Yahoo Autos Here’s the New Mercedes-Benz A-class Sedan—in China-Market LWB Form
The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-class is nearly ready for its arrival in America. We’ll be getting a few different variants of the new baby Benz; the first is expected to be a sedan that will be slightly shorter than this A-class L, which is making its debut for the China market. (Like many China-market cars, the L signifies an extended wheelbase meant primarily to provide more rear-seat room.)
If you can visually subtract 2.4 inches from the wheelbase, then you’re essentially looking at the A-class sedan that will be on sale here at some point later this year. Everything forward of the B-pillar appears identical to the Europe-market A-class hatchback, while the notchback shape is reminiscent of the current CLA-class, albeit with a more upright roofline. The A-class sedan is expected to supplant the CLA as the cheapest way for U.S. buyers to put a new Benz in their driveway (excepting the Metris van), leaving the yet-to-be-revealed next-gen CLA some room to move upscale.
The new A-class boasts a more modern interior that looks remarkably different from those of current Mercedes-Benz models. It uses Mercedes’ new MBUX infotainment system, which is said to incorporate more advanced voice-control software. Stylish-looking air vents and glitzy bits of trim round out the appealing cabin.
The two powertrains offered in China, 1.3- and 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-fours with 134 and 188 horsepower, are not what we’ll get in the United States. Expect the U.S. A-class to come as an A250 model with an uprated 2.0-liter turbo four making around 220 horsepower, mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive, as in the current CLA. AMG variants are likely to follow.
Oh, and one more thing on this A-class L that’s not headed to the States? That Rose Gold color. It’s exclusive to China.
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