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]
