Mercedes-Benz plans new A-Class sedan

Mercedes-Benz plans to extend its compact car line-up with a new entry level sedan to be positioned below the upcoming second-generation CLA and facelifted fourth-generation C-Class.
 
Set to compliment its existing range of compact car models in a renewed sales push against premium brand competitors in one of the world's largest market segments, the new four-door will enter the Mercedes-Benz line-up as a rival to the likes of the Audi A3 sedan and recently unveiled BMW 1-Series sedan.
 
The price leading sedan, to be powered by an extended range of four-cylinder petrol, diesel and hybrid drivetrains, has been conceived primarily to bolster Mercedes-Benz's sales in key markets such as China and North America. However, sources close to the German car maker have confirmed plans for right-hand drive production, indicating the new model will also be sold in Australia.
 
No official confirmation of the new Mercedes-Benz sedan model has yet been made by Stuttgart officials. However, Drive has been told it is likely to make its public debut before the end of 2018 - the same year earmarked for the introduction of the fourth-generation A-class hatchback, with which the new four door will share its mechanical package.   
 
Set to offer both standard front- and optional four-wheel drive transmissions, the new entry level Mercedes-Benz sedan is among six models planned to be based on Mercedes-Benz's second-generation MFA platform, including successor models to the A-Class, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA SUV.
 
Those privy to design proposals for the new model say it features a more conventional design than the existing CLA with greater height to the glass house and a flatter roof line in a more defined three-box silhouette similar to the C-class.
 
The dimensions of the A-Class sedan are shrouded in secrecy, but it is expected to stretch beyond the 4630mm length, 1780mm width and 1430mm height of the existing first-generation CLA.  
 
By comparison, the A3 sedan measures 4450mm in length, 1795mm in width and 1415mm in height, while the 1-Series sedan runs to 4456mm in length, 1803mm in width and 1446mm in height.
 
Information obtained by Drive also confirms the A-Class sedan has been conceived to support two different wheelbases. A standard wheelbase version is expected to be sold in all markets except for China, which will receive its own unique long wheelbase variant in line with other recent Mercedes-Benz sedan models, including the C- and E-Class.
 
Power for the new Mercedes-Benz is planned to come from the company's latest M264 turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol and OM654 turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engines, both of which will support new fuel saving features including the coast function already seen in more up-market models from the German car maker.  
 
Also planned are less powerful models running updated versions of the Renault/Nissan units used in Mercedes-Benz's existing compact car line-up. They include a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol and turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel.
 
Topping the line-up will be a new four-wheel drive A45 4Matic sedan model running an updated version of today's M133 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder AMG developed engine with up to 300kW.
 
Also planned is a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain combining the M264 petrol unit with an electric motor and lithium ion battery pack for limited zero emission capability.
 
Among the gearboxes will be a standard six-speed manual and optional nine-speed dual clutch automatic - the latter a development of today's seven-speed unit to be produced in-house at Mercedes-Benz's gearbox manufacturing facility near Stuttgart in Germany.  
 
Benefitting from a transverse engine layout, the new Mercedes-Benz is described as being particularly roomy, with accommodation and luggage space almost on par with the larger C-Class.
 
Drive can also confirm the second-generation MFA platform has been designed to support a new electrical architecture. It provides the basis for a new Comand 6.0 infotainment system with, among other new features, both touch screen and gesture controls.
 
While details remain scarce, production of the A-Class sedan is expected to take place in up to three factories. They incude Mercedes-Benz's Kecskemet plant in Hungary; a joint-venture plant operated by Mercedes-Benz and Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation in Beijing, China;  and new facility being constructed by Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler and its alliance partner Nissan/Infiniti in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

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