Mercedes launches a new concept to further expand the range of compact vehicles.

With the Concept A Sedan at Auto Shanghai (April 20 to 27, 2017) Mercedes-Benz is providing an outlook of the next generation of compact vehicles and a potential, new body type.

The Concept A Sedan show car specifies the evolved Mercedes-Benz design language. Thanks to its purist, surface-focused design featuring reduced lines and flat surfaces the show car is hot and cool at the same time. The "Aesthetics A" sculpture already demonstrated that the upcoming compact class generation marks the dawn of an even more rigorous implementation of the design idiom of "sensual purity".

"Our Concept A Sedan shows, that the time of creases is over”, say Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “With its perfect proportions and a sensual treatment of surfaces with reduced lines, it is the next milestone of Sensual Purity and has the potential to introduce a new design era."

The current compact vehicle generation is crucially contributing to Mercedes‑Benz's most successful and rejuvenated appearance ever to make 2016 the sixth year of records in succession. More than two million compact vehicles have been sold around the globe since 2012. In addition to the contemporary design language, innovative assistance systems, connectivity, and driving pleasure, model variety is a crucial factor for success: with the A and B‑Class, CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, as well as the SUV crossover GLA five differently positioned variants are available on the market.

"Their success shows that our customers are absolutely delighted with the current generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars", says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for

Mercedes‑Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. "We are therefore extremely confident that the planned expansion will lead to a continuation of this success story."

The Concept A Sedan: study of a compact premium sedan

The Concept A Sedan (length/width/height: 4570/1870/1462 mm) has been designed with the proportions of a dynamic, coupé-like and simultaneously compact, premium sedan. This aim is emphasized by the traditional three-box design featuring short overhangs, especially at the rear, as well as the slim greenhouse that has been offset towards the rear. Additional sedan characteristics are the relatively vertical C‑pillar, larger side windows and the higher beltline.

The wheel arch design featuring a reduced arch dimension emphasises the exclusive 20‑inch wheels. The light alloy wheels radiate technical precision with their sporty aerowheel look featuring a structured surface between the spokes. The door handles of the show car are flush with the body, while the outside mirrors, in a contemporary reinterpretation, stand proud of the beltlines.

The striking front expresses self-confidence: this is crucially highlighted by the deep Panamericana grille tilted towards the front, featuring vertical chrome inserts and a star in the centre, as well as the stretched bonnet with Powerdomes. The large, lower air inlet featuring a diamond grid structure and a striking trim strip in dark chrome is also amongst the most eye-catching features.

The headlamps with their eyebrows as a typical feature of the brand as well as the striking grid structure on the inside guarantee a confident look – and a simultaneously high recognition value. The structural sculpture that has been broken down in detail represents a technically based counterpole to the sensual exterior – "stimulating contrast" is one of the six guiding principles of Mercedes-Benz design. The grid structure in the lamps has been coated with a UV paint and it is exposed to ultraviolet light. As a result, the headlamps "glow" in different colours, depending on the light medium – the daytime running lamps, for instance, are white.

This unusual lighting technology is also used at the rear: The striking tail light image has also been designed as a structural sculpture. In line with the evolved design philosophy the lines and gaps at the rear have been reduced. As a contrast to the paintwork the rear bumper features a diffuser-look lower part trimmed in black and a chrome trim strip that emphasises the width and underlines the car's premium appeal. The integrated exhaust deflectors are finished in dark chrome. Additional features of the roadworthy show car are dark privacy windows all-round as well as a large, panoramic glass roof.

two new special editions are added to the Mercedes GLA Range of cars.

• Entry-level GLA 200 SE priced from £25,880
• Choice of two diesel and three petrol engines
• Two new special editions available; White Art Edition and Yellow Night Edition
• Available to order now, with first UK deliveries in April 2017

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA is now on sale, with prices starting from £25,880 for the GLA 200 SE.

The GLA is available with three petrol engines; GLA 200, GLA 250 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC. Power outputs range from 156 hp to 381 hp for the range-topping GLA 45, while combined fuel economy and CO₂ emissions start at 50.4 mpg and 131 g/km CO₂.

