Mercedes Concept A-Class revealed - debut in Shanghai

Mercedes has released first photos and details of the A-Class Concept which will make its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai show on 19 April.

Mercedes shocked when they first dropped the A-Class teaser sketch last month and now these first images are really stunning. "Concentrated dynamism" is how Mercedes describes this concept preview of the next generation A-Class and we couldn't agree more.

Thinking of the classic A-Class from the past 15 years, a frumpy and conservative mini MPV comes to mind. Not anymore, as Mercedes has injected some testosterone with this very sporty three-door hatchback intended to usher in a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz. Those earlier reports of an AMG powered A-Class suddenly make sense.

Designed with influence from the wind, waves, and aviation engineering, the Concept A-Class features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine based on the new M270 series and a dual clutch transmission driving the front wheels. The engine developes 208 bhp (155 kW / 210 PS). Other highlights include full-LED high-performance headlamps, Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY package and radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist.