When Mercedes first announced it would debut the A-Class Concept at the New York Auto Show it was clear that unlike in the past it was at least considering the car for sale in North America. At the car’s official unveiling today Joachim Schmidt, VP of Sales and Marking for the German automaker confirmed the premium small car will see our shores.
In stark contrast to the previous A-Class, this model won’t be a pretender, or a budget Benz, but rather a true Mercedes in every sense of the word. With sporty hatchback styling the concept car is powered by a turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 210-hp and mated to a new dual-clutch transmission.
Other highlights on the car include a radar-based collision warning with Mercedes’ Adaptive Brake Assist that warns the driver if a collision is about to occur and even primes the brakes to deliver full braking power when required.
As for the interior, it features a a fully-integrated smartphone, with the car’s many systems appearing on the phone screen and controllable through the knobs and buttons of the car.
Mercedes didn’t give clue as to when we’d see a production version of this car, but we’d look to the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall and at least a year from then (if not longer) before it makes it to Merc dealers in America.
