Mercedes-Benz A-Class to be discontinued in 2026 to reduce complexity; CLA, GLA, GLB only from now on

Mercedes-Benz A-Class to be discontinued in 2026 to reduce complexity; CLA, GLA, GLB only from now on

It looks like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class‘ stay of execution was just that – having had its production extended by two years, Stuttgart’s longest-running compact model will indeed be killed off in 2026 without a successor. The news was confirmed by chief technical officer Markus Schäfer during the reveal of the new third-generation CLA last week, according to Carscoops.

“We need models that work all over the world, including China and the USA. I know the hatchback is the favourite body style 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 has long telegraphed this move – as early as 2023, during the reveal of the Concept CLA Class, the company said the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) will only spawn four compact cars. These are a four-door coupé (the recently-announced CLA), a shooting brake and two SUVs, the latter of which we are assuming to be the next-generation GLA and GLB.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class to be discontinued in 2026 to reduce complexity; CLA, GLA, GLB only from now on

This leaves no room for the A-Class in either hatchback or sedan flavours, and it also means the slow-selling B-Class MPV won’t see another generation. Culling a big-selling mainstream model (the A-Class) instead of a niche offering (the CLA and its Shooting Brake sibling) seems like an odd choice, but it does fit Mercedes’ new stated goal of building “the world’s most desirable cars.”

The decision to prolong the A-Class’ lifespan came as part of a realignment of Mercedes’ electrification strategy that will see the company produce combustion engines into the 2030s. With the CLA set to gain a hybrid powertrain later this year, the A-Class won’t have to bear the torch for petrol power for much longer.

The A-Class isn’t the only hatchback going the way of the dodo – it’s also been recently confirmed that production of the Ford Focus will also end in November, as the world gravitates towards SUVs. With this news, the once bustling C-segment hatch market will be dwindled down to the Volkswagen Golf and…not much else besides.

GALLERY: W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class in Malaysia

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • tricycle on Mar 19, 2025 at 11:36 am

    Sad news. A class is among the beautiful compact car designed by mercedes inside out.

    Prefer A class compared to CLA or GLA.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • “C-segment hatch market will be dwindled down to the Volkswagen Golf and…not much else besides…”

    Malaysia maybe but not Europe. Though was Malaysia C segment hatch market ever bustling?

    Peugeot 308/Vauxhall Astra
    Honda Civic
    Toyota Corolla
    Mazda 3
    Cupra Leon/Skoda Octavia
    Hyundai i30/Kia Ceed

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Ben Yap on Mar 19, 2025 at 1:07 pm

    A-Class is a poor man’s Merc and it doesn’t align with its brand aspiration and image.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Dah Menang Semua on Mar 19, 2025 at 2:37 pm

    Sub-200K crowded with Chinese cars
    Sub-250K also packed with EVs
    There is not much cake to fight
    So they tune-up and focus on
    Price beyond 300K mark

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • 4GR-FSE on Mar 19, 2025 at 3:06 pm

    A-class, 1/2-series, A1 A2 A3, CT200h, LBX, UX, V40 are just a bunch of “budget premium” for those who want the badge more than the car.
    They are just “souvenir items” from these premium brands..
    A200 with 1.3 turbo and torsion beam is just laughable..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Peppa on Mar 19, 2025 at 5:44 pm

    The A-Class look more like an actual Mercedes compared to the rest of Mercedes fwd lineup

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • Sang rimau on Mar 20, 2025 at 7:41 am

      Seems I can’t buy the budget a class already. A45, A180

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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