Mercedes-Benz planning all-new range of compact cars

Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch an all-new two-door entry-level coupé by 2019. The new car will be based on the company’s second-generation MFA platform and is expected to spawn a new range of compact cars from the company.

The new coupé is expected to replace the three-door A-class hatchback and draw styling inspiration from the AMG-GT, with proposed designs pointing at a lower and wider car than the current three-door A-class.

A sporty variant is also in the works to compete against the likes of the Audi TT along with a range-topping AMG version powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged AMG engine.

Another variant planned is a roadster variant which, though officially denied, may point towards a replacement of the SLK.

The starting point for the coupé is a new front-wheel drive platform developed in a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Described as being more flexible than today’s MFA structure, it is designed to permit greater variation in wheelbase and track widths as well as provide greater scope for the storage of batteries and gas tanks in possible hybrid and fuel cell derivatives.

The new coupé is expected to draw power from a range of heavily revised four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines with a top-end 400bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged AMG unit to top the range, along with the possibility of hybrid powertrains.

Other models being planned are an all-new compact sedan and the GLB compact SUV to rival the likes of the Mini Countryman. The compact sedan is expected to take on the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series sedan and is to offer more rear legroom and boot space than the current CLA-class.

The GLB compact SUV is expected to draw inspiration from the G-class and is expected to be more of an SUV than the current GLA which is more of a high-riding A-class.

The all-new coupé and GLB compact SUV are expected to debut in 2019, whilst the new compact sedan is expected to debut in 2018 with Mercedes planning to offer up to eight new compact models by the end of the decade.