Measuring 4 609 mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 2 789 mm, 60 mm longer than the hatch, height of 1 460 mm and width of 1 796 mm, the production version of the Concept A Sedan becomes the latest model to ride on Benz’s new MFA2 front-wheel drive platform, with the added length translating to a boot space of 420-litres.
Available in base and Sport trim levels as pictured here, the sedan mirrors the hatch’s CLS-like styling dubbed Sensual Purity all the way to the C-pillar, with the rear dropping the CLA’s downwards flowing design for a more upright stance reminiscent of the current E-class.
Riding on a choice of 16 or 19-inch alloy wheels, the sedan’s interior also takes after the hatch and incorporates Mercedes-Benz’s new MBUX infotainment system, which amongst the usual connected features, also comes equipped with the WeChatMyCar app, augmented navigation, choice of 64 ambient lighting colours and voice control able to understand both Sichuanese and Cantonese dialects.
Compared to the A-class hatch, the sedan’s biggest difference lies underneath the bonnet, where only a single petrol engine will initially be offered. Co-developed with the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance, and set to debut in the next generation Clio, the turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder develops either 100 kW or 120 kW, mated as standard to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. A more powerful 140 kW 2.0-litre turbo arrives later.
Production will commence in the second quarter of the year, but being a China exclusive model, don’t expect it to arrive in South Africa anytime soon.
