Mercedes-Benz has reportedly broken its silence on the future of the A-Class by confirming that the current W177 won’t be the last for its smallest model.
Uncertainty…
Back in 2022, the three-pointed star hinted at the A-Class possibly not being renewed as part of its product range clampdown from 33 to 14 models.
One of Benz’s oldest models having debuted in 2018, the W177 or fourth generation A-Class has, since its launch, only received a single mid-life update in 2023, as well as market specific specification tweaks.
Casting further doubt about its continuation were comments made by CEO Ola Källenius seemingly confirming its end by 2026.
“It’s not our goal to be a competitor of the volume producers. That’s not what the Mercedes-Benz brand stands for. So stay tuned as far as our product portfolio is concerned,” Källenius told Autocar.
Staying
In a reversal last year, though, Mercedes-Benz Production Head, Jorg Burzer, said A-Class production had been prolonged to 2028 due to ongoing demand.
The executive, however, confirmed to Germanys’ Automobilwoche that the A-Class’ MPV sibling, the B-Class, would still cease production in 2026.
No more speculation
In the latest announcement, Autocar reports that the go ahead had been given to replace the W177 after 2028 with an all-new fifth generation A-Class.
A move that will see it continue to the rival the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series – both getting new iterations in 2027 and 2028 respectively – the British publication claims the new A-Class will ride on the same MMA platform as CLA and offer the same powertrain options.
This means the first-time availability of an electric powertrain, which will see it go up against the incoming Audi A2 and tentatively called BMW i1.
Back to its “MPV’ past?
Accordingly, though, the newcomer will revert to an MPV-like appearance similar to the first two generations.
An unnamed Mercedes-Benz source, however, told the publication that the A-Class won’t become an out-and-out crossover as this would see it ingress on the GLA and GLB, both renewed for new generations.
“We have a compact crossover with the GLA. We were also previously present in the compact MPV market with the B-Class,” the source said.
“But with the introduction of the GLA and GLB, we now offer far more contemporary alternatives for those seeking a car with compact dimensions and an elevated seating position”.
CLA platform, possible 368 kW EV AMG
Going a step further, the publication further claims the EV variant could spawn an AMG model capable of producing up to 368 kW.
At present, the CLA, which arrives in South Africa in the second quarter of the year, offers a choice of two 48-volt mild-hybrid assisted 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines; 120kW/250Nm in the CLA 200 and 140kW/300Nm in the CLA 220.
The electric variants comprise two models as well; the CLA 250+ that outputs 200kW/335Nm from its 85-kWh battery, and the dual-motor, all-wheel drive CLA 350 4Matic which develops 260kW/515Nm.
Maximum respective ranges are 792 km and 771 km.
In a first for the A-Class, the EV will be rear-wheel drive whereas the combustion model will remain front-wheel drive.
Unlike the dual platform strategy BMW will use for the 1 Series and i1, the A-Class will be underpinned by the MMA regardless of the powertrain.
More later
As with the 1 Series, only expect detail of the new A-Class to become apparent towards the end of the year and throughout 2027.
