What's all this about?
You're looking at a saloon version of the latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which is called the A-Class L Saloon. It's 60mm longer in the wheelbase than an A-Class hatch, at 2,789mm, and it is built in and intended purely for the Chinese market.
So why are you telling me about it?
Because an adapted version, most likely on the same 2,729mm wheelbase as the five-door model, is likely to come to Europe in the latter half of this year, whereupon it will take on the Audi A3 Saloon and also simultaneously cast doubt on the future of the CLA.
What are the details of the L Saloon, then?
Like the regular A-Class, a 1.33-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit provides the opening motive power. It comes with either 136- or 163hp and Mercedes cannily refers to it as a 1.4-litre motor. A 2.0-litre, 190hp model follows soon after, while all cars for China come with a 7G-DCT twin-clutch automatic transmission. Built by the joint venture between Mercedes and BAIC Motor - the resulting company known as Beijing Benz Automotive Co - there are two versions, the Sport model coming with additional power domes on the bonnet. Two-piece light clusters at the rear aim to emphasise the car's width, while the stretched wheelbase results in more rear kneeroom. A 420-litre boot completes the L Saloon picture.
Matt Robinson - 24 Apr 2018