Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Rolf]

This new GLA looks a whole lot sportier than the current model. I also am hoping it has the new GLC grill instead of a million stars grill from the CLA.

Some other news, which I think is good news, it looks like the A-class will have a successor afterall.

Next compact series based on MMA
Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius confirmed at the auto-motor-und-sport congress that there will be a successor to the A-Class. It's striking, however, that all Mercedes executives are avoiding the term "A-Class." The new entry-level model could therefore have a different name. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), allowing for both pure electric drivetrains and hybrid solutions.

The future of the A-Class had actually been sealed long ago – and it looked bleak. As recently as March 2025, Mercedes officially announced that it would not develop a successor to the compact model. The new CLA was intended to take on the role of the entry-level model, while the Stuttgart-based company consistently focused its strategy on luxury and strong margins. But now comes a spectacular turnaround: At the auto motor und sport congress, CEO Ola Källenius personally confirmed that there will be a new entry-level model when the current A-Class is discontinued at the end of 2027 – although the Mercedes CEO avoids the term "A-Class." This suggests that the new base Benz will not necessarily be a compact hatchback sedan and, accordingly, will no longer be called the "A-Class."
Dealer pressure, customer demand, and strategic foresight were the deciding factors. For many customers, the A-Class is their first point of contact with the Mercedes-Benz star. Anyone who loses this entry point may also lose potential buyers for the larger models in the long run. Mercedes wants to avoid this – and is seizing the opportunity to significantly upgrade the segment's technology with a fresh entry-level model series.

Auf MMA-Basis: Ola Källenius bestätigt Einstiegsmodell

Mercedes-Chef Ola Källenius hat auf dem auto-motor-und-sport-Kongress bestätigt, dass es einen Nachfolger der A-Klasse geben wird. Auffällig ist dabei allerdings, dass sämtliche Mercedes-Verantwortlichen den Begriff "A-Klasse" vermeiden. Das neue Einstiegsmodell könnte also anders heißen. Es...

www.auto-motor-und-sport.de

 

[Merc1]

I don’t think they need another entry level car other than the CLA imo, but it’s not a hatch or sedan then what’s it? Another crossover doesn’t fit.

M

 

[Gor134]

I don’t think they need another entry level car other than the CLA imo, but it’s not a hatch or sedan then what’s it?

Perhaps return of the B-Class, or a B-Class esque model to go against the upcoming A2 thing

 

[Ozy]

This design language would fit the GLS very well. The grill is already expected to be somewhat similar, and the stars are placed on the sides too in the headlights, but this is cleaner for sure. That rear looks good too.

 

[Centurion]

My only dislike are the tail lights. Too Chinese generic. I think I would prefer bigger tail lights with graphics that include stars.

 

[SNB]

This design language would fit the GLS very well. The grill is already expected to be somewhat similar, and the stars are placed on the sides too in the headlights, but this is cleaner for sure. That rear looks good too.

Would look great and give the Range Rover a run for its money. Unfortunately we all know that Mercedes won’t do it.