Mercedes-Benz Killed the A-Class and B-Class: Will Other Models Be Next?
Mercedes-Benz has many successful luxury car models in its lineup, such as the C-Class, E-Class, GLC-Class, and GLE-Class. However, the German automaker has some relatively unprofitable models as well, including the A-Class Sedan/Hatchback and B-Class minivan. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that Mercedes-Benz decided to kill the A-Class and B-Class.
When will the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class be discontinued?
In May, Mercedes-Benz revealed a new initiative to focus on vehicles that sell in lower volume — but have higher margins, as detailed by CarScoops and Motor Authority. This strategy includes scaling back its entry-level compact car range.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius previously hinted that the automaker will discontinue three models from its seven-member compact car range when a redesigned range is introduced in 2025. Earlier this week, Germany’s Handelsblatt reported that the three discontinued models will be the A-Class Sedan, A-Class Hatchback, and B-Class minivan. Mercedes-Benz will discontinue the A-Class and B-Class after production of the current generation ends in 2025.
Why did Mercedes-Benz kill the A-Class and B-Class?
As mentioned earlier, Mercedes-Benz will shift its focus to low volume, high margin luxury car models. The A-Class is the opposite of this. Worldwide, it’s one of the best-selling vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It sells especially well in Europe, with nearly 120,000 units sold in 2021.
However, the profit margins are too thin for the A-Class and its minivan counterpart, the B-Class. Also, the unprofitability of the A-Class and B-Class likely became more of an issue as Mercedes-Benz, like other automakers, faces more cost pressures from the rising prices of materials and energy.
The global discontinuation of the A-Class and B-Class in 2025 likely won’t be too big of a deal for most American fans of Mercedes-Benz, though. The automaker only sells the A-Class sedan in the United States, and it discontinued the B-Class for the American market in 2017.
Also, Mercedes-Benz already made the decision to kill the A-Class in the U.S. after the 2022 model year. The automaker introduced the fourth-generation A-Class in 2018. While the A-Class will get a mid-cycle update for international markets for the 2023 model year, production will soon end for the U.S. market.
Will Mercedes-Benz discontinue other luxury compact cars, such as the CLA-Class, GLA-Class, and GLB-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz luxury compact car models are relatively unprofitable, so the A-Class Sedan/Hatchback and B-Class got the ax. But what about the other four models of the seven-member Mercedes-Benz compact car range? Will Mercedes-Benz discontinue the CLA-Class Coupe, CLA-Class Shooting Brake fastback wagon, and GLA-Class and GLB-Class crossover SUVs as well?
Mercedes-Benz will not kill off these models, for the automaker greenlit the next-generation versions. They will possibly have plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains and feature the new MB.OS infotainment system.
The next-generation CLA, GLA, and GLB will also utilize the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). While Mercedes-Benz designed the new architecture primarily for electric vehicles, it’s likely compatible with internal combustion and hybrid engines as well. The MMA will be the last Mercedes-Benz platform to do so, for all future platforms will only be for electric cars.