The GLA 200 d 4MATIC and GLA 220 d 4MATIC feature a 2.1-litre diesel engine capable of producing either 136 hp and 177 hp respectively. Combined fuel economy for the entry-level GLA 200 d is 67.3 mpg, while CO₂emissions can be as low as 108 g/km.

As before, the GLA is available in either SE, Sport or AMG Line trim. Customers opting for SE now benefit from Keyless-GO starting function as standard, alongside Apple CarPlay; a reversing camera; and off-road comfort suspension. A 360° camera is now also optionally available for £330 (only in conjunction with Premium and Premium Plus packages).

The Premium package is still available for £1,695 and includes Garmin satellite navigation; parking pilot; LED high performance head lights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist. For £2,995, the Premium Plus package includes the contents of the Premium package, with the addition of Keyless-Go Comfort package and a panoramic sunroof.

WhiteArt Edition

The new WhiteArt Edition is priced from £31,260 for the GLA 200 WhiteArt Edition. The special edition is based on AMG Line trim, with the addition of 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish; black leather upholstery with white and crystal grey stripes; and black floor mats with ‘EDITION’ lettering. The Premium package is also standard on WhiteArt Edition models. WhiteArt Edition is available for A-Class, CLA and CLA Shooting Brake.

Yellow Night Edition

The GLA 45 4MATIC Yellow Night Edition is priced from £53,135. Standard features includes AMG aerodynamics package; AMG Night package; 20-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels with yellow-painted rims; bodystyling with painted yellow details (on diffuser, rear wing and mirror housings); cosmos black metallic paint; Keyless-Go Comfort package; AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre with ‘EDITION’ lettering; and upholstery in Artico leather and Dinamica with yellow highlight stripes.

The Yellow Night Edition is also available on the Mercedes-AMG A 45, CLA 45, CLA 45 Shooting Brake

The Mercedes-Benz GLA Crossover, gets added kit, better mpg and new infotainment systems.

With its progressive design, comfortable everyday driving, off-road capability and versatility, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is a decidedly progressive interpretation of the compact SUV. All-new for model year 2015, the GLA for 2016 delivers new infotainment features and user technology and additional standard amenities.

The GLA is part of an extensive Mercedes-Benz SUV portfolio that includes the new midsize GLC, the GLE (formerly ML-Class), GL and G and gives the company the widest SUV range of any European premium manufacturer.

The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment, the GLA is highly maneuverable around town, lively on country roads and athletic and efficient on the highway. The GLA’s flexible interior offers a generous luggage compartment that can be loaded easily thanks to the standard power tailgate, wide cargo opening and low loading sill.

Turbocharged Performance, Dual-Clutch Automatic

The GLA250’s turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine uses direct fuel injection and uses an ECO start/stop function to conserve fuel. This high-spirited powerplant generates 208 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque and is exclusively teamed to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The combination allows the GLA250 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under an estimated 7.1 seconds, yet also returns 35-MPG EPA-estimated highway fuel economy.

The GLA250 comes standard with front-wheel drive and available with a new generation of 4MATIC all-wheel drive. So equipped, the GLA can tackle rough terrain in and away from the urban landscape, including the beach, loose ground and unpaved roads.

The high-performance AMG GLA45, which comes standard with AMG 4MATIC, is exclusively equipped with a hand-built AMG 2.0-liter engine producing 355 hp and 332 lb.-ft. The AMG GLA45 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

Upgrades for Second Season

For 2016, the Mercedes GLA debuts a new infotainment system with upgraded standard features, anchored by a larger 7.0-in. display (vs. 5.8-in. before) and including a media interface and pre-wiring for Garmin® Map Pilot navigation. Voices will sound clearer thanks to new HD Voice for compatible mobile devices.

Underscoring its premium positioning, the GLA250 gains several standard amenities for 2016, including KEYLESS START, dual-zone climate control and seat cushion length adjustment. DYNAMIC SELECT replaces AGILITY SELECT and allows the driver to choose from four performance modes, “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport” and “Sport+.”

