What Is This Mysterious A-Class Doing In The USA CarBuzz News Features New Cars Used Cars Sell My Car Shopping Tools Car Reviews Car Finder Compare Cars Best Cars Car Dealerships Used Car Reviews Car Advice Home News What Is This Mysterious A-Class Doing In The USA
What Is This Mysterious A-Class Doing In The USA
May. 21, 2022 10:01 AM ET by Gerhard Horn Spy Shots / 2 Comments The A-Class will be discontinued at the end of 2022, so what's going on here? A facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan was recently spied out and about on American roads, lightly disguised to keep prying eyes from seeing the facelifted front and rear design. We're not expecting anything more drastic than updated front, and rear bumpers and possibly a new LED layout within the headlight cluster and perhaps some minor interior updates. But while seeing spy shots of facelifted models is nothing new for us, this particular A-Class was intriguing for one reason: it's not going to be around for much longer, so why was this mule being tested on American soil? The Mercedes-AMG A35 was quietly discontinued last year, and the A-Class Sedan is living on borrowed time. The only A-Class-based product that will survive the stateside the culling is the CLA-Class four-door coupe. Even the allure of the mighty three-pointed star isn't enough to lure people out of their SUVs and crossover. KindelAuto/YouTube KindelAuto/YouTube KindelAuto/YouTube There is something special about this particular test mule, however. You might have noticed the slightly odd tailpipes, which protrude far enough to make the car look like a wheelbarrow. It's a handy feature if it breaks down, but we're 100 percent sure that's not what Mercedes is testing here. Unless this particular A-Class is trying to land a starring role in the next Fast & Furious movie, we suspect it's trying out some sort of new powertrain that might find its way into the A-Class in the future. Looking at the dual pipes, we suspect it's a performance engine. Since the CLA 45 is still available, Mercedes might be testing an upgraded version of its four-cylinder turbocharged four-pot. The test mule has a robust set of brakes in the front, though the high-profile rubber is a bit of a mystery. We are, however, confident that this car is hiding something other than refreshed bumpers. KindelAuto/YouTube KindelAuto/YouTube KindelAuto/YouTube The first batch of high-end, hybridized Mercedes-AMG four-cylinder products will arrive in the coming months, with the SL 43 leading the charge. Merc's updated 2.0-liter borrows some trickery from its F1 car to put an end to turbo lag. Not that the CLA 45 ever felt slow, mind you. It launches harder than a mid-2000s supercar. Still, we all know AMG's unofficial catchphrase: Too much power is almost enough. The turbocharged four-pot in the SL 43 uses a small electric motor that drives the turbo's shaft and starts spooling the turbo a few precious split seconds before the exhaust gasses arrive and the traditional turbocharged setup kicks in. We know this powertrain, plus some additional electrical assistance will power the upcoming C63. It's doubtful those powertrains are being tested in a FWD sedan though, which still leaves us pondering what this mule could be doing. KindelAuto/YouTube KindelAuto/YouTube KindelAuto/YouTube Join The Discussion
Show Comments (2) Gallery
9 Photos Tags: #Mercedes-Benz News #Rumor #Spy Shots #Video Related Cars
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Gerhard Horn Senior Editor Gerhard knew from a young age that he wanted to be an automotive journalist. He completely disappointed his parents by completing degrees in communication and English, as well as diplomas in graphic design and film and art appreciation. He later interned at various automotive publications, before landing a permanent position at a newspaper. He became the editor within two years, after which he landed a job as the deputy editor at a national publication, where he spent eight years traveling the world, driving, and writing. In his current role as senior editor, he writes news, reviews, scripts, and opinion pieces. When he’s not supposed to be working, you’ll probably find him working. When he’s forced to take a break, you’ll find him at the movies, or behind the wheel of a ‘92 NA Miata called Kimiko. Contact Gerhard @GrootScreenGerhard LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top