Mercedes-Benz A-Class to be axed, including AMG A35 and A45: Confirmed

03/23/2025 06:00 PM

The current Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback will be the last, with the car maker confirming no replacement will be introduced as it looks to simplify its global line-up after a torrid 2024.

Confirmation the current fourth-generation A-Class – launched globally in 2018 and updated in 2023 – will not be renewed came from Markus Schafer, Mercedes-Benz's chief technology officer, development and procurement, speaking to Italian publication Quattroruote.

"We need models that will work around the world, including China and the US [United States]. I know the hatchback is a favourite in Europe, but it was not part of the plan and we had to make choices, including difficult ones," Mr Schafer told Quattroruote.

How long has the Mercedes-Benz A-Class been available?

With the previous generations of A-Class on sale for around six to seven years – although the second-gen W169 endured the Global Financial Crisis to run for more than eight years between 2004-2012 – this gives the current car potentially only months left in global showrooms.

MORE:2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift revealed, due in Australia next year

The move is part of a number of compact models to be culled which also spelled the end for the Mercedes-Benz B-Class small SUV, dropped from Australian showrooms in 2023, with the car maker focusing on models with broader global appeal.

This also seemingly puts an end to Mercedes’ AMG-tuned hot and hyper hatchbacks in the form of the A35 and A45 respectively.

Why is Mercedes-Benz discontinuing the A-Class?

"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," Schafer said.

The streamlined compact range will include the CLA sedan, CLA shooting brake (wagon), GLA and GLB SUVs; a 'baby G-Class' off-roader will also be introduced, although this will use a different platform to the four compact passenger vehicles.

The A-Class's departure after it was first introduced in 1997 globally makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA the new entry point to the brand as its most affordable model.

Will the CLA also be axed?

The next-generation CLA – confirmed for Australian showrooms in 2026 – will be the first vehicle on the brand's new 'electric first' MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) shared across the four compact models.

The 2026 CLA will also be offered in both hybrid and battery-electric forms – the hybrid using a petrol engine from Mercedes-Benz stakeholder, Geely – although local prices and features are yet to be announced.

Mercedes-Benz also cancelled a larger dedicated electric car platform – the 'MB.EA' architecture – planned for follow-up models to the electric EQE and EQS electric sedans, choosing to use existing platforms instead. 

In 2024, Mercedes-Benz Group sold 2.4 million passenger cars and vans, a four per cent year-on-year decline.

The numbers include a 22 per cent fall in electric vehicle sales as the brand revised its product strategies, including indefinitely postponing plans to sell electric vehicles only from 2030 – a step also taken by rivals including Audi, Porsche, and Alfa Romeo.

Last year BMW ended Mercedes-Benz' 11-year run as the top-selling luxury car brand in Australia, outselling its German rival by 6352 with 26,341 sales, with Audi third on 15,333 sales.

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