The New A Class Sedan is the Most Aerodynamic Production Car Ever?
The likely Mercedes CLA successor is as aerodymic, but twice as pretty.
Shortly after the introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz A Class hatchback, we have learnt that Mercedes will introduce a saloon version to presumably replace the CLA. The CLA was a complete design flop in my opinion, however, the wind tunnel proved that the CLA's design was very aerodynamic that it had been the most aerodynamic production car. The all new A Class Sedan is ready to defend the CLA's title.
Credit: Netcarshow
The A Class Sedan's design is optimized for serious drag reduction. The frontal area is only 2.19 m² and a soft low nose decreases resistance. The radiator grill now has slats that shut to improve aerodynamics when the engine doesn't require cooling. The wheels and tyres along with "wheel spoilers" and aero wheel arches also had a noticeable decrease in drag. In addition, the roof, boot lid, and rear bumper are designed to decrease air resistance and at the same time to somewhat decrease lift.
The result of all this aero lunacy is a car that has a drag coefficient of 0.22, and to put that into perspective, a BMW i8 has a drag coefficient of 0.26. However the effect of all this isn't just a seamlessly aerodynamic and efficient car, but a beautiful one too.
Credit: Netcarshow
The car has really short overhangs that give this compact saloon a very sporty look. The combination of the smooth, slim headlamps, the stylish bumper and the grill make the car look unquestionably handsome. The lines throughout the car are smooth and subtle to make the car interesting to look at and still be clean and simple. The A-Class Sedan can be customised with the design and equipment lines Style, Progressive and AMG Line, and the Edition one will come with copper accents in the interior and exterior.
All models come loaded with tons of equipment and gadgets straight from their flagship luxury saloon. The standard equipment isn't so bad either, as you get MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system with touchscreen, and driving assistance systems of the latest generation such as Active Brake Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist with no extra costs.
Credit: Netcarshow
The interior is très modern and trés-chic. In case you didn't get that, the A Class' interior is utterly stylish and very modern. It redefines what a luxury compact salon car should look like. It's got two large screens with beautifully designed air vents that illuminate with warm colours. You can get the two screens in three different options: two 7-inch screens, a 7 inch with the secondary screen of 10.25 inches or you can spec your A Class with two enormous 10.25 inch screens.
At the moment, only two engines are announced: an "A 200" model with 163 horsepower and 250Nm and an "A 180d" with a 116 horsepower and 260 Nm diesel engine. More engines are likely to be introduced later on.
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Comments (13)
Well I don't like Mercedes Benz's new design.
I love their new face that's it really. But if you compare this to the A3 Limousine...
It's a style-free car.
So you're saying this little thing isn't stylish?
Yes, very much.
I like it. The rear is better than the A-Class hatch which looks a bit bulbous.
Yeah I totally agree!
Hey Karim! I can't help think that aerodynamics has been given priority over styling for some time. Has areo ended or limited styling design in your opinion? Nobody would dare place an non aerodynamic fin on a car these days despite many of the classics having much more character than in modern design. Just curious. Cheers
Hi Ben! Well, it's quite a hard question to be honest. The transition from designing cars on papers to designing them in wind tunnels may have resulted in beautiful streamlined cars. However this has a profound effected the current day...
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