Mercedes reconfigured GLA option packages for 2016, as well. KEYLESS-GO becomes part of the Premium Package and also remains available as a stand-alone option. The available Rear View Camera now provides 180-degree view functionality. The power passenger seat is now available as a stand-alone option.

New for 2016, multi-color Ambient Lighting is included with the Interior Package and can also be added as a standalone option. The optional Night Package, available in conjunction with the Sport Package, adds a custom look with gloss black exterior trim and black wheels. A dramatic design deserves a dramatic color option; for the GLA, Kryptonite Green metallic replaces Universe Blue for 2016. Inside, available two-tone beige/black leather interior replaces gray leather.

The Look of SUVs to Come

The GLA design conveys a youthful, sporty persona through a muscular stance and classic Mercedes-Benz cues. The low greenhouse, raised ride height and large wheel arches give the GLA an athletic stance. The prominent, confident, upright front end with a central star in the grille lends a muscular appeal and also shows a kinship with the brand’s coupes and sports cars. Powerdomes on the hood, for example, recall a similar feature on the classic Mercedes 300SL Gullwing.

Optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights use tri-functional fiber optics to give the lights their characteristic nighttime signature. The standard fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper. A simulated skid plate and contrasting dark-gray sill panels emphasize the vehicle’s rugged attitude. The panels begin low at the front bumper and provide protection against stone impacts.

The profile view likewise conveys the GLA’s performance, capability and premium quality. The line of the beltline trim gradually rises from the rear door to the C-pillar. Impressions in the side panel are reminiscent of an excavator’s teeth to accentuate the SUV character. The GLA features standard 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels optionally available. Chrome roof rails are standard.

Muscular rear haunches and the inward taper of the C-pillars give the GLA a wide, “planted” stance, an impression reinforced by curved rear window, roof spoiler, chrome garnish and silver-metallic skid plate.

Interior: Pure Mercedes Luxury, Youthful Appeal

The GLA’s muscular exterior theme continues into the cabin, which is highlighted by a contoured design and high-quality materials. Silver-shadow trim surfaces create a metallic finish with a “cool-touch” effect.

The dashboard features an upper and lower section, each with a different look and feel. Matte and glossy surface graining creates a 3D effect. The aluminum or wood dashboard trim dividing the sections is punctuated by five round air vents, each with a butterfly-shaped insert to vary the airflow. The available matte satin finish wood trim is especially elegant and also pleasing to touch.

The large, freestanding central display – a Mercedes-Benz signature technology feature— has a high-gloss piano-black facing and a flush-fitting surround in silver-shadow. A 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function switches and a silver spoke design is standard equipment.

The choice of standard MB-Tex or optional leather upholstery, in numerous color combinations, allows plenty of scope for individualization. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as part of the optional Interior Package. The seat design is highlighted by an opening in the lower section of the head restraint. On the rear of the seats, the opening is framed by silver-shadow trim and illuminated by standard ambient lighting.

The much-imitated Mercedes-Benz power seat controls for the driver are set into a metallic-look trim panel on the door. The door panels themselves, featuring soft, matte surfaces and a chrome trim strip, exude a premium feel usually not seen in compact SUVs.

Aerodynamics: Say Goodbye to the Box

The Mercedes GLA’s sleek shape owes much to the wind tunnel, where optimization touched every surface, including the mirrors, as well as unseen features, such as seals in the front bumper in the radiator area and around the headlights. Extensive underbody paneling, and even an aerodynamically optimized muffler and diffuser, improve the airflow.

The excellent aerodynamics also contribute to cabin quietness, which is further ensured in the GLA by multi-level door seals, additional sealing of the gap between the tailgate and the roof and side seals on the tailgate. Especially rigid window frames prevent the airflow from pulling on the doors at higher speeds, and also reduce vibrations. Wind noise has also been minimized by the low-angle A-pillar and exterior mirrors mounted to the doors rather than the window corners.

Sporty Chassis for Sporty Moves

An especially rigid body structure provides the foundation for agile handling and a commendably smooth ride in the Mercedes GLA. There are additional reinforcements to the B-pillars, front damper domes, side members and underbody.

