Sad news for A-Class fans—Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed that the beloved hatchback is on borrowed time. The A-Class will be given an extra two years before production comes to a full stop, with no direct successor on the horizon.
This decision was confirmed by Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz, during the grand unveiling of the new CLA, a stylish compact saloon.
“We need models that work all over the world, including China and the USA. I know the hatchback is the favorite bodystyle in Europe, but it was not part of the plans, and we had to make choices—even difficult ones,” he said. “Reducing complexity is a key task for us. For this reason, bringing the compact family from seven to four models was necessary in this segment.”
Mercedes is slimming down its compact range, reducing the lineup from seven models to just four. What’s staying? The next-gen CLA (both saloon and shooting brake), GLA, and GLB SUVs—plus, a brand-new baby G-Class off-roader.\
Furthermore, The A-Class hatch and saloon, the B-Class minivan, and even the EQA & EQB EVs are all getting the axe. However, don’t expect Mercedes to abandon electric tech—these models will be integrated into future GLA and GLB lineups.
A-Class: A Legacy Comes to an End
Mercedes fans first met the A-Class in 1997, with its quirky, minivan-style design. The second-gen (2004) kept that tall stance, but by 2012, the A-Class had transformed into a sleek, sporty hatchback. The latest (2018) model followed suit, cementing itself as the go-to entry-level Mercedes.
While the A-Class has already disappeared from US and Canadian markets (axed in 2022), it remained a strong seller in Europe, especially after a recent facelift. But with the last models rolling out by 2026, this marks the end of the road for the legendary A45 AMG hot hatch as well.
Why Is Mercedes Killing the A-Class?
It all comes down to strategy and electrification. While Mercedes will continue producing combustion engines into the 2030s, the focus is shifting. The new CLA will soon feature a hybrid powertrain, which means the A-Class no longer needs to carry the torch for petrol power.
The A-Class has had a fantastic run, but the automotive world is changing fast. Could the CLA fill the gap? Or will fans still crave a compact Merc hatchback? Only time will tell.
One thing’s for sure—the A-Class will be missed.
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