Earlier this month we published spy images of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class in near-productionform. Now, Mercedes-Benz has released images and details of the interior, showing what the new A-Class will look like on the inside. Let's take a closer look…

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The next, all-new version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is said to be revealed in 2018and, with it, the Sindelfingen-based brand plans to address some of the criticisms that have been levelled at the current generation of the premium hatchback. For example, the lack of rear passenger space/luggage capacity will be alleviated somewhat by a new platform thathas a longer wheelbase, which should see the overall length of the car improve. Rear headroom will be better thanks to the adoption a roofline that doesn’t slope downward quite asacutely.

Mercedes-Benz is also planning on introducing a sedan version of the A-Class in 2018 which is based on Concept A, which was shown earlier this year. Considering the design of the A-Class sedan and our very own rendering of the new A45 AMG, it's apparent that the new A-Class will adopt asleeker and more purposeful stance.

The next-generation A-Class will be more stylish and spacious with a host of luxury features.

From the spy pics, we finally get a good look at the new car, with its aggressive front end. Also pictured is the A-Class sedan, officially called the CLA.

The engine variants are said to be changed for the new model; the line-up will discard the old 2.1-litre turbodiesel in favour of the newer 2.0-litre unit as found in the E-Class. Other engines on the cards include a freshly-developed 2.0-litre turbopetrol, as well as a 3-cylinder turbopetrol hybrid unit. For those interested in the AMG powerhouse, it has been reported than Benz's Affalterbach division has extracted even more power from the 2.0-litre turbopetrol. It looks like it could produce nearly 300 kW upon its commercial release.

Interior details

A range of screen choices will be offered, giving the new A-Class a distinct upmarket interior look and feel.

First images of the new A-Class' interior surfaced this week. The interior draws design influence from the latest E-Class and even the S-Class, adopting the impressive, 2-screen widescreen cockpit. There are 5 turbine-inspired air vents, much like that found on the E-Class and the multifunction steering wheel is much like that seen on the latest S-Class. There will be 3 screen options available, depending on the model and equipment fitted. The base model will get two 7-inch screens while higher-spec derivatives will combine a 7-inch and 10.25-inch screen or two 10.25 inch screens. As on the E-Class, one screen serves as the instrument cluster, while the other screen accommodates the infotainment system and other vehicles functions.

Head of Interior Design,Hartmut Sinkwitz, said “Thanks to the visual separation of the lower section from the main body of the dashboard, the former appears to float in front of the dashboard. At the same time, the A-Class is the first series-production model to dispense completely with a classic cockpit shroud. This literally places the large widescreen cockpit with its bonded glass technology in the forefront. Moreover, there is no longer a display in the A/C control panel, as the visual representation is exclusively via the central display.”

Turbine-inspired air vents will add an attractive and sporty touch to the interior design.

Mercedes-Benz is moving its new A-Class into a higher premium realm by offering features typically found on it's more luxurious models. Some notable luxury features include seats with climate control and massage functions as well as interior ambient lighting with 64 LEDs.

Interior space will improve too and Mercedes-Benz says that shoulder room has improved by 9mm at the front and 22mm at the rear. Front elbow room has increased by 35mm and 36mm at the rear. Front headroom is up by 7mm while rear passengers will gain an additional 8mm of headspace. Load space has increased by 29 litres to a maximum load capacity of 370 litres. The load bay's aperture is also 200mm wider for easier loading of items and the floor of the load bay has increased by 115mm in length. The rear seats are also split in a 60/40 configuration as standard.

The A, B and C pillars are slimmer, which has improved outward visibility by 10%, according to the firm.

The new A-Class is expected to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018 and will be followed by the A-Class Sedan thereafter. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available, so stay tuned.

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