Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Design FIRST]

I think you’re severely jaded my friend.

M

You want to see "jaded" ? Hold my beer.

Little leaves me more averse and at the same time jaded than the increasing brouhaha regarding the luxury "people carriers". Regardless of brand or headquarter base of the manufacturer. I cannot get that "commercial van with extravagant interior and loads of makeup" image out of my head.

 

[multiflex86]

Good morning everyone. But will the new VLE and VLS be electric only or will they also have diesel and petrol engines?

 

[Rolf]

Sigh. I saw the “crossover and minivan styling” and exited immediately. A-Class is one of the best looking premium hatchbacks, shame that it’s gonna become something like that.

The first 2x Gen A-class models were crossovers with their ingenious platform provided interior space and practicality unmatched amongst small cars. They both also provided a platform very well suited for an EV powertrain, Unfortunately they came out at the wrong time and would be better in the current environment. The 2nd gen model was very good to drive and felt like a real Mercedes inside with a decent sized boot. The overall driving experience of the first gen model was its biggest shortfall and the 2nd gen model perhaps was not as sharp as the equivalent Golf to drive,

 

[Jonathan19]

Hot! Post in thread 'News and Rumors about Mercedes-AMG'

Yesterday at 5:59 AM

Little leak for this forum, 449hp and 600 Nm

• Jonathan19

• 
• 

 

[Uygar]

The first 2x Gen A-class models were crossovers with their ingenious platform provided interior space and practicality unmatched amongst small cars. They both also provided a platform very well suited for an EV powertrain, Unfortunately they came out at the wrong time and would be better in the current environment. The 2nd gen model was very good to drive and felt like a real Mercedes inside with a decent sized boot. The overall driving experience of the first gen model was its biggest shortfall and the 2nd gen model perhaps was not as sharp as the equivalent Golf to drive,

They looked goofy as hell though. Current generation A-Class is a really good looking hatchback.

 

[Design FIRST]

Current generation A-Class is a really good looking hatchback.

Solely based on it's exterior design, I'd even go as far as to say that the current A-Class hatchback is the most compelling M-B PERIOD. Very clean, no nonsense, timeless design. IMHO, a very eye appealling automobile.

 

[Uygar]

Solely based on it's exterior design, I'd even go as far as to say that the current A-Class hatchback is the most compelling M-B PERIOD. Very clean, no nonsense, timeless design. IMHO, a very eye appealling automobile.

Exactly. I always liked the way it looks. Perhaps the rear end could be better, but it looks great from the front 3/4. I despise the sedan version though, it looks so stupid. I hate when manufacturers turn hatchbacks into sedans, they always look awful. Same story with 2er GC as well.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Exactly. I always liked the way it looks. Perhaps the rear end could be better, but it looks great from the front 3/4. I despise the sedan version though, it looks so stupid. I hate when manufacturers turn hatchbacks into sedans, they always look awful. Same story with 2er GC as well.

It's even more puzzling when the CLA exists.

 

[Uygar]

It's even more puzzling when the CLA exists.

Yeap, talked about this the other day. So many unnecessary models that exist at the same time. Thankfully they got rid of the A-Class sedan.
B-Class will be pointless too, since the next generation A-Class is going fully crossover-minivan style.

 

[Centurion]

Yeap, talked about this the other day. So many unnecessary models that exist at the same time. Thankfully they got rid of the A-Class sedan.
B-Class will be pointless too, since the next generation A-Class is going fully crossover-minivan style.

Personally I prefer the shape of the A-class sedan. Reminds me of the 190E. Compact sedan. However I think that younger buyers preferred the coupe shape of the CLA which I think sold better. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Uygar]

Personally I prefer the shape of the A-class sedan. Reminds me of the 190E. Compact sedan. However I think that younger buyers preferred the coupe shape of the CLA which I think sold better. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I don’t know about the official sales figures but I’m pretty sure CLA sold better, and also looked better. Design is subjective though. I personally don’t like sedans with a short ass.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

I don’t know about the official sales figures but I’m pretty sure CLA sold better, and also looked better. Design is subjective though. I personally don’t like sedans with a short ass.

I get it. You like em with a dump truck

 

[leylandi]

Mercedes-Benz confirms A-Class successor on new MMA platform
Mercedes-Benz is launching a fifth model based on the MMA platform, intended to replace the A-Class and appeal primarily to younger customers in Europe. The "A-Class successor" will be positioned independently, below the CLA.

Independent Entry-Level Model

The new vehicle will not be a classic compact car, but rather a compact crossover with a fresh design. The goal is a practical, everyday premium vehicle for urban customers that clearly differentiates itself from the CLA. The new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform enables hybrid and electric powertrains and guarantees modern safety and efficiency standards. The entry-level model leverages this flexibility to offer an attractive, future-proof product.

Market Launch for the A-Class Successor

The market launch is planned for early 2028, with production likely to take place at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary. The current A-Class will continue to be produced for several more years to facilitate the transition.

Strategic Importance of the A-Class

With the new model variant – initially still in the planning stages – Mercedes secures its premium entry point into the brand. The crossover is intended to appeal particularly to young buyers in Europe who want to combine design, technology, and everyday practicality. This step was more than necessary to attract younger customers with a model positioned below the CLA, as has been the case for decades with the A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz bestätigt A-Klasse-Nachfolger auf neuer MMA-Plattform

Mercedes-Benz bestätigt A-Klasse-Nachfolger auf neuer MMA-Plattform: Kompaktes Crossover für junge Kunden in Europa, Markteinführung 2028.

mbpassion.de

 

[Merc1]

That is interesting, but how will this be differentiated from the GLA? I would suggest a really funky design inside and out. I would also ask if this would have been better as a Smart?

M

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

That is interesting, but how will this be differentiated from the GLA? I would suggest a really funky design inside and out. I would also ask if this would have been better as a Smart?

M

Maybe the successor to the B class

 

[Design FIRST]

I don’t know about the official sales figures but I’m pretty sure CLA sold better, and also looked better. Design is subjective though. I personally don’t like sedans with a short ass.

Personally, I've always perceived the A-Class sedan to look quite good when viewed in the metal in real-life environments. In fact, I actually prefer it to the MMA CLA. The MMA CLA oddly reminds me of a tricycle covered with a padded cape.

 

[Merc1]

The A35 Sedan was an absolute riot to drive. Hated to see it go. Thing is when Mercedes made plans for a CLA and A_Class sedans, sedans were probably still hugely popular. There was never a need for both here in the USA.

M

 

[klier]

The X6 truly was a canon event in the motoring industry. And not in a good way.

CLS likewise

 

[klugscheisser87]

I hope we are all prepared.
We still didn‘t see the worst looking Benz yet

 

[Merc1]

The grille without the light bar would be fine imo. I still think the C EV will be the worst one. Either way the looks won’t be my main concern here, the refinement, engines, driving, interior will be far more crucial to the VLE’s success. It can’t just be a leathered up panel van.

M