New Mercedes A-Class Spied With An S-Class Style Digital Dash

Mercedes is putting the finishing touches on the redesigned A-Class as spy photographers have snapped the model undergoing testing at the Nürburgring ahead of a possible debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Looking instantly recognizable on the outside, the hatchback has an evolutionary design but adopts slimmer headlights, door-mounted mirrors, and a steeply raked rear window. A closer inspection seems to reveal longer rear doors which hint at a more accommodating rear passenger compartment.

The interior is a hodgepodge of parts at the moment but the prototype has a thick-rimmed steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and circular air vents - all of which remind of the bigger E- and S-Class models. The car also has familiar switchgear, a push-button ignition, and an infotainment system with a relatively small display.

Set to become the first model in an extensive lineup of compact cars, the A-Class will ride on the updated MFA2 platform which is expected to be larger and lighter than the current architecture.

Engine options are expected to run the gambit from entry-level three-cylinders to powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinders. Speaking of the latter, we can expect an A40 AMG with around 340 hp (253 kW) and a new A45 AMG developing more than 402 hp (300 kW).