A-Class (W176) 2011 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (Spy pics & Info)

[EnI]

Wait a minute, BMW is making a modular chassis where " FWD, RWD or AWD" can be done at will? When did this happen?

M

Yes, it's a new fully hybrid - electro compatible variable platform. Coming with new 1er, then 3er, followed by Project i etc

And due to its electro nature it can be FWD, RWD or AWD. It depends on which drive / engine is deployed. It also has ability of various combinations of engine - battery placement: front, rear, middle.

It's kind of a revolutionary platform design. It will be used for small cars (up to 3er) only though.

 

[NarutoRamen]

Yes, it's a new fully hybrid - electro compatible variable platform. Coming with new 1er, then 3er, followed by Project i etc

And due to its electro nature it can be FWD, RWD or AWD. It depends on which drive / engine is deployed. It also has ability of various combinations of engine - battery placement: front, rear, middle.

It's kind of a revolutionary platform design. It will be used for small cars (up to 3er) only though.

Hell yeah...see folks, I was paying attention!

Thanks for the back-up Eni.

 

[EnI]

By Larson, Autobild.de:

 

[LaArtist]

Kewl

 

[klier]

^ Might as well be a Fiat or something. I see nothing Benz in that.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

That looks so much better then the Baby Bus they have out now. I can only hope that it will resemble this in some way.

 

[GBOY]

The back looks cool but definitely does not scream Mercedes Benz at all. The license plate groove is alien to an MB

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Yea...Maybe some MB styled rear lights.

 

[fortuner]

That would lokk good with some changes like mercedes rear lights those dont look close to MB but if they can round it of in terms off making it a small Mercedes with core Mb values and MB design feautues it can be a serious winner.

 

[PHYBENZ]

 

[HighestOfHigh]

If it looks that good, they might need to bring it over to the US.

 

[SKY]

I´m liking very much what I´m seeing about the A-Class, at least some good contender for the 1er.

 

[tennmb]

Again,
Very cool, but
has anyone seen a mule or test car to indicate MB has anything in the works that looks like this??

If this was Huck, I wouldn't even question. Those rear lights are enough to make you say, no way.

 

[Untertürkheim]

I´m liking very much what I´m seeing about the A-Class, at least some good contender for the 1er.

It could not compete with the 1er since the A will be FWD. I guess it will compete with the A3. In any case, with FWD it is not a real MB.

 

[Wolfgang]

In any case, with FWD it is not a real MB.

The BLC will have RWD standard, for the folks who may be interested in a sporty small car. The A/B AMG will presumably be based on it as well?

The others offer FWD, because it offers more space, adaptibility, options in the rear, for folks more interested in a grocery getter than pulling g's around an offramp.

Here's what MBZ Fan posted earlier.

Some new info about MB's future small & compact car lineup:

- for the beginning, there will be 4 new models - a 3 dr hatch, a 5 dr hatch, a compact SUV and a 4 dr coupe; obviously, it exists the possibility of a further expansion of variants (e.g. a cabrio)

- no more sandwich platform; instead, a new one, MFA, with FWD

- it appears Mercedes-Benz will drop the A-Class moniker and go for a new one, which is to sit on the new 3 dr hatch (internally dubbed W 176, prone to make the public debut in 2012)

- the 5dr version will be the new B-Klasse (internally codenamed W 256, to hit streets in 2011)

- the compact SUV, probably to be called BLK (X 156), will also be launched in 2011

- the 4 dr coupe will be CLS's little brother and will be most probably badged BLC (C 117) - not BLS, as this belongs to Cadillac; this new niche model will be unveiled in 2012 and should reach an overall length of 4.5 metres; the aesthetiques will mimic that of the future CLS, whereas the dashboard will display an appealing design, with premium materials to be used, in pure Mercedes style; moreover, the interior will be roomier than those of its direct competitors; the technical platform for the BLC will be a new one and will be offered in RWD mode as standard, with 4MATIC on the option list; power will come from a new generation of diesel and petrol engines, that are under development;the diesel units (OM645) will feature a lightweight construction, as the engine block will be built from aluminium, thus ensuring a 30 kilos weight loss; the new petrol engines (M274) will feature direct injection; power transfer will be ensured via a new 7-speed, double clutch automatic gearbox.

- in 2013, MB will launch a full hybrid B-Klasse model in 2 combinations-diesel engine+electric motor / petrol burner+electric motor with a range of over 600 km; in full electric mode, the range will equal 80 km.

- a fuel-cell model is also expected to make appearance; it will be sold in a limited series up to 2017; estimated range is 425 km.

- the plants where the new Mercedes-Benz small & compact ranges will be built-Rastatt (Germany) and Kecskemet (Hungary).

 

[Wolfgang]

Women...

 

[GBOY]

This thing better be for real cos it's sexy as heck

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes-Benz indicated one version of the new A/B-class may be produced in Brazil.

The plant in Juiz de Fora currently produces the CLC, primarily for the European market,
and is believed to have spare capacity to take on another line.

The factory of Mercedes-Benz in Juiz de Fora may receive one of the versions of bodies of the next generation of Class A. The vice president of Worldwide Marketing, Philipp Schiemer, speaking to Brazilian journalists in the brand stand, admitted that the future Class A will not be restricted only to the minivan may have four or five formats body: hatchback, coupe, and small utility by station wagon.

webmotors.com.br - Google Translated

 

[PHYBENZ]

 

[Giannis]

Now that looks fantastic! Long bonnet, and sloppy roof towards the rear, which is more pronounced with the window line. Those lines on the doors are a little bit too shouty, but overall it looks very good. Reminds me of the 1er though...