Mercedes has just launched the third generation of the CLA, offering a choice between EV and hybrid powertrains. However, there’s some bad news for fans of the A-Class: the brand’s Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schafer, confirmed that the sleek compact sedan won’t be followed by a new A-Class.

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Rumors about the death of the A-Class after the end of the current generation’s lifecycle have been circulating since 2022, and now we have official confirmation. During the presentation of the new CLA, Schafer revealed that Mercedes won’t develop a successor to their sole hatchback offering and explained why.

The Future of Mercedes’ Compact Models

“We need models that work all over the world, including China and the USA. I know the hatchback is the favorite bodystyle in Europe, but it was not part of the plans, and we had to make choices—even difficult ones,” he said. “Reducing complexity is a key task for us. For this reason, bringing the compact family from seven to four models was necessary in this segment.”

Aside from the new CLA in sedan and shooting brake flavors, Mercedes’ compact lineup will now include new generations of the GLA and GLB SUVs, plus a baby G-Class off-roader.

Unfortunately, that also means some models won’t make it past the current generation, including the Class hatchback, A-Class sedan, and B-Class minivan. Furthermore, the fully electric EQA and EQB SUVs are expected to be integrated into the new GLA and GLB lineups, dropping the EQ moniker and adopting a more uniform design.

The End of an Era for the A-Class

Last year it was reported that the current A-Class will stick around until 2026 before bowing out of production. The four generations of the entry-level Mercedes were introduced in 1997, 2004, 2012, and 2018 respectively. The first two competed in the supermini segment with a tall body and minivan proportions, while the third and fourth-gen models adopted a more conventional hatchback bodystyle with a larger footprint.

The A-Class was discontinued from US and Canada after the end of 2022, but remains on sale in other markets including Europe, after benefiting from a mid-lifecycle update. The upcoming end of the model also marks the conclusion of the A45 AMG hot hatch.

A Different Platform for the g-Class

The new CLA is built on the MMA architecture, which will also underpin the upcoming GLA and GLB SUVs. However, the baby G-Class will take a different route in order to maintain its rugged, off-road-ready character. Speaking to Quattroruote, Schafer confirmed that the baby G-Class will not share the same platform: “The baby G will not be born on the MMA, because if we had used the new platform, we would not have been able to guarantee it the off-road capabilities that a G-Class must have.”

“We use the available modules to the maximum of the sharing possibilities, from powertrains to software, but for the baby G we will make a specific base – the MMA would not allow us to mount the wheels of the diameter necessary for a model of this kind, nor to give it the necessary ground clearance”.

More: Mercedes Teases Baby G-Class, Electric E-Class, And More, V8 And V12 Live On

Mercedes has also confirmed that the baby G-Class will adopt a lowercase “g” for its name. A teaser from February 2025 hints that the model will have a compact footprint, generous ground clearance, and a boxy shape reminiscent of the original short-wheelbase G-Wagen from 1979.

Mercedes unveiled the redesigned CLA yesterday and new details are starting to emerge about the upcoming AMG variants. In particular, the CLA 45 could return as an electric vehicle packing more than 500 ponies.

While officials were understandably tight-lipped about the upcoming model, Mercedes Chief Technical Officer, Markus Schäfer, told Autocar that they have “established a second pillar when it comes to powertrains – keyword Yasa.” That’s a not so subtle reference to axial flux motors developed by their Yasa subsidiary.

More: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power

Axial flux motors were expected to be used in high-end models, such as the AMG SUV, but they won’t be limited to the crème de la crème. Quite the opposite as Schäfer said they’ll  be “available to us across all model lines.”

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Additional details are limited, but the publication suggested the CLA 45 EV could have a tri-motor powertrain with “advanced torque-vectoring properties.” Insiders have also indicated the car could have more than 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS), which would be a significant increase over the current model’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 416 hp (310 kW / 422 PS). This enables the CLA 45 S to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in four seconds flat.

While the standard model has an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the AMG version will reportedly use an “oil-cooled battery that features unique cylindrical cells and chemistry for greater energy density.” We can also expect an active rear wing as well as a so-called “V8 Mode,” which could replicate the sound of a roaring V8.

