The new Mercedes A-Class was the most streamlined car in the history

24 July 2018

The novelty boasts the lowest drag coefficient

Car manufacturers have long sought to make their model more aerodynamic. Even with the development of modern trucks this aspect is given a lot of attention, not to mention the cars. Another record was the new sedan Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

It is noteworthy that before the best in the world was named the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which formally came under discussion novelty (although there are rumors about the preparation of the CLA next generation).

However, the progress of its predecessor was modest. If the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class boasts a drag coefficient of 0.22, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, it was equal too... 0,22. So why the new product is considered to be the champion?

It's all in the details. Despite the identical ratio, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class will create less resistance to air flow, since the area of its frontal projection slightly less: 2,19 2,21 m2 against m2. In the end, the difference between the two cars can be registered only in laboratory conditions, but it is still there.

It should be noted that the Mercedes-Benz CLA could boast a coefficient of 0.22, only in a version of CLA 180 BlueEfficiency Edition, while all other modifications had a Cx of 0.23. At the same time, and the figure is quite rare: for example, the same significance is claimed for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A4 and Tesla Model 3.

On this background, not to mention the legendary Tatra T77a, which was produced in Czechoslovakia in the 30-ies of the last century. For it was stated drag coefficient of 0.212 at the level! However, some experts have questioned the objectivity of this value.

Among the more modern machines illustrative example of the hybrid Volkswagen XL1: due to the extraordinary shape of the body designers managed to reduce Cx to 0,189. At the same time, the XL1 is not a full production car: it was released only 250 copies of this unusual model, which was originally conceived as a passenger car with an average fuel consumption of 1 liter per 100 kilometers.