With the Concept A-Class,
Mercedes-Benz is presenting
a car that might have come
from another planet: its
expressive design symbolises
concentrated dynamism. The
technical highlights include
a new, turbocharged
four-cylinder petrol engine,
a dual clutch transmission
and a radar-based collision
warning system with adaptive
Brake Assist.
A long bonnet, a low
silhouette and slim window
areas: the proportions of
the Concept A-Class suggest
concentrated dynamism. The
car's sporty appearance is
given particular depth by
the interplay between lines
and surfaces. The wind and
the waves, as well as
aviation engineering, were
the sources of inspiration
for its designers.
It is not only visually, but
also technologically that
the Concept A-Class is
ushering in a new compact
class era at Mercedes-Benz.
This front-wheel drive model
is powered by a
four-cylinder petrol engine
from the new M270 series.It
was designed for transverse
installation, and thanks to
direct injection and
turbocharging it offers high
performance potential
together with minimal
emissions and enhanced fuel
consumption. The Concept
A-Class is equipped with the
two-litre variant of the new
engine, developing 210 hp.
This BlueEFFICIENCY unit is
combined with the new
Mercedes-Benz dual clutch
transmission.
As a world first in the
compact class, the concept
car features a radar-based
collision warning system
with adaptive Brake Assist,
which lowers the risk of
rear-end collisions. This
assistance system, Collision
Prevention Assist, gives a
visual and acoustic warning
to a possibly inattentive
driver, and prepares Brake
Assist for an absolutely
precise braking response.
This is initiated as soon as
the driver emphatically
operates the brake pedal.
Defined edges and a free
interplay with the body
surfaces
The exterior design of the
Concept A-Class features the
combination of defined edges
and free interplay with the
body surfaces that
Mercedes-Benz first showed
in the F 800 Style. The side
view is structured by three
prominent lines: the front
structural edge above the
front wing forms a dropping
line, while the prominent
shoulder muscle above the
rear axle underlines the
car's coupé-like character.
A further line extends
upwards from the rear wheel
arch in a sweeping curve.
The front end of the Concept
A-Class is a real
eye-catcher. The brand logo
appears to be surrounded by
a starry sky. Where there
are usually apertures or
louvres, the radiator grille
consists of numerous
metallic silver "dots" on
black stems. This theme is
reflected in the design of
the wheels. A very special
effect is created by the
lights of the Concept
A-Class, as the innovative
full-LED high-performance
headlamps repeat the starry
sky motif with numerous
lighting points. The daytime
running lamps consist of 90
optical fibres with
aluminium sleeves, and they
are arranged in a wing-shape
within the headlamp.
In the interior of the
Concept A-Class the eye is
immediately drawn to the
dashboard, which has the
shape of an aircraft wing
and a translucent,
stretchable textile lining.
This enables the bionic,
cellular structure of the
component to remain visible.
The shape of the air vents
in the dashboard is
reminiscent of a jet
aircraft engine. The
prominent displays in the
instrument cluster are in
red. Their appearance is
inspired by the afterburner
of a jet engine. The central
control unit is designed as
a modern flight panel, with
the shift lever taking the
form of a "reverse thrust
control".
A smartphone is fully
integrated into the
operating concept of the
Concept A-Class. All the
applications, services and
features of a digital
lifestyle can therefore be
operated via COMAND Online.
The visual presentation of
the display screen elements
is unique and revolutionary.
Dynamically varied glass
elements are illuminated by
magenta-coloured light to
form three-dimensionally
arranged navigation levels.
