Mercedes discontinued the A-Class in the USA after the 2022 mannequin yr, however the firm’s smallest sedan continues to be round in different markets. Moreover, it’s additionally offered as a hatchback – the one automobile with this physique type to hold the three-pointed star. Nonetheless, each flavors usually are not lengthy for this world. The agency’s Chief Know-how Officer has introduced the A-Class lineup won’t be renewed after the current-generation fashions die.

Talking with Italian journal Quattroruote, Markus Schäfer reaffirmed the choice to reduce the compact automobile choices from seven to 4 fashions. The reasoning behind the choice has to do with slicing prices by specializing in fashions which have a broader attraction. Europeans might love their hatchbacks, however that’s not sufficient to outlive in these difficult instances for the automotive trade. The A-Class hatch goes away, and so is the A-Class Sedan. Consequently, the brand new CLA will develop into the model’s entry-level automobile.

“Decreasing complexity is a key activity for us, which is why reducing the compact household from seven to 4 fashions was crucial on this phase. We’d like fashions that can work around the globe, together with China and the U.S. I do know the hatchback is a favourite in Europe, however it was not a part of the plan and we needed to make decisions, together with tough ones.”

One other Mercedes mannequin going the best way of the dodo is the B-Class, the smallest minivan within the lineup. That leaves the CLA, CLA Capturing Brake, GLA, and the GLB on the backside of the portfolio. A smaller G-Class can be coming, however the CTO informed Quattroruote it received’t be mechanically associated to these 4 automobiles. Relatively than sitting on the MMA platform, it’ll undertake a unique structure for higher off-road capabilities in order that it’ll be worthy of the “G” title.

Mercedes not too long ago introduced plans to desert the separate EQ lineup, which signifies that the following generations of the absolutely electrical EQA and EQB can be built-in into the GLA and GLB households. We’re additionally anticipating to see electrical variants of the upcoming CLA Capturing Brake. All 4 can be obtainable as mild-hybrids based mostly round a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine.

Many would argue that Mercedes should not have chased quantity with these lower-tier merchandise within the first place. That is debatable, however we’re actually going to overlook the A35 and A45 scorching hatches. We do agree there is not any place for 2 sedans in the identical phase, so killing the four-door A-Class to let the fancier CLA shine does make sense. As for the B-Class, few will miss it.