Regardless of which MFA platform Mercedes-Benz model you ride in, it's difficult to escape the cramped cabin feeling, even when talking about the front seats. Mercedes-Benz is well aware of this, with the German engineers having worked to offer a superior interior volume when developing the second incarnation of the platform, which will make its debut on the 2018 A-Class.
The fourth-generation of the A-Class has switched from the early test mule phase, that saw prototypes using the bodies of the current model, to the pre-production prototype phase quite some months ago and we now have a new spy video showing the compact.
One of the most obvious changes aimed at dealing with the aspect mentioned above is the longer rear door - while the rear cabin will obviously make the most out of the wheelbae increase, the wider tracks and the better overall packaging mean the front passengers will also enjoy some extra space.
A visibility bonus is also on the list, as, for example, the rear view mirrors don't sit as high as they used to, having migrated from the A-pillars to the doors.
The hatchback is still wearing heavy camouflage, with the massive hood cladding and the masked C-pillars doing a pretty good job at concealing the sleeker silhouette of the vehicle.
The benefits of the MFA2 platform, which will also lead to a more premium driving experience thanks to increased comfort and sharper handling, along with offering more possibilities for hybrid powertrain integration (the next Mercedes-AMG A45 is on the gas-electric list too) will cover an even greater family of models, as Mercedes-Benz is currently also working on the GLB compact crossover that will be slotted in between the GLA and the GLC.
Speaking of the GLA, the high-riding compact is scheduled to receive its mid-cycle revamp next year and this video also includes a test car for the 2018 GLA - you can find the details of the facelifted model here.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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