THE POPULAR Mercedes-Benz small car line-up looks set to grow a sixth body style, previewed by the Concept A revealed at the Shanghai motor show this week.

Concept A is an appetiser for the A-Class sedan expected to join the MFA family as part of the platform’s second-gen roll-out, which will start with the updated A-Class hatch later this year.

Mercedes-Benz Concept A

“The time of creases is over,” said chief designer Gorden Wagener. “With perfect proportions and surfaces with reduced lines, it has the potential to introduce a new design era.”

Mercedes-Benz Concept A

Other standout elements include the tilted Panamericana front grille inspired by Mercedes-Benz racing cars, a panoramic glass roof, and LED headlights with a grid-like pattern that ties in with the diamond grille below.

Mercedes-Benz Concept A

Concept A is a “roadworthy show car” and, though heavily stylised, appears closer to production than many other concepts.

Mercedes-Benz Concept A

Daimler has its sights set on a US-market berth for the production A-Class sedan, where the current A-Class hatch is not sold due to buyer preference for sedans.

Mercedes-Benz Concept A