The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan speaks Mandarin & Cantonese



What better way to demonstrate a brand’s commitment towards a specific market than launching a model developed solely for its consumers. The three-pointed star brand has just done that with the unveiling of the all-new first-ever Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan, dedicated to the Chinese market ahead of the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (China Auto).

Based on the W177 A-Class hatchback, the A-Class L Sedan boasts a 60 mm longer wheelbase at 2,789 mm to cater to the Chinese consumer’s preference of generous room for the rear passengers. Key dimensions measures at 4,609 mm in length, 1,796 mm in width and 1,460 mm in height. Thanks to the increased dimensions, the A-Class L Sedan can swallow up to 420 litres of cargo, 50 litres up from the hatchback model.

As for exterior design, the front-end of the sedan is identical to the hatchback up till the C pillar. The rear profile reminiscent of the CLA with a dynamic sloping roof effect and raised boot lid. The A-Class L Sedan also gets a unique two-piece taillamp design as well as an exclusive Rose Gold paint job.

The cabin is largely similar to the hatchback version with equipment such as MBUX multimedia system, Widescreen Cockpit display, 64-colour ambient lighting, turbine air vents and the new multifunctional steering wheel.

Unique to the Chinese market is WeChatMyCar app integration with MBUX which allow drivers to connect the popular messenger app seamlessly with the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz also took the effort to teach their intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition system (LINGUATRONIC) to be proficient in various Chinese dialects including Sichuanese and Cantonese.

Mercedes-Benz has also fitted the A-Class L Sedan with the latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support taken straight from the S-Class, giving the compact sedan best-in-class active safety systems.

At market launch, the A-Class L Sedan is available with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine putting out 134 or 161 hp depending on variant. There is also a larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 188 hp available at a later date. All engine options are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Moving forward, the company will be introducing a similar sedan model tailored to the needs of customers outside of China in the second half of 2018. It remains to be seen whether the new sedan model for the rest of the world will follow the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan nameplate or be a replacement of the CLA Class.


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Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan in Rose Gold

Mercedes-Benz A-Class L Sedan in Red