Mercedes A-Class wins stay of execution

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class will remain on sale until at least 2028 off the back of strong demand from European buyers.

The current fourth-gen small car was originally set to be culled next year and indirectly replaced by the all-new second-gen CLA sedan and Shooting Brake, but now all that’s changed.

Speaking to Automobilwoche, Benz’s production boss Jorg Burzer wouldn’t confirm to the German newspaper when production of the A-Class would end, despite the current model entering production back in 2018, only that it would remain on sale until at least 2028.

Burzer did confirmed however that the larger B-Class small people mover will still be axed as planned in 2026.

Reports suggest in Europe that in the first five months of 2025, Mercedes sold 27,772 A-Classes – which represents a 15 per cent drop compared to the year before, but Benz bosses believe demand will remain strong for its most affordable car.

The B-Class, meanwhile, sold just 5997 units as demand dries up generally for small people movers.

According to Burzer, A-Class production will move from its current factory in Rastatt, Germany, to Kecskemet in Hungary for the final two years of its lifecycle since Mercedes needs to reconfigure its factory to ensure it’s ready to build its upcoming mild-hybrid and electric MMA models, i.e. the next-gen GLA SUV, the larger GLB and rugged baby G-Class for starters.

Demand for the new CLA, which has an EV range of up to 792km, meantime is claimed to be strong, with Mercedes reportedly adding a third shift at its factory to keep up with demand.

There’s no word yet on what the plan is for the A-Class Down Under; Mercedes-Benz Australia currently offers buyers the A200 (120kW), A250 4Matic (165kW), the AMG A 35 4Matic (225kW) and the flagship AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ (310kW), with the line priced from $57,500 plus on-roads.

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