Photo: SB-Medien
Let's face it, styling was never a top asset of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Sure, the current model is considerably more appealing than the previous two generations, but the tall appearance of the compact still sets is apart from most Mercs out there.
Well, it seems the A-Class will finally reach visual peace with the future W177 generation, as revealed in these spyshots. Compared to the images we brought you back in June, these photos allow us to get a much better view of the car.
And while the details are still covered by heavy camo, we can clearly see the different silhouette of the model. Aside from the longer wheelbase, the car has a wider stance, a "trick" we've also seen on the new VW Passat, for instance (Euro spec).
The current MFA (Modular Front-drive Architecture) platform will make room for the MFA2 chassis. And with the longer wheelbase, the entire family of MFA2 models will look different - from the third-gen B-Class, the model that will mark the debut of the platform, to the CLA and a new crossover that's tentatively named GLB. The rumor mill also talks about a sedan that would trade off some of the CLA's visual appeal for extra cabin space.
Speaking of roominess, the new platform will address the limited interior space issue of the current A-Class, while the longer rear doors seen on the spied prototype will improve rear passenger access.
As for other cabin changes, the list will be led by a central infotainment display integrated into the dash, a move that will make a massive difference compared to the afterthought aspect of the current screen.
The MFA2 architecture will also allow for a deeper integration of hybrid powertrains, which will accompany the array of turbo fours making up the A-Class engine line-up. While most of these will build on the current A-Class engines, dual-clutch transmissions will should be the norm. At the top of the line-up, Affalterbach will maintain the hot hatch segment horsepower domination the Mercedes-AMG A45 currently enjoys, so expect north of 400 ponies. Will we get a more tail-happy experience? We doubt it, but it's too early to discuss such matters.
Mercedes-Benz should deliver the fourth incarnation of the A-Class by mid-2018, but chances are America's lack of hatchback love will once again mean the model will skip US showrooms.
And while the details are still covered by heavy camo, we can clearly see the different silhouette of the model. Aside from the longer wheelbase, the car has a wider stance, a "trick" we've also seen on the new VW Passat, for instance (Euro spec).
The current MFA (Modular Front-drive Architecture) platform will make room for the MFA2 chassis. And with the longer wheelbase, the entire family of MFA2 models will look different - from the third-gen B-Class, the model that will mark the debut of the platform, to the CLA and a new crossover that's tentatively named GLB. The rumor mill also talks about a sedan that would trade off some of the CLA's visual appeal for extra cabin space.
Speaking of roominess, the new platform will address the limited interior space issue of the current A-Class, while the longer rear doors seen on the spied prototype will improve rear passenger access.
As for other cabin changes, the list will be led by a central infotainment display integrated into the dash, a move that will make a massive difference compared to the afterthought aspect of the current screen.
The MFA2 architecture will also allow for a deeper integration of hybrid powertrains, which will accompany the array of turbo fours making up the A-Class engine line-up. While most of these will build on the current A-Class engines, dual-clutch transmissions will should be the norm. At the top of the line-up, Affalterbach will maintain the hot hatch segment horsepower domination the Mercedes-AMG A45 currently enjoys, so expect north of 400 ponies. Will we get a more tail-happy experience? We doubt it, but it's too early to discuss such matters.
Mercedes-Benz should deliver the fourth incarnation of the A-Class by mid-2018, but chances are America's lack of hatchback love will once again mean the model will skip US showrooms.
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