With the A-Class Concept, Mercedes-Benz presents a car that looks as if it has stepped out of another planet: its expressive design symbolizes a true concentrate of dynamism. Technological innovations include a new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, a dual-clutch gearbox and radar collision warning with adaptive emergency braking.
Elongated hood, streamlined silhouette and slender window graphics: the proportions of the Concept A-Class leave no doubt as to its dynamic ambitions. The sporty look is given particular depth by the interplay of lines and surfaces chosen by the designers, who drew their inspiration from natural elements such as waves and wind, as well as from aircraft construction.
From both a stylistic and technological standpoint, the A-Class Concept marks the start of a new era in the compact car segment at Mercedes-Benz. A front-wheel-drive vehicle, it is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine from the new M270 range, designed for transverse mounting and offering high power potential thanks to direct injection and turbocharging, while at the same time boasting minimal emissions and particularly frugal fuel consumption. Under the hood of the Concept A-Class is the two-liter variant of the new engine, delivering 155 kW (210 hp). This BlueEFFICIENCY version is mated to Mercedes-Benz’s new dual-clutch gearbox.
A world first in the compact car segment, the concept car also features radar collision warning with adaptive power-assisted emergency braking to reduce the risk of telescoping. Collision Prevention Assist warns the distracted driver with an audible and visual signal, and prepares the vehicle for assisted emergency braking at a precise point. This action is initiated as soon as the driver presses down firmly on the brake pedal.
Design: sharp angles and an original interplay of surfaces
The A-Class Concept continues the design tradition first introduced by Mercedes on the F 800 Style, combining sharp, precise angles with great freedom in the interplay of surfaces. Three characteristic lines structure the lateral silhouette: the front edge at wing level falls backwards (“dropping line”), the powerful muscles running from the shoulders to the rear axle underline a personality borrowed from coupé models, while a third line stretches upwards in a graceful movement in front of the rear wheel arch.
The front of the Concept A-Class is a real eye-catcher. The brand’s emblem appears to be surrounded by a starry sky: where the radiator grille usually features slats or openings, dots are scattered in a metallic silver color on a black background, a theme also found in the design of the wheels. When it comes to lighting, the A-Class Concept works wonders: its innovative high-performance LED headlamps feature countless points of light in a starry-sky motif. For the daytime running lights, 90 fiberglass elements have been fitted with aluminum sockets and combined in the shape of a wing in the headlamp.
The highlight of the interior is undoubtedly the instrument cluster. Resembling the shape of an aircraft wing, it comes in a stretched translucent fabric that reveals the bionic cellular structure of the construction.
The air nozzles on the instrument cluster are reminiscent of jet engines, while the burner inspired the red display on the dials. The central unit resembles a modern aircraft control panel, with a gearshift that takes the form of a throttle lever.
Fully integrated into the Concept A-Class control concept: a smartphone. This integration provides access to all the applications, services and content of the digital lifestyle via COMAND Online. The graphic design of the on-screen content is revolutionary and unique. Magenta-lit glass elements are dynamically displayed to form three-dimensional navigation levels.
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