Mercedes-Benz Concept A Revealed for Shanghai

[K-A]

What is the predicted length of this car (in inches?). Anyone know?

 

[Wolfgang]

What is the predicted length of this car (in inches?). Anyone know?

165.4"

The closest dimension of a similar Mercedes-Benz I can think of is the C-class Sportcoupe (CL203) with 171". The length looks good to me.

 

[NarutoRamen]

I still can't get over how beautiful the front is. Just LOVE that front. The rear though, as much as I love it, the more I look at it, the more it reminds me of Scirocco.

 

[K-A]

Wow, that's kind of short. It appears so much larger in pics. If this thing will be priced cheaper than a C-Class (and it will be), and has this funky look that I don't think will tire or offend my eyes in time (speaking of some of the lines), I'd think it may be fun to have as a cool little Economical thing to drive around as a second car. 165" might be a no go for a 6'4'er like myself though. The front and some of the angles of this car (the frontal ones really) are absolutely riveting and ooze character and brilliant sculpting.

Now, we see how the production version will look. I can see it going either way.

 

[SpiritofEcstasy]

I'm quite confident that the A class will be similar to this concept. M-B's got some hefty competition and have to release something that really appeals to the younger audience.

Does anyone have a close up of the COMAND in the A? Every sketch/picture I've seen seems to be different from the yellowish-black COMAND of right now.

 

[Centurion]

I'm quite confident that the A class will be similar to this concept.

I have full faith in Mercedes. The E-Coupe and CLS are strikingly similar to their concept derivatives. Expect nothing less than success.

 

[EnI]

It was also said the production version Mk3 A-class will be 12cm (4.72") lower than the current Mk2 A-class. That makes it 142cm (55.9") high, which is in line with the rivals.

Anybody knows what's the hight of the Concpet? It looks kind of low.

Also I wonder how MB will position this particular model. I'm sure the 5dr version will be more conventional & practical (roofline & greenhouse). But what about the 3dr? It seems MB will make a 3dr model a bit more radical, more attractive to younger buyers. Not making just a 3dr version of 5dr hatch. Which makes sense, especially since there won't be a coupe version of A-class (just a hatch, cabrio & probably the sedan). Eg. BMW also offers 1er coupe, so the hatches can be a bit more conventional, while coupe & cabrio can be modified into something a bit more daring. Not to mention that there's no sign (yet) of MB plan to introduce a sub-A MB model to rival Audi A1 & the upcoming BMW sub-1er. But I'm sure MB will also come up with such a MB model sooner or later. Or will they stick to smart only in that segment?

Also: what are MB plans to fight BMW i3 & the upcoming Audi Mk2 A2? Electric B-class? Some brand new smaller hybrid / electric MB model? Smart EV / hybrid MPV or crossover? We hear a lot of about Audi & BMW / MINI expansion in compact & sub-compact classes, but almost nothing from MB. The only news was there would be a 4-seat smart (based on the new Renault Twingo) in 2013.

I hope MB haven't fallen asleep & started to lag behind rivals - like they do in the turbo engines field.

 

[Zafiro]

Of course the design will be toned down.
- All the bling bling in the front and rear are going to disappear, probably be black plastic or colored as the rest of the car.
- All the chroome toned down.
- 22" big wheels - gone
- Sidemirrors - gone.
- Interior going to be more like other MB interiors

 

[Centurion]

Of course the design will be toned down.
- All the bling bling in the front and rear are going to disappear, probably be black plastic or colored as the rest of the car.
- All the chroome toned down.
- 22" big wheels - gone
- Sidemirrors - gone.
- Interior going to be more like other MB interiors

We all know it will be toned down but not to a stupid level. Mercedes have an excellent track record for bringing cars to market that are not to distant from the Concept. So stop hating on the car Andreas and get converted. You're running out of arguments for not looking forward to a Mercedes hatchback

 

[K-A]

I wonder if the sheet-metal and architecture will be identical. Little bits and pieces aren't as big a deal.

 

[EnI]

Production changes predictions, IMO:

- side rear mirrors more conventional (bigger)
- door handles (typical MB door handles)
- sculptured roof top (replaced by conventional sleek roof top)
- horizontal light strip on boot (I guess it will be replaced with chrome strip)
- different rear light graphics (more similar to current MB graphics)
- different rear bumper - diffuser (perhaps this one will featured on A AMG)
- rocker panels toned down
- full B-pillars (I can't imagine MB offering seat belts incorporated in the front seats, especially on 5dr version)
- front grille with conventional mesh
- full LED headlights replaced by xenon or even halogen lights
- conventional front bumper / air intake with fog lights (perhaps Concept design will be featured on A AMG)
- I personally doubt the greenhouse will be so low / shallow on the production vehicle
- I doubt the headlights clusters will be so ricey (I believe that "tooth" eating into grille will be gone)
- the car will sit higher
- I doubt rims of such diameter featured on Concept car will be even offered
- the interior (beside very general layout the details etc are just Concept items)


The general shape / silhouette will be preserved. The character lines preserved. Hood lines preserved for the Concept car. Rear end (hatch) design preserved.

