MERCEDES BENZ A-Class Sedan Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan is the newest sedan to debut in the three-pointed star's compact car family, having been unveiled at the Auto China 2018 motor show in Beijing. With sales reserved for the Middle Kingdom and developed with Chinese customers in mind, the A-Class L Sedan is exclusively manufactured by Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd (BBAC), which is a partnership between Daimler AG and BAIC Motor. Available since 2018, the A-Class L Sedan can be powered by one of two four-cylinder gasoline engines that are also available in the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback and the regular A-Class Sedan, which is virtually identical save for the standard-sized wheelbase and rear doors.

A major center of attention during the model's development was the increased knee room for the rear passengers, so the A-Class L Sedan's wheelbase has been increased by 60 mm to 2789 mm compared to the normal A-Class and A-Class Sedan. During the first year of production the car was only available with a turbocharged, 1.33-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that offers two power outputs, 100 and 120 kW. Later on, a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 140 kW on tap, sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that's available as standard. Like its platform cousins, the model is equipped with the latest driving assistance system, with active safety being at the highest level in its segment.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the fourth generation of the A-Class in 2018, and, besides the hatchback, it offered it as a sedan.

After morphing the MPV-based A-Class into a regular hatchback, Mercedes-Benz found the right spot for its compact-segment contender. Thus, it proved to be more appealing for customers looking for an easy-to-drive Merc' and, moreover, a car short enough to fit in regular tight parking places from Europe. Adding a three-box version was the icing on the cake and increased the sales of the premium compact sedan.

With a front end resembling the luxurious CLS, the A-Class sedan stormed the market, adding more styling to a segment dominated by bland, economic-efficient designs. The sharp-looking headlights swept back on the sides. They flanked a grille that sported a chromed horizontal slat that supported the three-pointed-star badge in the middle. From its profile, the A-Class sedan distanced itself from the CLA four-door coupe shape by adding a distinct short trunk lid at the back and a taller greenhouse.

The carmaker installed only high-quality materials inside, even though it was about plastics or man-made leather. On the center console, Mercedes-Benz added a touch-pad for the MBUX infotainment system and a pair of cup holders. In addition, the dashboard featured two landscape-mode screens united under the same protective glass, creating the illusion of a single unit. One of the screens was for the instrument panel, while the other was for the infotainment system.

Under the hood, the German carmaker carried over Renault's 1.33 turbocharged gasoline engine, which proved to be very successful, especially when mixed with the seven-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, for specific markets, Mercedes-Benz offered a turbo-diesel version.