Mercedes-Benz MFA platform

Last updated

Mercedes-Benz MFA
Overview
Manufacturer Daimler AG
Production2011–2019
Assembly
Body and chassis
Class Subcompact executive (B), compact luxury crossover (C)
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Vehicles
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,728–2,830 mm (107.4–111.4 in)
Chronology
SuccessorMercedes-Benz MFA2 platform

The Mercedes-Benz MFA platform (Modular Front-Drive Architecture) is a car platform that produced by German automotive company Daimler AG. Intended for subcompact front-engine, front- and four-wheel drive applications, the first generation was produced from 2012 to 2019. An evolution of the platform, MFA2, has been in production since 2018. The first iteration of the platform was also shared by Japanese automaker Infiniti from 2016 to 2019.

Contents

Background

At the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz announced its intention to streamline the brand's car platforms, reducing the current nine platforms in production to just three, with the goal to create a more modular approach towards manufacturing. Thomas Weber, then-Mercedes-Benz Group board member in charge of car development, stated that economies of scale was another factor in streamlining the platforms, saying that once implemented he expected the platforms to save the company "billions of dollars". [1]

Alongside the announcement of the strategy was also the revelation by then-CEO of Daimler Dieter Zetsche that the same front-wheel-drive platform would also likely serve as the chassis upon which a compact Infiniti hatchback sat. Confirmation by then-Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was given with the revelation of the Infiniti Etherea concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. [2] The production iteration of the Etherea was shown at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show to be the Infiniti Q30. [3] Dieter, speaking with Autocar in 2014, stated that much of the development of the Q30 was done by Mercedes, despite Zetsche's insistence in 2011 that both cars would have unique identities. [4]

First generation (2011–2019)

The first generation of the MFA platform was introduced with the presentation of the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, the W246, at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. Plans for other models such as the A-Class to sit on the MFA platform were also announced at Frankfurt. [5] The engine options ranged from a 1.5 L (91.5 cu in) turbocharged petrol inline-four to a larger, 2.1 L (128.1 cu in) turbocharged diesel engine. As part of the strategic partnership signed in 2010 with Renault–Nissan, [6] a Renault 1.5 L (91.5 cu in) turbocharged diesel engine was also offered. [7] As part of an expected increase in demand, Mercedes also invested significantly into its Rastatt and Kecskemét manufacturing plants in order to cope. [5]

Deliveries for European models began in November 2011 [8] and North American deliveries began in 2013. [5] However, the U.S. only received the electrified version of the B-Class, [9] whilst Canada received internal combustion engine-powered models. [10]

Second generation (2018–present)

Mercedes-Benz MFA2
Overview
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Production2018–present
Body and chassis
Class Subcompact executive, compact luxury crossover
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, front-engine, all-wheel-drive, dual-motor, four-wheel-drive layout
Vehicles
Chronology
SuccessorMercedes-Benz MMA platform

The second generation of the MFA platform premiered in the fourth and current generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the W177, a concept version of which was shown at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show. Several models were harmonised to have the same wheelbase, [11] with the A-, GLA-, and CLA-Class now sharing a wheelbase of 2,729 mm (107.4 in). [12]

The platform is expected to remain in production until at least 2025, after which Mercedes-Benz plans to replace the MFA2 platform with the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, alongside the halting of A- and B-Class production. Other cars which used the MFA2 such as the CLA, GLA, and GLB are expected to receive the MMA platform in their new generations. [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infiniti</span> Japanese luxury car brand, a subsidiary of Nissan

Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Nissan. Infiniti officially started selling vehicles on November 8, 1989, in North America. The marketing network for Infiniti-branded vehicles included dealers in over 50 countries in the 2010s. As of 2020, there were 25 markets served by new car dealers. The main markets are North America, China, and Middle East.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz CLS</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a series of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from 2004 to it’s end in August 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infiniti M</span> Motor vehicle

The Infiniti M is a line of mid-size luxury (executive) cars from the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan. From 2013 on it has been marketed as the Infiniti Q70, reflecting the company's new naming scheme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz B-Class</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a subcompact executive car manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz since 2005. Based on the A-Class with larger dimensions, the European New Car Assessment Programme classifies it as a small MPV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz A-Class</span> Subcompact executive car

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a subcompact car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz as the brand's entry-level vehicle. The first generation was introduced in 1997, the second generation (W169) in late 2004 and the third generation (W176) in 2012. The fourth generation model (W177), which was launched in 2018, marked the first time the A-Class was offered in the United States and Canada. This fourth generation A-Class is also the first to be offered both as a hatchback (W177) and sedan (V177).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geneva International Motor Show</span> Annual Swiss auto show

The Geneva International Motor Show is an annual auto show held in March in the Swiss city of Geneva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Motor Show Germany</span> Annual German motor show

The International Motor Show Germany or International Mobility Show Germany, in German known as the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, is one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs. It consists of two separate fairs, that subdivided in 1991. While the IAA MOBILITY displays passenger vehicles, motorcycles and bikes, the IAA TRANSPORTATION specializes in commercial vehicles. Before the separation, the show was held solely at the Messe Frankfurt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz GLA</span> Subcompact luxury crossover SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Mercedes-Benz over two generations. It is essentially the SUV equivalent of the A-Class, and the smallest SUV marketed by the brand. The production version was revealed in August 2013 ahead of the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nissan Juke</span> Subcompact crossover SUV

The Nissan Juke is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan since 2010. Debuted as a production vehicle at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March and positioned below the C-segment Qashqai, it was introduced to North America at the 2010 New York International Auto Show to be sold for the 2011 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infiniti Etherea</span> Motor vehicle

The Infiniti Etherea is a concept car that was announced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show made by the Infiniti division of Nissan Motors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz CLA</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz CLA class is a series of luxury compact executive cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 2013. The first generation was a four-door sedan based on the platform of the W176 A-Class and W246 B-Class compact cars, marketed as a four-door coupé. In 2015, Mercedes-Benz expanded the CLA family to include the Shooting Brake, a station wagon configuration. As the V177 A-Class sedan took its place as the budget-conscious sedan, the second generation got longer and wider than the W205 C-Class.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infiniti Q50</span> Motor vehicle

The Infiniti Q50 is a compact executive car manufactured by Nissan for its luxury brand, Infiniti. Replacing the G/Q40 sedan, it debuted at the 2013 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in North America in the third quarter 2013 and in Europe in fourth quarter 2013. It is the export model of the Japanese domestic market's V37 Nissan Skyline.

