Mercedes-Benz has made an official announcement regarding the future of the A-Class hatchback. Contrary to previous plans to discontinue the fourth-generation model this year, the luxury car manufacturer has decided to extend its production until 2026 in international markets. This decision is part of Mercedes' revised approach towards its electric vehicle (EV) strategy.
Mercedes-Benz's Revised EV Strategy
Originally, Mercedes-Benz was committed to an electric-first strategy with a goal to have a complete EV lineup by 2030. However, the company's CEO has indicated a shift in this plan, acknowledging that the transformation from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs is not a straightforward path. Challenges such as the price gap between EVs and ICE vehicles have led to a more "flexible" model strategy which aims to offer a variety of drivetrain options including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric.
Next-Generation A-Class and CLA
The decision to extend the A-Class production has also led to modifications at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, Germany. These changes allow for the production of vehicles based on both the MFA compact car platform and its successor the electric-oriented MMA platform. The MMA platform is designed to support different drivetrains, ensuring that future models like the third-generation CLA can be offered with ICE, PHEV, and EV configurations.
The upcoming CLA, set to be the first model on the MMA platform, will feature multiple powertrain options. It will be powered by Mercedes' M282 petrol engine, which will also be used in future models from Geely, Lynk&Co, and Volvo. The electric versions of the CLA will come with single or dual-motor setups, with various battery options providing ranges of up to 750km.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class in India
In India, the Mercedes A-Class hatchback is currently available only in the high-performance AMG A 45 variant, priced at Rs 93.40 lakh. The sedan version, known as the A-Class Limousine, is offered in A 200 and A 200d variants, with prices starting at Rs 43.80 lakh and Rs 46.30 lakh, respectively. Both the hatchback and sedan versions received facelifts in May of the previous year.
The extension of the Mercedes A-Class production and the introduction of the next-generation CLA signify a bright future for the brand's compact car lineup. With a more flexible approach towards powertrain options Mercedes-Benz is poised to cater to a wider range of customer preferences while navigating the challenges of the automotive industry's transition to electric mobility.