European-spec Mercedes A-Class saloon revealed

After displaying the China-only long-wheelbase A-Class saloon, Mercedes has now revealed the European model for the first time.

Riding on a platform 60mm shorter than the China models, the new A-Class saloon is based on the latest version of the hatchback and replaces the coupe-esque CLA in the brand’s line-up.

The two cars are virtually identical right up until the C-pillar, with the saloon sharing the hatchback’s bold front end with slim LED headlights and a grille-mounted Mercedes logo. However, the swooping roofline doesn’t drop into a vertical hatchback tailgate but instead into a stubby separate boot. Rear lighting is all-LED and retains the same Y-shaped signature as the Chinese L model.

Despite the new shape, the saloon is only 18mm longer than its five-door sibling. Mercedes also claims it’s the most aerodynamically efficient car on sale today with a drag coefficient of 0.22. That should contribute to high fuel economy and low wind noise.

Customers have a more limited engine line-up to choose from than with the hatchback, with just a single petrol or diesel option. Both are co-developed with Renault.

The petrol is an all-new 1.3-litre turbocharged unit which will see service across several cars from the brand. It produces 161bhp and claims to provide 54.3mpg on the combined cycle.

The other option is the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s well-proven 1.5-litre dCi diesel. In this application it makes 114bhp and claims to return 71mpg.

The hatchback’s tech-laden interior will be carried over to the saloon virtually unchanged, meaning customers will benefit from the newly updated MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. Style, Progressive, AMG Line and limited-run Edition 1 trims will be available from launch.

The new Mercedes A-Class saloon will go on sale in Spring 2019, with its first public appearance set to be at the Paris Motor Show in October. Pricing information has not yet been revealed but expect a premium over the hatchback.