The next A-Class in soon to be upon us, taking plenty of inspiration from the very red and sleekly styled Concept A that Mercedes-Benz showed off at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show, and will be offered as their entry saloon side by side with the hatch body style we know today.
Since that unveiling in China, it was speculated then that the next CLA wouldn’t have much reason to exist, especially if the incoming A-Class sedan offered just as much style and added practicality. However, instead of conceding the CLA’s appeal, Mercedes-Benz have chosen to double down on its coupe-like appeal.
Under the skin, it will be very similar to the all-new A-Class sedan/hatch with similar set of engines, front-wheel drive (except for AMG-fettled versions), interior layout, and model variants. That skin, however, will aim to be more desirable with a swooping fastback profile and lower-slung, more aggressive styling even in base form, reportedly.
At the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-AMG brought a stunning concept car that’s meant to sit alongside their GT sports car as, basically, its four-door sibling. The next CLA, according to Autonews, is taking many of its design cues for itself. The AMG GT4 for the rest of us, put more simply.
It’s a unique formula that could prove quite successful for Mercedes-Benz, continuing a success story that started with them exploring unfamiliar territory, specifically the revival of their the small car line-up that, prior to the current A-Class hatch, was nowhere near as popular.
For more on Mercedes-Benz cars, check out our Showroom.
