Photo: Carpix
Nowadays, it's safe to say that there comes a time in a prototype's life when it must set wheel on the Nurburgring for the first time. Well, that time has arrived for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and we're here to give you the spyshots.
The prototype is still wearing the heavy cladding we've seen in the past. The strongest false lead coming from this has to do with the hood, which will be much lower than it might seem.
Despite the version spied here being far from the Affalterbach-massaged range-topper, the prototype should feel at home on the Nordschleife. That's because the MFA2 platform underneath sees the wheels being pushed closer to the corners of the car, while it could also be lighter than the MFA underpinning the current A-Class.
Handling aside, the compact isn't expected to grow too much, but the longer wheelbase and wider tracks mean the cramped cabin feeling of the current model, which especially affects rear passengers, should disappear. The extra practicality will also be felt in the luggage compartment area, with the split lights of the future hatchback allowing for a larger opening.
Since we're here with Green Hell intentions, we'll mention the Mercedes-AMG A45 should travel north of the 400 hp border, pushing factory hot hatches into a new territory. Nevertheless, we should also get an A40 delivering a more "casual" 300 horses.
At the other end of the second-generation A-Class engine range, we'll find three-cylinder engines, but we're more interested in the rumored plug-in hybrid version. Keep in mind that Mercedes-Benz is currently working on a new modular family of engines, so don't expect the diesel engine deal that currently sees the German borrowing Renault 1.5 dci diesel technology to continue.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class should make its debut in about one year from now, as the compact is expected to bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017.
Despite the version spied here being far from the Affalterbach-massaged range-topper, the prototype should feel at home on the Nordschleife. That's because the MFA2 platform underneath sees the wheels being pushed closer to the corners of the car, while it could also be lighter than the MFA underpinning the current A-Class.
Handling aside, the compact isn't expected to grow too much, but the longer wheelbase and wider tracks mean the cramped cabin feeling of the current model, which especially affects rear passengers, should disappear. The extra practicality will also be felt in the luggage compartment area, with the split lights of the future hatchback allowing for a larger opening.
Since we're here with Green Hell intentions, we'll mention the Mercedes-AMG A45 should travel north of the 400 hp border, pushing factory hot hatches into a new territory. Nevertheless, we should also get an A40 delivering a more "casual" 300 horses.
At the other end of the second-generation A-Class engine range, we'll find three-cylinder engines, but we're more interested in the rumored plug-in hybrid version. Keep in mind that Mercedes-Benz is currently working on a new modular family of engines, so don't expect the diesel engine deal that currently sees the German borrowing Renault 1.5 dci diesel technology to continue.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class should make its debut in about one year from now, as the compact is expected to bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017.
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