This isn’t the first time Mercedes has rolled out a front-drive design, but for the first time it’s creating a flood of transverse-engined cars that won’t be limited to Europe, but are intended to conquer the whole world. And this, the concept version of the forthcoming Mercedes A Class, previews one of the most important bodystyles of Benz’s front-drive offensive, the “family hatch.” But as important as this funky Audi A3-fighting hatch is to the global fight for front-drive luxury acceptance, it does not appear to be headed stateside.
Thanks to Mercedes’ exquisite sensitivity to “American tastes” (pronounced with a slight shudder in the original German), we’ll only be getting sedan, “sporty coupe” and (sigh) crossover versions of this platform. Two liter engines (think 150-200 HP), and dual clutch transmissions should motivate US versions when they launch next year, and eventually a turbocharged 320 HP AWD “STI by AMG” version should become available. Just try to stop using the phrase “wrong wheel drive” in front of the local Mercedes dealer.
It is nice to see that Mazda’s former design team was able to find employment.
My first thought was a variant on the BMW 1-series given the blunt nose and the flame surfacing.
+10
It’s kind of a mix out of the studios of Mazda, Hyundai and Nissan.
But another way to look at it, a sleeker rendition of the Opel Astra with a Bangle-lized door/side (btw, the new Astra concept also has a sleeker greenhouse – so the 2 looks even more similar now).
Nah, I think Chris Bangle just found work in Stuttgart.
I’m trying to remember the last time someone shopping for a MB really gave a crap whether it had FWD or RWD.
I think I know the demographic they are targeting with A class here in the US.
I know at least three that care, but two of us our old drag racers.
What’s sad is that it looks like they took the virtues of the current A and B-Classes (the latter can be had in Canada) and threw them away. The wonderful, human-friendly packaging is gone.
I like the B: you get a nicely-trimmed interior, good ride, decent power (in the B200T) and more rear-seat room than in the contemporary E or S-Class.
Psar, can you do a review of it for TTAC? I would love to read that!
@marjanmm: Someone already reviewed the B here.
Agree – the original & 2nd generation A Class provided a unique package – slightly larger than a Honda Fit and just as practical. The 1st A class had some really cool design features such as the engine that was angled to be pushed into the floor sandwich rather than into the passenger compartment.
I was at university around the time this was launched. We had a lecture from a guy who did crash testing at MIRA (http://www.mira.co.uk) commented that the A Class crash safety was excellent for such a small car. The 1st model had a bad press after failing the “elk test” – The result was the recall & introduction of stability control – a 1st for a sub compact
The B200 has more room in the back than an S-Class?
That’s b/c the A Class and B Class look too much like econo-boxes with a Mercedes badge stuck on them (which is exactly what they are) and it would never do for Mercedes to impugn their luxury image in the US by selling them here.
With this, it’s a premium (hot?) hatch (I wouldn’t say luxury b/c even models like the C Class are just entry level luxury) that Mercedes wouldn’t be embarrassed to bring over to the States.
The B200 has more room in the back than an S-Class?
The B-Class does, or at least did versus the S-Class of the time. Now, this was fore-aft, not three abreast, but who sits three abreast in the back of an S-Class anyways?
A tall roof and low floor do wonders.
Stylistically, I think the front has potential, although it’s too messy. Headlights are awful. But from the side and the back this thing is effing dreadful.
The interior is interesting. I like the futuristic seats.
I’d go with the color TV or a night on the town.
This doesn’t look like a particularly useful hatchback, so why should we care if they don’t sell it in the US?
M-B abandoning its 3-circle gauge layout in favor of a 2-circle layout similar to those from BMW or Audi? What is this world coming to?
+1 on the looks like a (first gen) Z4-inspired hatch.
I kinda like it, but it won’t work as a Mercedes.
The first time someone pulls alongside one in a Fiesta and asks about the availability of that faux-Cedes grill for HIS ride it’s all over.
Mercedes has lost its way for sure. This is NOT a Mercedes, but an aftermarket cladded-over 1990’s vintage Honda Civic DX.
Anyone wonder why the quality of M-B is worse than a Chevy? See example above. Go out of business now or get back to class! Or at least make engines for Tiger tanks – wait – they weren’t that reliable, either.
I don’t have a problem with FWD, but 320 HP through the front wheels is just silly.
Stage 1 Cobalt did a little over 300 to the front wheels, and I think there are other Euro cars that do it. It is possible to do and do it right.
Oh look! A SAAB!
Love it!!
I think it has a wonder profile and shape, but the front end… not so much. Looks like this is what MB is going to with their new designs, and I don’t like it.
Family car redefined: 2 doors and a red-light district on the dash.
The new A3 may not be available as a 5 door. Something about the Chinese not liking them. I wouldn’t mind replacing my A3 with this if the price is right.
Does it come with a spotter to see out of it?
I see Scirocco by Mercedes-Benz.
What the heck is that thing? A sea cow with sagging layers of fat?
It would sell big in the U.S. but at the expense of its high end, highly profitable luxobarge siblings. The Mercedes ‘brand’ is too valuable in the U.S., possibly Mercedes’ most important market, to be deluded by subcompacts.