Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class debuts at Auto Shanghai - fresh pics

It looks far better though

You're joking right? Where's the resemblance? The CT200h is IMO ugly from all angles, particularly the rear three quarters...and please don't start on who copied who lol...

It's an overpriced badgE.. o rly? If it wasnt for Mr. Benz, there wouldn't be any badges at all.. So dont talk about overpricing...

Arguably the hybrid system in the S-class is better for that application. First of all the trunk of the S-class is not filled up with batteries like the LS's, it's a Li-ion unit that is the size of a typical car battery, and therefore, more practical. Also, the s-class gets considerably better fuel economy than the LSh, so the fact the s-class is not a full hybrid is a moot point. Isn't mpg the point of a hybrid? Since we're on that subject, why not just opt for a diesel s-class which gets even better fuel economy. The LSh is fairly quick, but nowhere near the big boys in the segment and is not that much more frugal, I suspect because of the weight of the batteries, heavy/thirsty V8. So just like many Lexus cars the LSh has an identity crisis. And don't even mention copying, Toyota certainly did not invent the hybrid, the concept has been around awhile, (search Loehner-Porsche hybrid or American frieght locomotives), they were just first to market one (the Euros were sluggish in this area because they didn't see the point at first because of clean diesel, but relented for the American market). Obviously, not all hybrid systems around are similar to Synergy Drive. But I digress, the back end does look similar to the Lexus CT, but the front end on this looks alot better, as opposed to the played-out swept back lights of the CT.

Also @lexakis, your post is a contradiction in terms. If the Lexus is a full hybrid and the S-class hybrid is not, how is it that the s-class is copying the Lexus? Trust me,considering the long list of important contributions that Mercedes has made to the automotive world (think ABS, safety cell construction, traction control, ESP, airbag, seatbelt pre-tensioners, 4-wheel brakes, modern radiator design) that everyone takes for granted, I highly doubt that Mercedes needs to copy anyone, particularly Lexus.

I'm not going to be biased but isn't Lexus a "badge" considering they are all rebadged Toyotas? I don't recall any Mercedes-Benz vehicles being "badged" a Mercedes-Benz. They are simply a Mercedes-Benz, not built as another vehicle then rebadged to save money like Toyota, Acura, etc does. Lexus is at a lower price point because it doesn't cost as much to build them. Consider the Lexus ES. Why develop a whole new vehicle when you can just "badge" a Camry with Lexus logos. That's money saved right? =cheaper luxury vehicle. Also the Lexus RX, is another Camry but raised a bit and some new sheetmetal. Next time you want to bash another brand do your research.... Again I'm not saying Lexus is a bad and cheap luxury brand. I've driven a few, they look nice, but they're just not "fun" enough for me. Something tells me you're mom and dad bought a Lexus so you never had a chance to get used to another brand.