Mercedes-Benz has recently unveiled the third generation of its CLA model, offering consumers a choice between fully electric and hybrid powertrains. However, this launch is accompanied by a significant shift in the brand's compact vehicle strategy, as confirmed by Chief Technology Officer Markus Schafer: the A-Class, a staple in Mercedes' entry-level lineup, will not see a successor.
Rumors regarding the discontinuation of the A-Class have been circulating since 2022, and now, Mercedes has officially confirmed its decision. During the unveiling of the new CLA, Schafer articulated the rationale behind this strategic move, emphasizing the need for models with global appeal. "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 explained. "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."
The restructured compact lineup will consist of the new CLA in sedan and shooting brake configurations, along with next-generation iterations of the GLA and GLB SUVs, and a newly introduced "baby G-Class" off-roader. This consolidation, however, entails the discontinuation of several models, including the A-Class hatchback, A-Class sedan, and B-Class minivan. Furthermore, the fully electric EQA and EQB SUVs are slated for integration into the new GLA and GLB lineups, respectively, leading to the phasing out of the "EQ" moniker and the adoption of a more unified design language.
The current generation of the A-Class is expected to remain in production until 2026 before its eventual discontinuation. Since its introduction in 1997, the A-Class has undergone four generations, each reflecting evolving market trends and consumer preferences. The first two generations were characterized by their tall body design and minivan-like proportions, positioning them in the supermini segment. The third and fourth generations, however, adopted a more conventional hatchback bodystyle with a larger footprint.
The A-Class was previously discontinued in the United States and Canada after the end of 2022, but it has continued to be available in other markets, including Europe, where it recently received a mid-lifecycle update. The discontinuation of the A-Class also signifies the end of the A45 AMG hot hatch.
The new CLA is built on the Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which will also serve as the foundation for the upcoming GLA and GLB SUVs. However, the "baby G-Class" will deviate from this platform to preserve its rugged, off-road capabilities. As Schafer explained, "The baby G will not be born on the MMA, because if we had used the new platform, we would not have been able to guarantee it the off-road capabilities that a G-Class must have." He further elaborated that while Mercedes aims to maximize component sharing, a dedicated platform is necessary for the "baby G-Class" to accommodate the necessary wheel diameter and ground clearance.
Mercedes has also confirmed that the "baby G-Class" will be designated with a lowercase "g" in its name. A teaser released in February 2025 suggests that the model will feature a compact footprint, ample ground clearance, and a boxy design reminiscent of the original short-wheelbase G-Wagen from 1979. This strategic shift reflects Mercedes' commitment to streamlining its portfolio and focusing on models with broader market appeal, while also ensuring that iconic models like the G-Class maintain their distinctive character and capabilities.