Mercedes-Benz A-Class fans can rejoice

The Mercedes entry-level hatchback has been granted a stay of execution. It faced the axe at the end of this year but will now soldier on until at least 2028.

Whether or not the same fate awaits the B-Class MPV is unclear. That too was meant to be phased out towards the end of this year. 

The plan was that four new small cars would be introduces, based on the MMA platform. They comprise the CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLA and GLB. All would have had combustion or electrified powertrain options.

However, Mercedes says an upgraded version of today’s A-Class hatchback will join the small car line-up.

Evidently, there is still good demand for the seven-year-old model. What also helped in decision making is slowing Mercedes EV sales.

Production of the A-Class hatchback is now expected to continue beyond the introduction of EU7 emissions regulations later next year. Whether or not the existing petrol and diesel engines will need to be modified to meet the new standards is unclear.

However, the AMG hot hatches will fall by the wayside because they certainly will not comply with EU7 regulations.

Production of A-Class will shift to a plant in Hungary. The German factory that made it has been retooled for production of the new CLA and CLA Shooting Brake.

B-Class production will more than likely end in 2025 as planned, as will the EQB. A new generation of GLB, with ICE and electric drivetrains, is due for release next year.

The next-generation GLA will then come on stream as the final MMA-based compact model. It replaces both the GLA and electric EQA. 

It’s understood the new A-Class will not use the MMA platform. While the compact car range is not a huge seller for Mercedes, it is still brings in solid revenue. The firm moves around half a million units per annum globally.

Mercedes-Benz told Autocar UK: “The A-Class continues to enjoy high demand among our customers, and we are currently in the lifecycle of this vehicle. Recently, the series was updated and enhanced with an extensive facelift – making this vehicle even more desirable for our customers.”