Mercedes A-Class Sedan Claims the Lowest Drag of Any Production Car

You may not think an entry-level luxury sedan could claim the title of the most aerodynamic car. But according to Mercedes, the new A-Class sedan features the lowest drag of any production vehicle in the world, with a coefficient of 0.22.

At this level, it defends the world record held by the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Meanwhile, the A-Class hatch is just slightly less impressive at 0.25. To put those numbers in perspective, the aerodynamically-conscience BMW i8 comes in at 0.27, while the mighty Bugatti Chiron claims a drag coefficient of 0.36 in Top Speed mode.

Along with the exterior shape of the vehicle, Mercedes maximized aerodynamics in a number of other ways. The front and rear spoilers were made to strategically route air around the wheels, and the wheels and tires were also optimized. Mercedes reduced the frontal area to 2.19 square meters, and also implemented extensive sealing and an almost complete paneling of the underbody. An optional two-part shutter system further helps reduce airflow through the engine bay.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan is expected to arrive in the U.S. this year. The model rides on the second-generation MFA platform along with the B-Class, CLA, and GLA. Production will take place in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and Rastatt, Germany.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

The post Mercedes A-Class Sedan Claims the Lowest Drag of Any Production Car appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend https://ift.tt/2LECXr5