Mercedes A-Class Equals Aerodynamics Record

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit says the new A-Class sedan has a drag coefficient of just 0.22, which equals the record for a mainstream production vehicle set by the company’s current CLA coupe.

A few limited-edition vehicles have better aerodynamic ratings, led by the Volkswagen XLR’s 0.186 Cd. But VW produced only 250 examples of the XLR.

The 2019 A-Class sedan, which goes on sale later this year, employs extensive gap sealing, nearly complete underbody paneling—including the engine bay and rear axle—and an optional active grille shutter to bolster aerodynamics. Mercedes also touts the car’s small 2.2 sq-m (23.9 sq-ft) frontal area, which gives it a drag area of less than 0.49 sq m (5.3 sq ft).

The streamlined A-Class was engineered in Sindelfingen, Germany, where VW has a wind tunnel. The car will be built in nearby Rastatt, Germany, and Aguascalientes, Mexico.