Mercedes A-Class Going Back to Egg-Shaped Minivan Design for 2028

Coming in 2028

Mercedes-Benz is slated to reveal the next-generation A-Class in 2028. While it was never sold as a hatchback in the U.S, it briefly appeared in sedan form from 2019 to 2022. It wasn’t a massive hit, though, as more flocked to the sleeker CLA. However, it’s long been a staple in the company’s European lineup for nearly 30 years.

So, what’s next for Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level offering? Well, it appears that it will be undergoing a radical redesign. At least that’s according to a report from Automobilwoche. It’s said that it will adopt a minivan/MPV look with some inspiration from crossovers.

Going Back to Its Roots?

For those who remember, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class started out as a tall hatchback that echoed MPV designs from back in the day. Despite the small footprint, it offered a decent amount of passenger space inside, and there was even a long-wheelbase model offered later on.

The A-Class followed that form for two generations until it shifted to a more conventional hatchback design for its third iteration. The ‘mini-MPV’ look was adapted by the B-Class in 2005 and has served as Mercedes-Benz’s more practical alternative to the A-Class since then. However, the B-Class won’t be around for that much longer.

What to Expect

Speaking to Automobilwoche, Mercedes-Benz development chief Jörg Burzer said the next A-Class “will be a model that doesn’t currently exist in this form.” With the discontinuation of the B-Class later this year, there’s a good chance that the A-Class will be picking up the slack. It was also claimed that both A-Class and B-Class will be consolidated into one model by sources close to the matter.

It’s worth pointing out that a previous report mentioned the A-Class being replaced by a different kind of car. At the time, we wrote that it’ll slot below the GLA and that it’ll be more affordable than the CLA. We reckon this model will be around the size of the outgoing B-Class, but with a little bit of extra ground clearance.

Given that it will be pitched as a more practical proposition, it seems unlikely that it’ll get an AMG version. If so, it probably explains the report from months ago wherein the A45 could be cancelled before the end of 2026. Mercedes-Benz is already in the process of removing the four-cylinder AMG models, starting with the C-Class and GLC.

The Challenge

We won’t know what the final product will look like until 2028, but it’s safe to say that we won’t see a low-slung hatchback anymore. It also appears that the A-Class sedan won’t live to see another generation, given the model’s new direction. Well, there’s the CLA to cater to those looking for a small Mercedes-Benz sedan.

However, this move leaves the brand without a hatchback. Over in Europe, hatchbacks are still a big deal despite a sliding market share, and rivals Audi and BMW could take all the spoils with their A3 and 1 Series models. Sure, giving it some SUV appeal might help sales, but the challenge now will be differentiating it from the GLA and GLB crossovers. Either way, it’s a bold move from Mercedes-Benz, and the final product has us all curious about it. Hopefully, it doesn’t suffer the same fate as the B-Class.