Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan confirmed for Oz

The wraps have come off the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan, bringing all the cool new driver technology and funky interior wizardry of the new A-Class hatch — with a dash more sophistication.

Breaking cover ahead of its 2018 Paris motor show public debut in early October – and a few months after the China-only long-wheelbase model, the new Mercedes A-Class Sedan will be on sale in Australia from around April 2019, following the launch of the new fourth-gen A-Class hatchback in August 2018.

The new A-Class Sedan incorporates several driver aids pilfered from the $200,000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship limousine, not to mention a new digital dashboard with a pair of high-definition LCD screens.

Cutting-edge voice-recognition is claimed to create an emotional connection between car and driver, initiated via the “Hey Mercedes” remark (a la Siri or Google). Occupants can simply say “I’m cold” and the seat heaters will switch on, which should pique the interest of younger buyers who think the C-Class is a bit sombre.

Targetting the likes of the Audi A3 Sedan, the A-Class Sedan’s engine line-up is expected to mirror that of the A-Class hatch. That means a selection of four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines. Although a turbo-diesel engine is offered in other markets, it’s not yet clear whether it’ll come to Australia.

A little further down the track Mercedes-AMG will amp up the compact sedan party with A 35 and A 45 models. The all-wheel drive 2.0-litre four-pot screamers will boast 220kW and 300kW respectively. Should the Audi S3 and RS3 Sedans be worried?

Other key talking points for the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan include svelte new interior and exterior designs. Inside there’s a combination of luxury and high technology with big twin 10-inch digital instrument screens, touch-screen infotainment system and lots of leather.

The exterior design is described by Mercedes-Benz as “puristic” while being “hot and cool at the same time”. Beyond the usual colourful PR hyperbole, the new A-Class Sedan features slimline headlights, a long, low bonnet and a sporty stance thanks to short front and rear body overhangs.

At the rear, the split LED brake lights add a touch of maturity to the whole shebang, while a range of sporty AMG-inspired add-ons will be offered, including larger alloy wheels.

All models coming to Australia will be hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard equipment may rise slightly over the A-Class hatch – as may the price.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan has a bigger boot than the hatch (420 v 370 litres) and is more streamlined with its drag coefficient dipping from 0.25 to 0.22. Indeed, according to Mercedes’ press statement, the new A-Class Sedan: “has the lowest aerodynamic drag of all production vehicles worldwide”.

Volkswagen might argue its XL1 with a 0.189 rating is the champ, but only a very small number were built.

Based on the same MFA II platform as the Mercedes A-Class hatch, the Sedan has an identical 2729mm wheelbase and 1796mm width, but it’s slightly longer than the 4419mm hatch, measuring 4549mm from bumper to bumper.

In terms of price point, the new Mercedes A-Class Sedan is likely to slot in between the A-Class hatchback and slinky CLA-Class, which means pricing could begin in the mid-to-high $40K range for the entry-level A 180 Sedan with a 100kW engine.

Currently the only local pricing that has been announced is that of the mid-spec Mercedes-Benz A 200 hatchback which starts at $47,200.

Mercedes-Benz Australia’s PR and product communications manager, Jerry Stamoulis, wouldn’t be drawn on pricing but told motoring.com.au the importer expects the first-ever A-Class Sedan to attract a range of new buyers.

“Considering the strong demand we’ve seen in A-Class and CLA-Class, we can expect similar if not stronger demand for the A-Class Sedan in Australia,” he said.

Like the A-Class hatch, the Sedan will be offered in A 180 (100kW/220Nm) and A 200 (120kW/250Nm) guises, both with 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines.

It’s all but certain there will also be a Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sedan with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (165kW/350Nm). Although diesel engines have been ruled out for the A-Class hatch in Australia, there’s a slim chance the A 180 d with its frugal 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine (85kW/260Nm) could be offered in the Sedan. It’s claimed to use just 4.0L/100km, closing in on hybrid territory.

Adaptive dampers and Active Lane Keeping Assist will be offered, as will a range of options and extras encompassing visual and technology upgrades.

Mercedes-Benz doesn’t expect the new A-Class Sedan to cannibalise sales of swoopy CLA-Class, of which an all-new second-generation model based on the same MFA II platform is tipped to be shown early in 2019 — most likely at the 2019 Geneva motor show. We’re not so sure…

Stay tuned for more details on the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan in early October when the car makes its public debut at the Paris motor show.