With many more car launches on the way starting with the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, the German carmaker will have to axe a few models from its catalogue to make some more room. The first of which will be the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, as reported by Carscoops.
The discontinuation of the A-Class model was confirmed last week, during the reveal of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA. Chief technical officer Markus Schafer said that the reason for cutting the A-Class from production is to reduce complexity in its line-up.
“We need models that work all over the world, including China and the USA. I know the hatchback is the favourite bodystyle in Europe, but it was not part of the plans, and we had to make choices – even difficult ones.” said Schafer.
“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.” he adds.
READ: Mercedes-Benz confirms 4 new entry-level cars based on MMA platform – Drops A-Class hatchback?
As bummed out as we are about the impending death of Mercedes-Benz’s only hatchback model, we kind of saw it coming for a while now, with rumours swirling about the fate of the A-Class as early as 2022.
In 2023, during the reveal of the Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class, the Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius said that there will be four new models built on the MMA platform. Kallenius later confirmed in a LinkedIn post that it’ll be a four-door coupe, a shooting brake, and two new ‘stunning SUVs’ – with no mention of the A-Class.
READ: Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class unveiled – 750km range, 250kW DC charging, roof-mounted LiDAR
In addition to the A-Class hatchback and sedan being axed from the German marque’s portfolio, other models slated for the chopping block also include the B-Class. At the same time, the EQA and EQB electric (EV) SUVs will also transition to using the GLA and GLB names respectively alongside a uniform design language – much like the CLA. Buyers will only need to choose between the different powertrain options, instead of having to look at completely separate models.
Prospecting buyers can still buy a brand-new A-Class hatchback now. Carscoops also reported that the A-Class will continue to stick around until 2026 before it’s gone for good.
Right here in Malaysia, both the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback and sedans are still on sale today. For the sedan variants, we have the A200 with a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine and 48V mild hybrid system. Altogether, it produces a combined 165 hp and 273 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Century sprint time is achieved in just 8.3 seconds and towards a top speed of 230 km/h.
Meanwhile, the more powerful A250 4Matic gets a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, paired to the same 48V mild hybrid system. Unsurprisingly, it has more power at 224 hp and 350 Nm of torque, and is sent to to all four wheels instead of two. Zero to 100 km/h is accomplished in 6.4 seconds before it tops out at 250 km/h.
Rounding off the sedan trio is the range-topping Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic. Though running on the same powerplant as the A250 4Matic, the 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine has been uprated to churn out 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque to all four wheels. The range topper gets an eight-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, which clocks in a 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds and rated top speed of 250 km/h.
For the hatchback option, we only get one model in the form of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+. It also packs a (different) 2.0-litre turbocharged engine underneath the bonnet, but is the only one that is not hybridised – and still built by hand under the One Man One Engine ethos. Unsurprisingly, it’s the most powerful A-Class model with 421 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
Also paired with an eight-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, The A45 S can complete the century sprint in just 3.9 seconds, before maxing out at a top speed of 270 km/h.
Video: 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class facelift, from RM239k – 5 Things
