Mercedes has previewed the next generation of compact vehicles and a potential, new body type with its ‘Concept A Sedan’.

The show car specifies an ‘evolved' Mercedes design language, thanks to what the German brand describes as a ‘purist, surface-focused design’ - featuring reduced lines and flat surfaces.

"Our Concept A Sedan shows, that the time of creases is over” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “With its perfect proportions and a sensual treatment of surfaces with reduced lines, it is the next milestone of Sensual Purity and has the potential to introduce a new design era."

Mercedes says that model variety is a crucial factor for success: with the A and B‑Class, CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, as well as the SUV crossover GLA - five differently positioned variants are available on the market.

The Concept A Sedan has been designed with the proportions of a dynamic, ‘coupé-like and simultaneously compact, premium sedan’. This is emphasised by the three-box design featuring short overhangs, as well as the slim greenhouse that has been offset towards the rear. Additional characteristics are the relatively vertical C‑pillar, larger side windows and the higher beltline.

The wheel arch design featuring a reduced arch dimension ‘emphasises the exclusive 20‑inch wheels’. The light alloy wheels display ‘technical precision’ with their sporty aerowheel look featuring a structured surface between the spokes. The door handles of the show car are flush with the body, while the front end is designed to express 'self-confidence'. Mercedes says this is highlighted by the deep Panamericana grille tilted towards the front, featuring vertical chrome inserts and a star in the centre, as well as the stretched bonnet with Powerdomes. The large, lower air inlet featuring a diamond grid structure and a striking trim strip in dark chrome is also amongst the most eye-catching features.

The grid structure in the front lamps has been coated with a UV paint and it is exposed to ultraviolet light. As a result, the headlamps "glow" in different colours, depending on the light medium – the daytime running lamps, for instance, are white. This lighting technology is also used at the rear, where the lines and gaps at the rear have been reduced. As a contrast to the paintwork the rear bumper features a diffuser-look lower part trimmed in black and a chrome trim strip that emphasises the width. The integrated exhaust deflectors are finished in dark chrome. Additional features of the roadworthy show car are dark privacy windows all-round as well as a large, panoramic glass roof.

The 2017 Shanghai Auto Show runs until 27 April.