STUD or DUD: Has Mercedes-Benz Found Its Way With The A-Class Concept?

It wasn't too long ago that many critics were looking at Mercedes-Benz and just couldn't figure out what exactly was going on. Hell, even some people I speak with today remark about how they feel the brand's still lost when it comes to its styling.

I, on the other hand, think that Mercedes is coming back in a big way.

And further proof of that is their latest concept, which is suppose to make its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show this month. It's the A-Class prototype study that suggests Benz has something low, slinky and sexy to go up against the Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and Lexus CT200h.

Although this is a concept that may never see the light of day, it appears that Mercedes is having a lovefest for that SLS-inspired grill and ultra modern interiors. Is it me or does that navigation unit remind you of an Apple MacBook?

With that said, is this Mercedes' styling winning you over or are you just not getting it?


Mercedes-Benz plans to show up at this month’s Shanghai Auto Show with a brand new concept for a spectacular looking A-Class model. While the Concept A-Class is just what its name says it is – a prototype study - it’s also a very good indication of where the company plans to take its BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 rival with the presentation of the next generation model that is scheduled to go on sale in 2012. 

For starters, Mercedes is giving up the minivan-like silhouette of the current A-Class for a more dramatic and sporty looking two-box profile with a long bonnet and a low roof-line...

[Source: Carscoop]


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Nostradamus - 4/6/2011 10:47:32 PM

+1 Boost

Interesting...

Steve - 4/6/2011 11:01:38 PM

-2 Boost

News Flash: Mercedes Benz alleged to have stolen some designers from Hyundai.

thenewguy - 4/7/2011 3:47:46 AM

-1 Boost

Looks good but this is a photochop with the lines of a VW Scirocco. I believe I have seen this vehicle driving around here in Stuttgart. It doesnt have this low of profile but from the shape of the vehicle I still believe it will be a stud.

internationalmanofmystery - 4/7/2011 8:55:54 AM

-2 Boost

"...that may never see the light of day"

Must be nice when a car manufacturer can discard an obvious smash hit like this! Keep the styling (especially the exterior) true to the concept, and watch the cash roll in. Throw in an AMG model for good measure! Must be good to be Mercedes Benz! "Waiter, take this away!"

autobroker - 4/7/2011 9:37:02 AM

+1 Boost

To me, the first design element I noticed was the "flame surfacing" ala BMW old style. Look at that door. Looks like it came right off a Z4. Do you agree?

internationalmanofmystery - 4/7/2011 1:01:42 PM

0 Boost

Yes, I would! But MB "steals" from Audi too. There is a rash of recent LEDs on headlights and remember that Bangle butt STILL prominent on rear decklids of S series? MB just feeds higher up the food chain that's all! :)

LACMAN - 4/7/2011 10:06:12 AM

+2 Boost

What happend to the days when Mercedes' were classy? Why is that emblem (and a lot of the ones on current Mercedes') the size of a frisbee?

VISO - 4/7/2011 1:00:07 PM

+2 Boost

Regardless of its looks, Mercedes-Benz is running behind in this vehicle segment. Audi and BMW are way on their way in establishing this segment for themselves, and way ahead of Mercedes-Benz in this regard. The A3 is the standard and the A1 is so far a success for Audi with the S1 with quattro variant on its way. Same for BMW with the 1-Series and its next set of FWD small cars. Even Lexus, a no show in Europe, has launched the hybrid CT which should do well for them in the States. Also, Audi is likely to bring an A3 Sedan to the States very soon. Mercedes-Benz needs to step it up very soon.

poot66 - 4/7/2011 1:09:40 PM

-2 Boost

that car has Europe written all over it because that's way to small some people might like it enough to but it but I not one for small cars, C class is a good starting point.

Wimmer - 4/7/2011 8:43:03 PM

+2 Boost

Um, I drive a 2007 BMW 118i 5-Door and that car has all the interior and luggage space I'll ever need. I can transport all my photographic equipment (lights, tripods, large batteries etc. plus a medium-sized gasoline generator) in it without any issues at all. If I drove a C-Class I'd need the wagon version to fit all that stuff inside.

I used to work for a Mercedes dealer between 2004/2005 and have a lot of experience with the A and B-Class. The B-Class is even more spacious than my 118i and the A-Class offers roughly the same amount of space. These cars might be "small" but they're big and intelligently designed inside.

M53R - 4/7/2011 5:58:26 PM

+2 Boost

As a design, its not bad. But there is nothing that says this car is a Merc other than that grill.

abqhudson - 4/7/2011 8:09:30 PM

0 Boost

Looks like a Japanese or Korean design to me. I thought the easterners copied the Germans - not, vice versa.

JUGNU - 4/7/2011 9:01:08 PM

+1 Boost

Stupid looking fascia especially headlights.