Just as I expected when I first learned that Mercedes will build a sedan version of the hatchback, the four-door A-Class is identical to the five-door version from the nose and toward the C-pillar. It has the same slender headlamps based on the larger CLS, the big grille with diamond radiator inserts, and a three-piece intake layout in the bumper with big vents on the sides.

Things begin to change once you check out the profile. The familiar hatchback design of the A-Class is gone, with the rear end modified into a three-box layout. The rear doors and quarter windows were revised, while the roof has a sleeker design that almost looks like a coupe. The sloping decklid and the roofline make the A-Class L Sedan very similar to the CLA. The only thing that’s missing, aside from the fact that the CLA is an older design, is the longer deck lid of the latter.

Speaking of dimensions, the A-Class L is 60 mm (2.36 inches) longer than the standard model. All the extra length goes into the wheelbase, which measures 2,789 mm (109.8 inches). That’s 153 mm (six inches) longer than the Audi A3 Sedan and 119 mm (4.7 inches) longer than the BMW 1 Series Sedan.

The A-Class’ wheelbase is also longer than the CLA’s by 90 mm (3.5 inches). The sedan’s rear end is obviously different due to the tailgate having been replaced with a more traditional trunk lid, but several details remain identical to the hatchback. Most of the fascia is similar, as is the trunk opening and the bumper, which still sports faux vents on the sides and wide exhaust pipes.

The taillights also have a two-piece arrangement, but the units are taller toward the fender and shorter inside the trunk lid. The LED pattern is also different and far more interesting on the sedan. Mercedes also added an exclusive Rose Gold paint for this Chinese model, while wheel options include sizes from 16 to 19 inches.

From the official photos it’s pretty obvious that the cabin is identical to the hatchback model. And this is great news for Chinese buyers, as the new A-Class is not only gorgeous design-wise, but it’s also packed with the best technology in this segment. The layout borrows many features from the bigger Mercedes models, including the C-Class and E-Class, which helps the A-Class set a new standard in the premium compact segment, even when compared to the new BMW 1 Series Sedan.

The wing-shaped, multi-tier dashboard doesn’t have the two-tone finish we’ve seen in the dashboard in these first official shots, but Mercedes will probably offer this option. The turbine-style A/C vents are present at each corner each corner, as are the three outlets on the center stack, which has a clean design.

The instrument cluster and infotainment display have the same layout as in the larger S-Class and CLS models. Although not placed under a big hood, they’re connected to each other, giving the impression that a really long screen stretches over the driver’s side half of the dashboard. This feature is not standard on all models, but the range-topping model gets two 10.25-inch displays. The sedan is also equipped with the unique ambient lighting system with 64 colors and the brand-new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system.

MBUX has ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence and it can also be customized through augmented reality technology and intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition. The Chinese model also benefits from the extra legroom, shoulder room, and headroom that comes with the fourth-generation hatchback. The rear-seat layout remains unchanged for the sedan, but it gets a bit more knee room thanks to the longer wheelbase. The optional seat climate control and the Multicontour Seat package with massage function for the front seats, a first in this segment, is available for the A-Class L Sedan too.

Trunk capacity is rated at 420 liters, which converts to 14.8 cubic feet. This figure will carry over to the regular wheelbase model we will get in the United States. This is where the China-made A-Class and the Euro-spec models are different. While the hatchback uses a 1.4-liter four-cylinder, the sedan gets its juice from a 1.3-liter unit.