Quantum of Solace

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine does what a Merc is expected to do: insulate you from the vagaries of the world better than anything else, at least in its price bracket

- Sayantan De 

THE MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS Limousine is the entry point for a Mercedes-Benz sedan and despite the SUV-apocalypse sweeping across the planet, there is still a market for sedans, particularly those by luxury manufacturers such as MercedesBenz. However, the A-Class eschews the traditional FR layout of Mercs in favour of an FF layout to keep the costs down, something BMW do with the 2 Series as well. Unlike Audi, Merc are known for RWD sedans, so how different does it feel compared to the C-Class and does it live up to the expectations of a customer shopping for a three-pointed star? Back in the early 1990s, all Mercedes cars looked similar, which is also the case with contemporary Mercedes design philosophy and this works in favour of the A-Class. It looks like a proper Mercedes-Benz sedan, even from a distance. The uninitiated may even mistake it for the C-Class. It's less coupélike than the CLA it replaces which suits the A-Class" Limousine nomenclature. While there's nothing groundbreaking about the design, it is also as inoffensive as an IKEA product, which means the majority would have nothing to complain about the looks of the A-Class. Personally. I like the two power bulges on the bonnet and the slightly kicked-up rear deck which is stubby as well, resulting in a perfect three-box proportion; the word "timeless" comes to mind. While it is true that this is a facelift, the difference between the exterior design of the two is virtually non-existent.