Mercedes-Benz looks set to go head-to-head with Audi in the young, urban market, revealing a dramatic redesign concept of its A-Class series.

The new Concept A-Class will go on display at the Shanghai and New York auto shows and is a significant departure from the current, rather boxy A-Class model.

Images released by the automakershow a far lower, swept design with pronounced nose which hints strongly that Mercedes is targeting the Audi A1, which has proved very popular since its launch last year, and the BMW 1 Series.

Instead of a traditional grille, the front end of the Concept A-Class features numerous metallic silver hexagons on black stems, a theme which is continued with the wheel design and LED headlamps that the automaker says are designed to resemble a “starry sky.”

Inside, the Concept A-Class uses a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which Mercedes-Benz says will deliver 210 hp with minimal emissions and fuel consumption, although no specific figures were released.

It also offers a radar-based collision warning system, which Mercedes-Benz claims is a world-first in the compact class, along with an interior reminiscent of a jet aircraft.

The new concept is believed to hint heavily at a new production version of the A-Class which could be in European showrooms as early as next year, although it’s unlikely to be sold in the US according to Detroit-based Automotive News.

Auto Shanghai runs April 21-28 in Shanghai, China.

Source: AFPrelaxnews