The Infiniti Q60 is a 2-door sport luxury coupe manufactured by Japanese automaker Infiniti. It is the successor to the Infiniti G coupe and convertible. The Q60 nameplate was first used as a rebranding of Infiniti G coupes. A new version was introduced in early 2016, as a 2017 model.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infiniti QX30</span> Motor vehicle

The Infiniti QX30 is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand. It is heavily based on the Q30 hatchback with modifications mainly in its ride height in order for it to be marketed as a crossover. Both the Q30 and the QX30 are based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA and the third-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The QX30 was manufactured from 2016 to mid-2019, at the same time the brand withdrew from Europe altogether.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205)</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz W205 is the fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class which was produced by Daimler AG between 2014 and 2021. The W205 C-Class was preceded by the W204 C-Class and superseded by the W206 C-Class. The fourth-generation C-Class was available in sedan (W205), station wagon/estate (S205), coupe (C205), cabriolet (A205) and long-wheelbase sedan (V205) body styles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infiniti Q30</span> Motor vehicle

The Infiniti Q30 is a subcompact executive car built and sold by Nissan's Infiniti luxury brand between 2016 and 2019. The Q30 is built on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class platform to create a small, premium hatchback. The Q30 is a result of the Nissan, Renault and Mercedes partnership agreement to share technology. It ceased production in the UK in mid-2019 as the brand withdrew from Europe altogether at the same time. A modified version was also marketed under the name QX30, which offers higher ground clearance and crossover design attributes in order to be marketed as a crossover.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz X-Class</span> Pickup truck

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class (W470) is a luxury pickup truck that was sold by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz, a division of German multinational company Daimler AG. Unveiled at a world premiere in Cape Town, South Africa in July 2017, the pickup took its chassis from the Nissan Navara and employed many Mercedes-specific features and technologies, including some engines not shared with the Navara. It first went on sale in late 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-EQ</span> Electric brand series by Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-EQ is a series of battery electric vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. The first model was previewed at the Paris Motor Show in 2016 with the Generation EQ concept vehicle. Mercedes-Benz intends to produce ten EQ models by 2022, three of which will have the Smart brand, representing between 15% and 25% of the company's global sales. All of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle design and production efforts will target the EQ family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz M270/M274 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The M270 and M274 are turbocharged Inline-four engines produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2011. They are the successor to the previous M266 and M271 engines respectively. The engine appeared on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246)</span> Second generation of Mercedes-Benz B-Class

W246 is the internal designation for the second generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which is a range of 5-door hatchbacks produced by German luxury manufacturer Daimler AG under the Mercedes-Benz brand from late 2011 to late 2018. Introduced at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany as a subcompact executive car, models years for the W246 started at 2012 and ranged to 2019. European models went on sale in November 2011. Japanese and Australian models went on sale in April 2012, and Canadian models in late 2012 as the 2013 model year. They are assembled at Rastatt, Germany, and from 2011 at Kecskemét, Hungary. By summer 2013, over 230,000 second generation B-Class cars had been delivered.

References

  1. ↑ Sinclair, Mike (2 March 2011). "Mercedes-Benz distils platform strategy". Carsales . Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  2. ↑ Ireson, Nelson (14 September 2011). "Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz Announce Platform Sharing For Etherea-Based Crossover". MotorAuthority. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  3. ↑ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (9 September 2013). "Infiniti Q30 Concept Revealed Ahead of Frankfurt Auto Show". MotorAuthority. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  4. ↑ Rendell, Julian (6 March 2012). "Infiniti Hatchback On Mercedes Platform Likely, Zetsche Says At Geneva Motor Show". Autoweek . Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 Vaughn, Mark (13 September 2011). "Mercedes B-Class Headed To America". Autoweek . Retrieved 28 May 2023.
  6. ↑ Corbett, Deanne (7 April 2010). Edmonds, Sam (ed.). "Three-way deal". Deutsche Welle . Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  7. ↑ Staff (17 March 2018). "Mercedes B-Class (2011-2018) review - Engines, performance and drive". Auto Express . Retrieved 28 May 2023.
  8. ↑ Joseph, Noah (25 August 2011). "Mercedes-Benz B-Class revealed ahead of Frankfurt... but is it coming here?". Autoblog . Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  9. ↑ Meier, Fred (31 July 2017). "Mercedes-Benz B-Class to 'B' Discontinued in U.S." Cars.com . Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  10. ↑ McCausland, Evan (27 March 2013). "2013 New York: 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Coming To U.S." MotorTrend . Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  11. ↑ Gratton, Ken (20 October 2020). "What is a monocoque body?". Carsales . Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  12. ↑ Kable, Greg (9 April 2019). "Mercedes Concept Offers Choice of ICE, Electric Power". Ward's . Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  13. ↑ Misoyannis, Alex (28 June 2022). "Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class to be axed in 2025, report claims". Drive . Retrieved 24 May 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.