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Mercedes-Benz A-Class coupe and cabriolet models mooted for next-generation model

A drop-top and two-door coupe version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class could eventuate - but not until the next-generation model comes around, according to company honchos.


Dr Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, suggested to CarAdvice at a media event on the eve of the 2015 Frankfurt motor show that such models are a good chance of making it into the line-up when the next-generation A-Class arrives.

“We don’t have it in the current generation, and at [this] point in time we are not entirely finalised with the next-generation – but so far it’s more likely than not,” Zetsche said.

The current-generation A-Class has just been refreshed after three years on sale, so a full-scale replacement of that model is likely due around 2017 or 2018.

Dr Thomas Weber, research and development boss at Mercedes-Benz Cars, told CarAdvice that it is possible, but that the numbers need to stack up.

“As an engineer, you should never say no. But also, it’s important to look what are the volumes behind different segments and how attractive different segments are, especially for Mercedes,” Weber said.

“At the moment with the coupe and with the cabriolet line-up we have in our portfolio, we are absolutely happy,” he said.

“From the smartest, smallest cabriolet [the Smart Cabriolet - pictured below] which we will launch here in Frankfurt, up to the high-end S-Class Cabriolet, everything is available.

“At the moment, my feeling is that this segment that you mentioned – yes, of course, all niches are possible. But at the moment we are focusing our activities in other areas.”

The A-Class line has already spurred a number of models, including the B-Class (which preceded the A but shares the same underpinnings), the CLA [four-door] Coupe and CLA Shooting Brake, and the GLA SUV.

There is no three-door version of the A-Class at all in this generation, though there was in the second-generation version that preceded the current car.

A convertible model would likely give the company a rival to the Audi A3 Cabriolet and BMW 2 Series Convertible. Those models start below $55,000.

Currently, the most affordable drop-top Benz you can buy in Australia is the SLK, which starts from just under $85,000. The Smart models will not be sold here anymore.

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