The GLA features a MacPherson front suspension, and its independent multilink rear suspension uses three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel. This arrangement separates longitudinal and lateral dynamics. The wheel carriers and control arms are aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. When equipped with 4MATIC, the rear axle subframe is isolated with rubber bushings to enhance ride comfort.

Electromechanical power steering provides excellent feedback to the driver and also plays a role in reducing fuel consumption, since assistance only requires energy when the vehicle is steered. The system also enables various steering assistance functions that are initiated by the ESP® control unit. These include countersteering when the vehicle oversteers, steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different levels of grip, reducing the effects of front-wheel drive on the steering and compensation of cross-winds and road camber.

All-Weather Friend: New-Generation 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

The GLA’s new generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive system features fully variable torque distribution. The system can instantly send up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels in response to changing driving conditions. 4MATIC enhances traction in slippery situations, of course, but also provides even more grip for outstanding agility on all roads and in all weather.

The 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission integrates a power take-off to the rear differential, which uses an integrated, electro-hydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch. The system is lighter than some competitive vehicles’ systems and also more energy-efficient.

Off-Road Action

The GLA250 4MATIC integrates the Off-Road Package, a suite of features designed to enhance performance on rough roads or rugged terrain. Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) can automatically maintain a preset crawl speed. The touch of a button engages a mode that adapts the shift points, accelerator feedback, ESP® and ABS for off-road driving conditions. A display on the central in-dash screen can show steering angle, tilt angle, torque split, grade percentage and more.

Smart Safety: Advanced Assistance Systems

Standard features include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS with adaptive Brake Assist. ATTENTION ASSIST can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness.

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is a radar-based assistance system with autonomous braking that helps to protect against collisions from speeds of 5-65 mph when following a moving vehicle, and from 5-31 mph when behind a standing vehicle.

The optional Driver Assistance package also offers DISTRONIC Plus, as well as Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. PARKTRONIC with Advance Parking Assist, available as a standalone option, enables autonomous parking in parallel and perpendicular spaces.

mbrace2 Connectivity Standard

Mercedes-Benz, which pioneered automotive telematics 15 years ago, has upgraded its mbrace2 Connected Car Services for 2016, making the new mbrace2 Connect package standard for all models, along with five years of complimentary service.

The mbrace2 Connect package includes Mobile App, Web Services, Roadside Connection, MB Apps (non-streaming), Vehicle Homepage (for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids), Diagnostics Data and Remote Update for five years. The GLA is one of several 2016 Mercedes models that include a Remote Start function as part of mbrace2 Connect. In addition, customers can choose from three mbrace2 subscription upgrade packages: “Secure,” “Concierge” and “Entertain.”

WORLDWIDE SALES - Q3 and September - MERCEDES - Good growth throughout the world is good news.

• Mercedes-Benz delivered 188,444 automobiles to customers in September (+15.8%), more than ever before in one month.
• Strongest quarter so far in the company's history with 477,999 vehicles sold (+16.1%)
• Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales: "More than 50,000 SUVs sold in September and growth of over 36% are evidence of the popularity of our products in this segment. The GLC and the GLE both started with record unit sales after their market launch in September."
• Sales records in the two biggest markets China (+53.2%) and the USA (+6.2%)
• Premium market leader in the USA, Germany, Japan, Italy, Portugal, Canada, Australia and Taiwan

Mercedes-Benz finishes the third quarter of this year with new sales records. In September, 188,444 vehicles with the three-pointed star were handed over to customers worldwide (+15.8%), more than ever before in one month. 

A total of 477,999 vehicles sold from July to September brought Mercedes-Benz the strongest quarter in the company's history so far (+16.1%). Since the beginning of the year, 1,376,424 vehicles were sold, surpassing the prior-year figure by 15.2%.

"More than 50,000 SUVs sold in September and growth of over 36% are evidence of the popularity of our products in this segment. The GLC and the GLE both started with record unit sales after their market launch in September," stated Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

In Europe, 593,716 vehicles with the three-pointed star were sold in the first nine months - more than ever before (+11.1%). About one third of them went to customers in Germany (201,203 units, +5.2%). In September, Mercedes-Benz continued to be the market leader amongst the premium manufacturers in the home market. In Great Britain, Belgium, Portugal and Switzerland, record unit sales were posted last month with double-digit growth in each of those countries. Mercedes-Benz gained the market leadership amongst the premium manufacturers in Italy and Portugal.