Even when toned down, the car will be stylish & fresh, dynamic. And certainly a new design chapter for MB. I'm sure it will sell VERY well. This time A will be a true & fierce rival to 1er & A3. Not to mention the awkward CT.

My 2 cents.

 

[Zafiro]

We all know it will be toned down but not to a stupid level. Mercedes have an excellent track record for bringing cars to market that are not to distant from the Concept. So stop hating on the car Andreas and get converted. You're running out of arguments for not looking forward to a Mercedes hatchback

Hey I have a thing for current B-class ...

 

[Wolfgang]

Does anyone have a close up of the COMAND in the A?

Mercedes-Benz Passion eBlog

 

[Centurion]

It was also said the production version Mk3 A-class will be 12cm (4.72") lower than the current Mk2 A-class. That makes it 142cm (55.9") high, which is in line with the rivals.

Anybody knows what's the hight of the Concpet? It looks kind of low.

Also I wonder how MB will position this particular model. I'm sure the 5dr version will be more conventional & practical (roofline & greenhouse). But what about the 3dr? It seems MB will make a 3dr model a bit more radical, more attractive to younger buyers. Not making just a 3dr version of 5dr hatch. Which makes sense, especially since there won't be a coupe version of A-class (just a hatch, cabrio & probably the sedan). Eg. BMW also offers 1er coupe, so the hatches can be a bit more conventional, while coupe & cabrio can be modified into something a bit more daring. Not to mention that there's no sign (yet) of MB plan to introduce a sub-A MB model to rival Audi A1 & the upcoming BMW sub-1er. But I'm sure MB will also come up with such a MB model sooner or later. Or will they stick to smart only in that segment?

Also: what are MB plans to fight BMW i3 & the upcoming Audi Mk2 A2? Electric B-class? Some brand new smaller hybrid / electric MB model? Smart EV / hybrid MPV or crossover? We hear a lot of about Audi & BMW / MINI expansion in compact & sub-compact classes, but almost nothing from MB. The only news was there would be a 4-seat smart (based on the new Renault Twingo) in 2013.

I hope MB haven't fallen asleep & started to lag behind rivals - like they do in the turbo engines field.

A 5d might be skipped all together. Stretching that sexy body shape into a 5d would be awkward. This of the A-Class as the Volvo C30 a premium hatchback with a 2+2 configuration. With a sexy design and good marketing this car could sell very well, even at premium prices. It's a hybrid between a coupe and a hatchback. Practical yet sexy. Whoever seeks 5d practicality can opt for the B-Class. A possible 5 year porfolio could look like this

A-Class range: Fastback and Roadster/Cabrio
B-Class: 5dr hatchback and SUV.

I don't think its wise or even necessary for Mercedes to expend their lower range offering to the same level as rivals. Merc is a luxury high profit margin brand. Anything smaller than the A-Class should wear a Smart badge.

 

[Shining Star]

I saw the A-Class concept today at New York. I was a bit disappointed; the front seems more droopy, if you will. The lines don't look as good in person either. The rear did seem nice, if a bit audi-ish.

 

[Deutsch]

I saw the A-Class concept today at New York. I was a bit disappointed; the front seems more droopy, if you will. The lines don't look as good in person either. The rear did seem nice, if a bit audi-ish.

What else did you see? If you saw the Beetle and Scion FRS I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on those cars in their respective threads. Thanks!

 

[Shining Star]

What else did you see? If you saw the Beetle and Scion FRS I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on those cars in their respective threads. Thanks!

Just posted about the beetle in another thread. As I was pressed for time, I mainly went to the MB/BMW/Audi/VW stands.

VERY impressed by the A6, but that's for another thread.

As far as the A-Class goes, reactions were mixed. From what I saw (or heard), most people seemed really confused about all the lines. This picture shows it off well.

All of the bulges and creases of the concept make the A look much more fussy IRL than in the press photos.

 

[EnI]

^ How tall this car really is? Can you tell?

It looks way lower than comparable hatchbacks - indicating that production car will definitely be taller. Or they've got proportions so well that the car looks low.

 

[Shining Star]

^ How tall this car really is? Can you tell?

It was on a raised platform, so the concept's height was hard to judge. However, when viewed from a distance it did seem really low. I'd imagine it would be taller in the production form.

 

[K-A]

I saw the A-Class concept today at New York. I was a bit disappointed; the front seems more droopy, if you will. The lines don't look as good in person either. The rear did seem nice, if a bit audi-ish.

Just posted about the beetle in another thread. As I was pressed for time, I mainly went to the MB/BMW/Audi/VW stands.

VERY impressed by the A6, but that's for another thread.

As far as the A-Class goes, reactions were mixed. From what I saw (or heard), most people seemed really confused about all the lines. This picture shows it off well.

All of the bulges and creases of the concept make the A look much more fussy IRL than in the press photos.

Interesting. I keep thinking that this car should be a stunner or a complete trainwreck in person.

I'm glad to hear that people are complaining about the confusing lines. M-B's Designers need to learn that not everybody is in their heads, and some people just won't be able to make sense of all the squiggly wiggly lines! I have a feeling that a decade from now we will see slab sided Benzes again.... It'll be like they'll be coming down off a cocaine binge, lol.