Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes previews next-gen design language with Aesthetics A sculpture

Mercedes hints at much smoother lines and rounder grilles on its next generation small car line-up

Mercedes has previewed a new design language set to feature on the next generation of the firm’s compact cars, such as the A-Class and GLA

Called the “Aesthetics A” sculpture, the design study takes the form of a compact saloon, showing off the sweeping new lines expected to appear on new small Mercedes models in the coming years. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Merc's small car boom: 3 new models before 2020

The easiest new design trait to spot is the introduction of the rounded ‘Panamerica’ style grille with vertical slats, similar to the one on the AMG GT R Coupe. Above the new grille the study sports strong, muscular creases sculpted into the bonnet.

The sculpture also suggests that small Mercedes cars are due to receive much smoother lines and bodywork, indicated by the simpler sides. Unlike the current generation A-Class with its strong, distinctive creases on the doors and no real shoulderline, the sides of the Aesthetics A sculpture are very smooth, and a strong shoulder character line stretches from the headlights all the way back to the taillights. 

Mercedes says the new simplified look without sharp artificial lines is designed to promote proportions, and calls its new design philosophy “sensual purity”. According to Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG, Gorden Wagener, “the days of creases are over".

Mercedes also says that the three box design of the Aesthetics A sculpture is a sign of new forms in its compact class, and we expect a new A-Class saloon to be spun off from the all-new version of the hatchback, due in 2018. 

What do you think of the design direction Mercedes looks set to take? Let us know in the comments. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

There’s life in the V8 and V12 yet! Big Mercedes engines will sail through Euro 7 emissions tests
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 - front cornering

There’s life in the V8 and V12 yet! Big Mercedes engines will sail through Euro 7 emissions tests

German giant is confident its line-up of ICE engines, including much loved V8 and V12, will have no problem dealing with incoming regulations
News
14 Mar 2025
The Mercedes design revolution is on: new wave of models set to go all 'sensual purity' on us
Mercedes CLA - front/side

The Mercedes design revolution is on: new wave of models set to go all 'sensual purity' on us

Gorden Wagener explains the ‘sensual purity’ design language that is set to mark out Mercedes’ technologically advanced new models
News
14 Mar 2025
New Mercedes-AMG EQ SUV will be the performance brand’s EV flagship
Mercedes-AMG SUV - front 3/4

New Mercedes-AMG EQ SUV will be the performance brand’s EV flagship

The Mercedes-AMG electric SUV should have hypercar-rivalling power and performance
News
3 Mar 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
20 Feb 2025

Most Popular

New Mercedes CLA 2025 preview: electric exec gets near 500-mile range
Mercedes CLA - front

New Mercedes CLA 2025 preview: electric exec gets near 500-mile range

The Mercedes CLA with EQ Technology heralds a new generation of lighter and more efficient EVs, plus there’s hybrids on the way
News
14 Mar 2025
Electric and hybrid cars are killing the manual gearbox - and we won't miss it
Opinion - gearboxes

Electric and hybrid cars are killing the manual gearbox - and we won't miss it

Auto Express’ senior test editor argues that no one should be worried by the rising popularity of automatic ’boxes
Opinion
14 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Prices tumble for Ford's Explorer – bag one for £233 a month
Ford Explorer - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Prices tumble for Ford's Explorer – bag one for £233 a month

The Ford Explorer is one of the more fun-to-drive family electric SUVs around – and our Deal of the Day for 12 March.
News
12 Mar 2025