It’s been 6 years since Mercedes reintroduced the A-Class as we know it to be today - that is, one that doesn’t give you a queasy feeling in the gut. Of course, that means that it’s due for a successor to take the reins at the lower end (or smaller and less expensive) of the Benz-buying market.
As was previewed with the Concept A last year at the Shanghai Motor Show, the German premium marque envisions an A-Class split into a sedan as well as a hatch, a single new model able to cater for both preferences. Of course, the A-Class sedan will presumably be quite similar to the upcoming CLA, with the next four-door coupe also due for replacement almost simultaneously.
Because the frequency of public testing has spiked recently, and judging by how complete these prototypes look out in the wild, there’s good reason to believe that a full scale launch isn’t far away. In fact, according to Autocar, it could see a showroom introduction in certain markets as soon as August 2018.
Judging by the footage here, the saloon will indeed be distinguished from the hatch only by the full size boot in the back. Otherwise, it should share identical trim levels and powertrain options as the hatch, which is suspected to have already gone through its final stages of development.
The new A-Class saloon will, as a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson analogises, share a similar relationship to the E-Class and CLS, boasting a similar footprint and mechanicals (for the most part) but aimed at different buyers.
As it’s all the rage right now, the all-new A-Class family will be built with inherent mild hybrid capabilities via its 48v electrical architecture. With the improved electronic framework, each car will have the flexibly to adopt more autonomous driving technology and more advanced pre-collision active safety tech all the same.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz could build a proper PHEV version of any next-generation A-Class without much retooling, or even add features that are able to leverage the constant high voltage supply to drive, say, an electric compressor to help boost turbocharger pressure and enhance the driving experience.
We would be very surprised if the hot AMG version of the A-Class did not seek the aid of an electric compressor to boost low-end power and virtually eliminate turbo lag due to its being able to spool from zero RPM.
Engines for the standard versions of the A-Class will be derived from the M282 family co-developed by Mercedes-Benz and Renault catering for more lower power needs with either a 1.2-litres or 1.4-litre turbo petrol. Slightly more potent versions will derive from the M260 motors carried over from the current generation model, reported to generate 298kW in its most powerful guise under the bonnet of the all-wheel drive AMG A45.
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