The third-generation A-Class has been around for only five years as of 2017, but Mercedes-Benz is already working on a brand-new model. That’s not exactly surprising though, as the Germans are looking to replace each model after a six-year cycle in the future. This means that a new A-Class should arrive for the 2018 model year, and you shouldn’t be surprised that the Stuttgart-based company is already testing the fourth-generation model on public roads.
Spotted stretching its wheels somewhere in Southern Europe, the upcoming compact appears to be in its early testing phase based on the heavy amount of camouflage covering its body. And even though some elements are far from finalized, the prototype provides quite a few hints about the changes Mercedes-Benz made to the hatchback.
The interesting thing about the upcoming A-Class, aside from the usual upgrades involving sportier looks, a refined, roomier interior, and more powerful and efficient engines, is that Mercedes is rumored to be considering two body styles. The five-door hatch could be joined by a four-door sedan, but this information has yet to be confirmed. Word also has it that it could be a China-model only.
We should find out more about that in due time, including specific details about a public debut. The fourth-gen A-Class is expected to break cover at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, but we’ll be back to update this date as soon as we get confirmation. Meanwhile, have a look at my speculative review for more info on the new compact.
Updated 02/17/2017: The upcoming Mercedes A-Class was caught testing once again, this time revealing part of the interior.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Spy Shots
February 17,2017 – Mercedes A-Class reveals parts of the interior
September 22, 2016 – Mercedes A-Class caught testing at Nurburgring
July 26, 2016 – First testing session
Exterior
Styling-wise, the new A-Class should feature an evolutionary design, but at the same time feature brand-new design elements. Due to the heavy camo and the fact that the test car still has thw pre-production front grille and taillights, it’s difficult to guess the new design, but it will most likely have sportier front and rear fascias and, given the new roofline, an overall sleeker design.
The biggest change that’s evident in these spy shots is the longer wheelbase and stretched rear doors. This will matter the most inside the rear passenger compartment, but it will also give the A-Class a different look. The side mirrors have also been re-positioned on the doors instead of the A-pillars, which should enhance visibility. Around back, it appears that the A-Class will get a bigger trunk opening and split taillights.
Interior
Note: interior from 2015 Mercedes A-Class shown here.
The interior should also get more than just a few nips and tucks, but I expect the layout to remain somewhat similar to the current one. The biggest change you should look forward to will be an infotainment screen integrated into the center stack instead of the “floating” display in the current model. This will also lead to a reconfiguring of the lower center stack, but Merc should keep the three-piece A/C vent configuration.
There should be new trim for the dashboard, reconfigured seats for improved comfort (sportier for the AMG model), new colors and materials, and a revised steering wheel. The hatchback should also get Mercedes 
’ latest technology, but it remains to be seen how many of the safety features, drivers aids, and gadgets current available in larger models will make it into the A-Class.
Drivetrain
Note: 2013 Mercedes A-Class shown here.
Under the hood, the A-Class will get the usual mix of small-displacement gasoline and diesel engines. The current lineup includes a series of 1.6 to 2.1-liter engines, but this may change with the new platform. The new A-Class is expected to ride on an updated version of the MFA architecture (called the MFA2), which will be lighter, a bit longer, and will allow more drivetrains than ever before.
While some powerplants will be revised, others will be replaced altogether. But despite these changes, expect the gas A-Class models to generate between 130 and 220 horsepower and the diesel variants to crank out between 90 and 180 horses (and up to 270 pound-feet of torque). Besides the usual gas and diesel units, the A-Class will also get an AMG version with an update variant of turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Now rated at 375 horsepower, the beefed-up four-pot could deliver almost 400 horses in the new configuration.
In the transmission department, the hatchback should get improved versions of the six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic. Of course, the AMG A45 model will come with the AMG Speedshift dual-clutch.
Prices
As with most redesigns, the fourth-gen A-Class should come with a significant premium over the current model. With the 2016 hatchback fetching €23,746 (about $26,250) before options, the next-gen model could start from around €25,000 (around $27,630). Unfortunately, like the current car, the new A-Class isn’t likely to cross the pond to the U.S. due to low demand for hatchbacks in the premium segment.
Competition
BMW 1 Series
The only rear-wheel drive model in its segment, the BMW 1 Series received it mid-cycle facelift for the 2016 model year. Although frequently criticized for its design, the 1 Series is seen as the sportier model of the bunch, despite the fact that it doesn’t necessarily excel in terms of engine power or suspension sportiness. Besides a more appealing exterior design and an updated interior, the refreshed 1 Series also received a batch of new engines, including a couple of three-cylinder units borrowed from the Mini Cooper. Outputs range from 109 to 218 horsepower in gasoline models and from 116 to 224 horses (199 to 331 pound-feet) for diesel, meaning there’s a trim for nearly every version the A-Class will bring to the table. BMW also doesn’t offer the 1 Series in the U.S. In Germany, prices start from €23,250 (about $25,700).
Find out more about the BMW 1 Series here.
Audi A3 Sportback
Some see it as the original premium compact hatch, with its first generation having been launched back in 1996, but the Audi A3 has to push in a much more crowded market nowadays. Unlike the BMW 1 Series, which is strictly rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the A3 uses a Volkwagen Golf architecture, meaning that it only comes with front-wheel drive or a Haldex-based all-wheel drive system that is traditionaly marketed as quattro. The current generation was unveiled in 2012 and updated for the 2017 model year. The hatch is offered with three gasoline and three diesel units. The former generate between 115 and 190 horsepower, while the latter crank out between 110 and 184 horses (up to 280 pound-feet of torque). The A3 Sportback is also offered with a hybrid drivetrain as the e-tron. And unlike its competitors, it’s available in the United States.
Read more about the Audi A3 Sportback here.
Conclusion
It’s obvious way too early to draw a proper conclusion, but the next-generation A-Class should be a significant improvement over its predecessor. And given that the current model is arguably one of the best offerings in this segment — unless you’re a RWD guy, that is — the next-gen car should be able to climb above its rival in many aspects, including styling and performance.
Update History
Updated 09/22/2016: Our spy photographers caught the next generation Mercedes A-Class out for a new testing session, this time around the Nurburgring race track.