The Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback and sedan won’t be axed in 2026, with the German automaker confirming its entry-level model will stay in production until 2028 at least, due to strong sales in Europe.
Automobilwoche reported word from Mercedes-Benz officials that the brand would extend the life of the current-gen ‘W177’ A-Class – originally launched in 2018 – by a further two years.
The automaker based the decision on strong sales of the A-Class in its key market of Europe, although sales have fallen in the first half of 2025.
Mercedes-Benz head of production Jorg Burzer confirmed the extension of A-Class production to Automobilwoche but didn’t provide an end-date to the existing model’s life.
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The automaker’s chief technology officer, Markus Schafer, told Italian auto publication Quattroruote earlier this year the current A-Class will be the last as the brand looks to simplify its showroom lineup.
“Reducing complexity is a key task for us, which is why decreasing the compact family from seven to four models was necessary in this segment,” Mr Schafer told Quattroruote.
The simplified compact model line will comprise the CLA sedan, CLA shooting brake (wagon) and GLA and GLB crossover SUVs, all of which will use the new MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) that supports both combustion and electric powertrains.
The first of these new MMA-based Mercedes-Benz models is the third-generation CLA, revealed in March 2025 and due in local showrooms in 2026. Its Shooting Brake sibling is also under consideration for Australia.
The current B-Class – dropped from Australian showrooms in 2023 but still on sale elsewhere – was also launched in 2018 and, according to Automobilwoche, remains with unchanged plans for production to end in 2026 as planned, with no replacement in the works.
Mercedes-Benz has recently revised its electric car strategy, confirming it’s moving away from the controversial design elements found in EVs like the EQS. It also admitted its G-Class EV (electric vehicle) is a “complete flop”.
