2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Convoy Parades Different Headlights

Until that time arrives, we are stuck speculating on what kind of features will have their premiere on the smallest Mercedes-Benz model.

We recently got the clearest look at the next A-Class' interior, while the A45 replacement has also started testing on the Nurburgring by using the body of a current generation to confuse bystanders.

An amateur spy videographer recently filmed no less five different A-Class W177 pre-production prototypes in the Stuttgart region, giving us a chance to compare the different trim levels that will be available in the car next year.

If you look closely, you will realize that the first prototype in convoy is probably a lower-spec version, since it has different headlight graphics than the others. More specifically, while the other four use a traditional “eyebrow daylight running lights that also double for turning signals, the convoy leader has the signals underneath the headlights and are a bit smaller.

If we were to guess, the 2018 A-Class will probably pull a C-Class W205 on us, meaning that it may come with three or four different headlight designs depending on the options and trim level. On Western markets, the base model will likely use a Xenon design, with full LED and Intelligent LED deign to be available as options. A fourth version with old-school Halogen lights will probably be available, but not everywhere.

Powertrain wise, most of the current engine lineup will be carried over with minor modifications. The Renault-sourced 1.5-liter diesel will likely be replaced by a more modern 1.6-liter, also of French origins. The old 2.1-liter diesel will also be superseded by a transversal version of the brand new 2.0-liter that debuted on the E-Class W213, while the 1.6 and 2.0-liter gasoline engines will continue to be offered on the next generation with some slight mods.

A hybrid version might also become available at some point, and so will a couple of mild-hybrid ones. Speaking of which, the A45 successor is expected to switch to a 48-volt electrical system to allow some more oomph without increasing boost to stratospheric levels. The 7-speed dual clutch transmission might be replaced by a newly developed 9-speed one.