It's a design aimed at stepping up the premium level of the compact hatchback, taking inspirations and design cues from the higher-end models.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the new fourth-generation A-Class has more utility value than before, making it at once youthful and grown-up.
The dashboard is divided into two three-dimensional, horizontal sections: the lower section is visually separated from the main body of the dashboard by a "trench", and it appears to float in front of the dashboard. The optional ambience lighting enhances this effect, accentuating the free-floating impression of the sub-structure.
The standard widescreen cockpit is completely free-standing, and for the first time there are absolutely no cowls above the instruments. The sporty air vents in a turbine-look are another highlight.
The A-Class also takes its lead from the luxury Mercedes-Benz models in terms of other details.
The multifunctional steering wheel comes from the S-Class, for example. The front seats likewise have comfort features available from higher segments, including seat climate control, massage function and multicontour seat. The trim elements are in a "wrap-around" design, and the choice of materials (e.g. open-pore wood) underscores the progressive, high-quality positioning.
READ MORE: Fun facts about 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The interior has a greatly enhanced feeling of spaciousness, better all-round visibility and more space.
Utility value is increased by more shoulder-room (front +9 mm, rear +22 mm), elbow-room (front +35 mm, rear +36 mm) and headroom (front +7 mm, rear +8 mm). Easier access to the rear seats is another plus point of the new A-Class.
The luggage compartment behind the rear seats is more suitable for family and recreational use, and has a capacity of 370 litres – 29 litres more than the preceding model. Thanks to two-section rear lights, the loading aperture is 20 cm wider than before, and the luggage compartment floor is 11.5 cm longer. If required the rear seat backrest can be positioned more upright, e.g. to accommodate bulky boxes. All-round visibility has also been considerably improved: by around 10%.
Mercedes-Benz is obviously taking things one step at a time, and will offer us a peek later at how the exterior of the VW Golf-rival will really look like as there are already spy shots of the car undergoing testing.
No word yet when it will make its world premiere but it is likely to be at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the same venue where the original A-Class debuted in 1997.
An A-Class sedan, as previewed by the Concept A Sedan at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year, is expected later in 2018.
"The new A-Class embodies the next stage in our design philosophy of sensual purity, and has the potential to usher in a new design era," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. "The interior presents modern luxury at a level previously unattainable in this class, and transports the user interface into the digital age."
In the coming year, the new A-Class will replace a bestseller that has contributed to a more youthful brand image for Mercedes-Benz: the average age of European drivers of this compact class model is now 13 years lower than for the preceding series.
The outgoing A-Class
First-generation A-Class
The first A-Class from 1997.
Three compact Mercedes-Benz models from two decades (from right): the NAFA short distance vehicle (1981), the "Studie A" (1994) and the A-Class (1997, 168 model series).
