This near production-ready version of the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan was snapped testing on German roads recently.
As expected, the new compact sedan closely follows the lead of the ‘Concept A sedan' shown earlier this year at the Shanghai motor show. At the unveiling in China, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG, said it heralded a new design essence for the German giant.
"Our Concept A sedan shows that the time for creases is over," Wagener revealed. "With its perfect proportions and a sensual treatment of surfaces with reduced lines, it is the next milestone of sensual purity and has the potential to introduce a new design era."
The camouflage adorning the A-Class sedan in these pics disguises the front somewhat, but it looks like the concept car's muscly look -- inspired by the AMG GT sports car – may have been softened for the production car.
However, Benz's hallmark punch arrives in the form of the power bulge on the bonnet and some curves around the wheel-arches. And, while the silhouette has a coupe-like look, upright C-pillars and substantial side windows allude to current sedan styling trends.
Engines are a source of speculation at this stage, but you'd get short odds on the current 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol engines. However, some are pointing to a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel under development and there has been speculation on a plug-in hybrid for the upcoming all-new A-Class hatchback.
We understand the hatchback range will launch early next year and speculation points to the A-Class sedan arriving about 12 months from now.
North American sources suggest the A-Class four-door will become Benz's new entry-level sedan, with the current CLA range reduced to the Shooting Brake wagon body style.