Mercedes Readies A-Class Minicar for U.S. Market

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz brand plans to introduce its restyled A-Class minicar to the American market in 2018.

The swoopy sedan, likely to be base-priced below $30,000, would fit into the brand’s U.S. lineup below its coupelike CLA sedan, which costs about $33,000, says Automotive News. Dealers who have seen the car tell the newspaper the car sports a “techy” interior likely to appeal to young buyers.

Daimler unveiled the new model in concept form at the Shanghai auto show in April. The Concept A (pictured) is a sedan, marking a departure from the hatchback design of previous A-Class cars.

The new car will ride on Daimler’s updated “modular front architecture” platform, which already carries such front-drive models as the CLA and GLA crossover vehicle, according to AN. Mercedes has hinted publicly about the impending arrival of the A-Class sedan but declines to comment on details.