Mercedes A-Class Brings Back Its Compact Star In 2028

Mercedes A-Class was never a particularly beloved child within Mercedes. But the German manufacturer now needs this model to give sales a new boost, which is why a completely new generation will be launched in 2028.
 

Launched in 1997, the Mercedes A-Class has had a turbulent history. Just a few months after its debut, it rolled over in the then-new “moose test.” However, Mercedes quickly fixed the issue, and in February 1998 it presented an improved version at the Barcelona circuit, featuring standard ESP and revised suspension.
 
The first and second generations (W168 from 1997 and W169 from 2004) were built on an original “sandwich” structure that provided high crash safety and excellent interior space relative to the car’s length.
 
In 2012, the third generation (W176) appeared on a new platform, MFA. At that point, the A-Class abandoned the sandwich structure and its minivan-like shape in favor of a classic hatchback body, competing with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
 
In 2018, the MFA platform was updated into MFA 2, underpinning the fourth generation. However, this generation also had a troubled story. The new luxury-focused strategy introduced in 2020 by Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius effectively put the A-Class on the back burner.
 
The model was scheduled to be discontinued in 2025, but at the Munich Motor Show in autumn 2025, Källenius announced it would remain in production until 2028. A few months ago, to reduce costs, Mercedes also announced it would move A-Class production from Rastatt to Kecskemét, Hungary, where it will be built alongside the new CLA and both the current and future GLA.
 
More recently came the big news: the Mercedes A-Class will get a completely new successor on the MMA platform in 2028. Better late than never, as the CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, and GLB moved to a new generation in 2025, while the GLA will follow in 2026.
 
So, although it had been announced that the future compact lineup would have only four models, in 2028 there will be five: alongside the Mercedes CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLA, and GLB, a fifth-generation A-Class will join the range.
 
Built on the MMA platform, the future A-Class will offer both mild-hybrid and fully electric versions. The electric version will compete with the future Audi A2 and a possible BMW i1 built on the new Neue Klasse architecture.
 
The design of the A-Class will not be revolutionary. It will adopt the new front-end styling familiar from the CLA and retain a classic hatchback silhouette similar to the last two generations. The doors will have framed windows, unlike the frameless design of the CLA.
 
There were some rumors that the A-Class might adopt a minivan body style again, but it seems Mercedes has abandoned that idea, as this type of body is no longer popular.
 
Instead, there are rumors that the future A-Class could have slightly increased ground clearance to accommodate the raised floor of the electric version. However, despite some speculation, it will not take on a crossover appearance—this role will remain reserved for the GLA.
 
Like the new CLA, the A-Class will have a slightly longer wheelbase than the current generation to make room for the 85 kWh net battery in the electric version. The electric model will feature rear-wheel drive, while the internal combustion version will have front-wheel drive. However, both versions will also offer all-wheel-drive variants.
 
The base electric version will feature a rear-mounted motor producing around 224 hp (similar to the CLA 200 EQ), powered by a 58 kWh net LFP battery, and could cost under €45,000, given that the current CLA 200 EQ costs €49,270. This will be followed by a CLA 250+ version with 272 hp and a top variant with dual motors producing 354 hp, both paired with the larger 85 kWh battery. An AMG version with around 500 hp is also not out of the question.
 
The gasoline versions will be based on a new 1.5-liter turbo engine developed by Mercedes and produced by Geely in China, featuring second-generation mild-hybrid technology with a more powerful 30 hp electric motor integrated into an 8-speed automatic transmission. As with the CLA, multiple power levels will be available, ranging from 136 to 190 hp (with total hybrid system output between 156 and 220 hp).
 
Thus, the future A-Class will once again become the entry-level model in the Mercedes lineup, the brand’s most affordable electric vehicle, and Mercedes hopes it will help regain market share in the compact segment, whose sales dropped below 500,000 units in 2025 from over 600,000 between 2018 and 2020.