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2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Prototype Shows Up For Testing

Even though Mercedes' current compact car lineup is still somewhat fresh, Stuttgart is already working on the second generation of the MFA (Modular Front-wheel-drive Architecture) platform. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 pre-production prototype in the adjacent photo gallery is the first model based on the MFA2 to come outside and start testing.
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 13 photos
Photo: S.Baldauf/SB-Medien
2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 Prototype
Despite this, it's the third generation of the B-Class that will be launched first, with the A-Class to follow just a few months later.

Although it's hard to judge by looking at the spy images, the fourth generation of the A-Class will have a much longer wheelbase for two very different reasons. Firstly, it should significantly improve interior space, especially when it comes to leg room. Secondly, the MFA2 platform will also spawn an A-Class sedan to battle the future BMW 1 Series sedan and the Audi A3 Sedan.

Other novelties consist of the enlarged rear hatch opening for better access to the luggage compartment, and a repositioning of the exterior rearview mirrors, which now sit on the doors for improved aerodynamics and better visibility in tight corners.

Expect the exterior looks to be an evolution of the current “Sensual Purity” design language, while interior materials and design should be upgraded following a steeper curve.

Engine-wise, we will probably get a motley arrangement of turbocharged four-cylinders, most of them being updated versions of the mills found in the current A-Class. A plug-in hybrid is also expected, featuring all-wheel-drive and an electric motor paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four.

Speaking of two-liter engines, the four-cylinder in the AMG version will benefit once more from the F1 experience of the engineers in Brixworth to deliver over 400 hp and cement the A45's status as the most powerful hot-hatch on the planet.

Only but a rumor so far, but Mercedes-Benz might completely re-engineer the MFA platform to accommodate an AWD version constructed around an innovative system made by either GKN Driveline or ZF.

The launch date for the new A-Class W177 is far from being officially announced, but we suspect that it will happen at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show at the earliest or the 2018 Geneva Motor Show at the latest. There's plenty of time to get all giddy about the new Mercedes-Benz compact lineup until then.
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About the author: Alex Oagana
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Alex handled his first real steering wheel at the age of five (on a field) and started practicing "Scandinavian Flicks" at 14 (on non-public gravel roads). Following his time at the University of Journalism, he landed his first real job at the local franchise of Top Gear magazine a few years before Mircea (Panait). Not long after, Alex entered the New Media realm with the autoevolution.com project.
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