Mercedes-Benz Class A Concept Previews the Future Compact Lineup

This week is the Shanghai auto show in China and automakers are gearing up one last time to show their wares. Mercedes-Benz is no exception as they unveiled a concept that gives us a preview of what's in store for their future compact models.

The Class A concept stands out for a couple of key reasons. One is how clean and smooth the body is. This is due to Mercedes' designers transitioning away from creases that all of their current compact models boast.

“Our concept A Sedan shows that the time of creases is over,” Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener said in a statement. “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.”

For the front, designers put on the “Panamericana” grille seen on some AMG models and headlights featuring a grid structure to provide some contrast from the smooth body.

You might think this is a replacement for the CLA-Class, but it might not be. As we reported back in December, Mercedes is reportedly working on a new compact sedan wearing the A-Class nameplate that would slot between the CLA and C-Class. This could be the model in question.

Pic Credit: Mercedes-Benz