLA ?

Will be interesting to see if Mercedes can still make the CLA look relevant after the A Sedan launch.

[petroguzzler]

Looks good.

Mercedes Benz's product portfolio is baffling. It looks like they have a product in all forms (Coupe, Hatch, CSUV, SUV, Sedan) at most price brackets. Pretty astute marketing.

[nik_kapur]

Beautiful car
But if this is an A CLASS then what is the CLA Class ? Isn't that also an A Class with a boot? Also the way this A is styled, its coupe like, hence what else can Mercedes do with the next generation CLA (if there is one at all)
I am very confused !

[Astleviz]

Originally Posted by nik_kapur

Beautiful car
But if this is an A CLASS then what is the CLA Class ? Isn't that also an A Class with a boot? Also the way this A is styled, its coupe like, hence what else can Mercedes do with the next generation CLA (if there is one at all)
I am very confused !

It's a more practical CLA. It has a longer wheelbase (2789mm vs 2699mm) resulting in more legroom for rear passengers and a less coupe-ish design providing more headroom at the back. Not sure if both will co-exists (A class sedan for china & cla for europe/us) or if the cla will be replaced by the A sedan.

[Sahil]

I hope MBIL adopts the same strategy as MB China does to get "L" versions across the board. Hopefully the success of the E-class Long wheel base version has convinced them to do so.
This car will be a great replacement for the CLA in India. But then it might cannibalise the C-class hence they should also get the new C-class L version in. There by offering Long Wheel across the range

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Sahil

There by offering Long Wheel across the range

I hope Mercedes doesn't read your post! The LWB brings more legroom, sure, but it also makes the car damn boring to drive. Case in point = The new E-Class. It feels like a limousine around corners compared to its predecessor. Even the C-Class in current form is cool, but it'll be yawn-inducing if its wheelbase were extended for rear leg space.

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by GTO

I hope Mercedes doesn't read your post! The LWB brings more legroom, sure, but it also makes the car damn boring to drive. Case in point = The new E-Class. It feels like a limousine around corners compared to its predecessor. Even the C-Class in current form is cool, but it'll be yawn-inducing if its wheelbase were extended for rear leg space.

I haven't driven the new E but some reviews I saw have mentioned that the LWB has not taken away from the handling much at all.

If you want a better handler, one should be buying a BMW in the first place itself

[blackwasp]

After unveiling the 4th-gen A-Class long wheelbase sedan in China earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled the A-Class sedan. The new car will be revealed to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, which will be held from October 4-14, 2018.

The A-Class sedan measures 4,549 mm long, 1,796 mm wide, 1,446 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,729 mm. The rated boot space is 420 litres. Dimension wise, it is 130 mm longer than the A-Class hatchback while the width and wheelbase are the same. The car has a drag coefficient of 0.22, which Mercedes claims is the lowest for a production car in the world.

The front is similar to the A-Class hatch. It gets a low set grille with a single silver slat in the middle and the star logo, a large air dam, two smaller side vents and LED headlamps with inverted DRLs. The sedan gets bigger rear doors and a longer rear overhang, when compared to the hatchback. The rear comes with wraparound tail lamps, dual chrome exhaust tips and a prominent lip on the boot. It also gets new design 16 to 19-inch alloy wheels.

On the inside, the car gets a dual tone scheme with a wooden trim. It comes with circular AC vents, dual screens with a choice of 7-inch and 10.25-inch displays, 64-colour ambient lighting and a Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system.

The A-Class sedan will be available with a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine. The 1,332cc M 282 turbocharged petrol engine develops 161 BHP / 250 Nm, while the 1,461cc OM 608 turbocharged diesel engine makes 114 BHP / 260 Nm. Both engines are paired to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox and power is sent to the front wheels.

In terms of safety, the A-Class sedan borrows kit from the S-Class. It comes equipped with radar-based systems for the Driving Assistance Package, lane assist, automatic emergency braking, and PRE-Safe. It also comes with dual front and side airbags, a driver knee airbag and side curtain airbags as standard. Rear side airbags are optional.

The car will be made in Aguascalientes, Mexico and Rastatt, Germany. Production is expected to start later this year.













Link to the Team-BHP News

[chaotic]

even with a fairly long (4.5m) body, it resembles a humble swift desire, especially the side profile. Didn't expect Mercedes to join the 'slap-on-a-boot' bandwagon.

[Fullrevs]

Great interiors and the front end is pretty nice too. However the rear is very similar to a japanese car - Hyundai, Toyota.

Image source: Carscoops

[The Brutailer]

Wow, great job by Mercedes on this one. To my eyes, it looks like it was designed to be a sedan from ground up. And designed quite fabulously. It looks sleek and powerful. If the engine is as enthusiastic as exteriors, it’d be the car to buy for the successful youth.

The interiors are quite enticing and sporty too. Gotta hand it to Mercedes, they don’t compromise on quality and finesse..even on their entry level offering.

[RajeevMD]

Why does the rear look like an Indian sub 4m duty concession car ?
I personally feel Mercedes has messed up its lineup with the introduction of an A-Class sedan without sticking to its successful hatch-coupe-crossover A-Class family.

[GTO]

Guys, is this the next-gen CLA? If so, why isn't Mercedes calling it that? And if not, what is the difference between this & a CLA, considering the CLA was a sedan version of the A-Class?

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, is this the next-gen CLA? If so, why isn't Mercedes calling it that? And if not, what is the difference between this & a CLA, considering the CLA was a sedan version of the A-Class?

The CLA had very little headroom at the back. This one has proper headroom and one can sit back with ease