The Mercedes-Benz A-Class will enter a fifth generation in 2028 with hybrid and electric powertrains while retaining its hatchback styling, Autocar can reveal.
The German car maker had originally planned to scrap the current model in 2025 as it streamlined its ICE range and put greater focus on more luxurious, higher-margin models.
But slower than expected demand for electric models prompted the company to extend its life until at least 2028 – when, Autocar has now confirmed, an entirely new generation of the A-Class will arrive, sharing a platform with the recently launched CLA.
The new model will stay true to its hatchback predecessor, although it will have a raised driving position to mitigate against the extra height that will result from the elevated floor of the EV variant.
However, insiders insist it won't be a crossover, eschewing the move towards an MPV bodystyle that had been heavily speculated in recent months.
Those rumours followed confirmation that Audi was readying a new A2 that, while replacing the A1 and Q2 and becoming its new entry EV, would follow the same one-box design as the A-Class-rivalling original.
The suggestions were that Mercedes was planning to base the fifth-generation A-Class on its early-noughties version (also a one-box shape). However, this was dismissed by our insiders.
"We have a compact crossover with the GLA. We were also previously present in the compact MPV market with the B-Class. 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," Autocar was told.
For reference, the A-Class was launched in 1997 as an MPV-esque city car but became a more traditional hatchback in 2012 to rival BMW's 1 Series.
Design
The styling of the new A-Class is described as "traditional in form but modern in detailing". The intention, according to those familiar with the development programme, is to evolve rather than reinvent the hatchback's appearance.
The design was signed off prior to the departure at the end of January of Mercedes long-time design boss Gorden Wagener.
To help disguise the higher ride height of the EV, Mercedes will look at increasing the ground clearance of all future A-Class models.
There have also been suggestions of subtle wheel-arch cladding to reduce the visual effect of the rear wheel-well gap seen on the electric CLA.
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