When the BMW 1 Series Sedan was first unveiled, it was met with incredibly mixed reactions. Some felt that the idea of a very small, sporty BMW sedan for an affordable price is very enticing. However, some were disappointed, to say the least, that it would be front-wheel drive-based. Well, it seems like Mercedes-Benz feels like such a car is a good idea, because the Stuttgart-based brand is developing its own competitor to the 1 Series Sedan.
Based on the upcoming MFA platform, which will underpin the next A-Class, Mercedes-Benz will be developing a small, entry-level sedan to compete with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. It will share its engines with the standard Mercedes A-Class hatch, so expect the brand’s suite of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. This new Merc sedan will be front-wheel drive-based with 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option.
This all sounds similar to the BMW 1 Series Sedan but the new Merc will have one major difference — its market. The BMW 1 Series sedan will only be sold in China, yet the Mercedes sedan will be sold in the North American market as well as many right-hand drive markets. So expect it in Europe and the UK, possibly even Australia.
Also expect it to have a plug-in hybrid variant, possibly even a pure electric variant. AMG will also almost certainly get their hands on it and make it crazy and violent. Which sounds good. Hopefully Mercedes’ plans on selling the upcoming A-Class-based sedan across the globe will inspire BMW to do the same. Front-drive or not, I’m sure many fans would like the option of having an affordable, entry-level BMW sedan. Maybe even an M model, too.
[Source: Motoring.au]
Bravo Mercedes for bringing new smaller models to the U.S. and jeers to BMW for ignoring the U.S. all these years (1 Series hatches and now the new China 1 Series sedan.) Seeing new BMW models launch innovative smaller models in other countries isn’t just making us jealous, it’s making us mad.
Which smaller Mercedes would you like to own? The fwd. compact sedan that looks like a lozenge left out in the sun too long? Or the rebadged Japanese crossover? Between the X1 and 2 Series, BMW aren’t doing too badly on smaller vehicles. But I agree, I would like to see the 1 Series here. Damned Chinese!
No Mercedes for me thanks, BMW all the way, just tired of everyone else getting to play with my toys ^^
Actually, Infiniti rebadged the GLA, not the other way around.
I thought the CLA was their A3 competitor, tiny back seat, front wheel drive with a 200+hp engine. Yes its bigger externally but thats really a pretty puzzling product launch for the US market. Why would they basically compete with themselves especially when sedans are a really tough sell now. I say go for it and you slice your own pie into smaller pieces.
That’s what I thought too but it was reported that the A class sedan will slot under the CLA since the CLA isn’t technically a true blue sedan. But yea I wouldn’t mind a small Mercedes sedan since the BMW 1 Series sedan isn’t going to be sold outside of China.
they already have the CLA
I know I’m not alone in thinking out loud – that’s the CLA! So basically, the replacement of the CLA, when it reaches its end-of-life-span cycle, will compete with the 1-Series sedan? What in the heck does it compete with right now? Is this a new secret segment being created? Thank you Captain Obvious that felt it necessary to report this. Wow.
The 1 Series is the much better looking car