In the NAFTA region, sales records were set in all three countries in September and in the period of the first nine months of the year. A total of 33,506 vehicles were delivered to customers in the region last month (+6.8%); since the beginning of the year, sales rose to 286,961 units (+8.6%). Sales in the USA increased in September by 6.2% to 29,020 units. In the USA and in Canada, Mercedes-Benz is the market leader amongst the premium manufacturers.

Unit sales in the Asia-Pacific region grew at a double-digit rate in September (+32.7%) and Mercedes-Benz achieved a record of 62,723 vehicles sold. Sales in China grew by 53.2% to 38,663 units in September, the highest total so far for vehicles sold in China in one month; since the beginning of the year, 266,287 vehicles were delivered to customers (+30.9%). In Japan, 49,519 vehicles were sold in the first nine months (+13.3%). Mercedes-Benz continued to be the premium brand with the highest number of new-car registrations amongst the importers in this market, as well as in Taiwan and Australia.

Ongoing strong demand for its compact cars helped Mercedes-Benz to achieve record sales of 61,874 units in this segment in September (+25.3%). In the first three quarters of the year, a total of 426,022 cars of the A- or B-Class, the GLA, CLA or CLA Shooting Brake were delivered to customers (+27.1%). The new generation of the A-Class celebrated its market launch last month.

The C-Class Saloon and Estate also continue to enjoy strong demand: The 300,000 mark was passed in the first nine months of this year, thus setting a new record (332,329 units). Unit sales were 59.9% higher than in the prior-year period. Also in September, a new record was achieved of 46,265 vehicles sold (+38.7%).

The SUVs of Mercedes-Benz posted record unit sales in September of 53,781 vehicles sold (+36.8%). Demand was at an unbroken high level above all for the GLA, which is also produced locally in China, its biggest sales market. In addition to the GLA, the GLC, GLE and the GLE Coupé were very popular last month and posted record unit sales.

In September, more than 10,000 customers worldwide took delivery of their new smart fortwo or smart forfour. Demand was thus 51.4% higher than in the prior-year month. Unit sales more than doubled in the sales region of Europe, with major contributions from Germany, Italy and Great Britain. Further sales impetus will be created by the market launch of the smart fortwo in China in August and in the USA in September.

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

US SALES - MERCEDES-BENZ - The luxury saloon and SUV company continues to grow year after year.

MBUSA posts 6.4% YTD increase, Mercedes-Benz up 6.2% for month

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported all-time record September sales at 32,087 units, an increase of 6.0% from the 30,271 vehicles sold during the same month last year. Sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars tallied 29,020 units sold, a 6.2% increase over September 2014. 

Sprinter delivered 2,317 sales for the month of September, up 14.0% YTD, while smart recorded 750 units in September. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz retails totaled 249,890, up 7.2%. 

Adding year-to-date sales of 20,274 for Sprinter Vans and 5,432 for smart, MBUSA posted a grand total of 275,596 units through September, up 6.4%.

"Record September sales fueled the best-ever third-quarter results in our history," said Stephen Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "The robust demand for SUVs continues with the strong performance of our new GLE and GLE-Coupe."

September sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand were led by the C-, E- and GLE model lines. The C-Class took the top spot with 7,660 units, up 21.9% from the same month last year. The E-Class followed with September sales of 4,137, while the newly-introduced GLE rounded out the top three at 3,492, with two-month sales of 5,294.

The brand's AMG high-performance models posted a 159.1% monthly sales increase to 1,858 units in September, while year-to-date sales climbed 28.7% to 10,217. Sales of Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC diesel models hit 572 for the month and 9,269 year-to-date.

Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) models delivered September sales of 11,397, an increase of 31.8% compared to the same time last year, which sold 8,648 units. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO has sold 89,744 vehicles, an increase of 1.6% over the comparable period last year (88,352 vehicles).