The Mercedes CLA helped pioneer the affordable four-door coupe and now the model is entering its third-generation. While the design isn’t too much of a departure, this isn’t your father’s CLA.

That’s immediately apparent as the new electric variants have a ‘radiant face panel’ that replaces the traditional single bar grille. It features an illuminated star emblem as well as 142 individually lit mini stars.

More: Mercedes Teases Baby G-Class, Electric E-Class, And More

Buyers will also find sweptback headlights that are connected by a thin illuminated strip. LED headlights are standard, but the optional Multibeam LED headlights are notable for having a daytime running light signature in the form of the Mercedes-Benz star.

While the front end will likely prove divisive, the rest of the car is more familiar. It features streamlined bodywork, available flush-mounted door handles, and a class-leading drag coefficient starting at 0.21.

Elsewhere, designers installed starry taillights and aerodynamically optimized wheels ranging in sizes from 17- to 19-inches. Customers will also find a host of options including AMG Line, AMG Line Plus, and Night packages.

As with most new vehicles, the Mercedes CLA has grown in size. The model now measures 185.9 inches (4,722 mm) long, which is an increase of 1.6 inches (41 mm). Wheelbase is up 2.4 inches (61 mm) to 109.8 inches (2,789 mm) and this provides a tad more front legroom. However, the already tight rear seat sees legroom decline to 33.6 inches (853 mm).

A Soulless Interior Focused On Screens And AI

Remember how cool and revolutionary the interior of the original Mercedes CLS was? Its elegant mix of flowing wood trim and stylish leather was unforgettable.

Compare that to the new CLA and it looks like a soulless transportation pod. Mercedes went for a minimalist design and it’s not terribly remarkable other than the available MBUX Superscreen, which consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display. Customers who don’t pony up the extra dough will be treated to a “trim element with a star pattern graphic” to remind them of their cheapness.

We’ll learn full equipment details closer to launch, but Mercedes said all models will come equipped with a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, heated power fronts seats, a panoramic fixed glass roof, and a single-zone climate control system. Customers will also find brushed aluminum, open-pore wood, or “Gold Anthracite anodized look” trim.

While legroom is a mixed bag, Mercedes noted the CLA EV has a frunk that holds 2.5 cubic feet (71 liters) of cargo. That’s on top of the trunk’s 14.3 cubic feet (405 liters) of luggage space.

Getting back to screens, the CLA runs the all-new Mercedes-Benz Operating System. It’s essentially the fourth-generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system and uses artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google.

Mercedes repeatedly hammered the AI point home and noted customers will find a new MBUX Virtual Assistant that “transforms the relationship between vehicle and driver” thanks to generative AI. This assistant is billed as a “living avatar” that takes the form of a Mercedes star.

Speaking of AI, the system uses ChatGPT4o and Microsoft Bing as well as Google Gemini. The latter focuses on navigation-related questions and this is because the CLA’s “navigation experience is based on Google Maps.”

Two Electric Powertrains At Launch, Hybrids To Follow

At launch, there will be two electric variants known as the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. While both have terrible names, the CLA 250+ has a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 6.6 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Customers can also expect a WLTP range of 431-492 miles (694-792 km).

The CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology is positioned as a performance variant and it has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra oomph and traction, 60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds. While the top speed remains unchanged, the range drops to 418-479 miles (672-771 km).

Both have an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an 800-volt electric architecture that allows for a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW. This means a ten minute charge can provide up to 202 miles (325 km) of range.

The EVs will be followed by a hybrid variant as Mercedes customers aren’t ready to go fully electric. The automaker didn’t say much about it, but confirmed there will be two outputs as well as front- and all-wheel drive. The models will have a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1.3 kWh battery, 48-volt technology, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Update 3/11: Mercedes has just confirmed that the new CLA will make its world premiere this Thursday, March 13, at 7 PM CET (2 PM EST). Along with the announcement, the automaker dropped a few fresh teasers of the compact model, with a strong focus on the star-shaped lights. This theme seems to be a major design element for the CLA, as the stars appear not only in the head and tail lamps but also across the entire front grille, illuminated by dozens of small star-shaped lights.

The redesigned Mercedes CLA has been a familiar sight for the past two years, but the model is finally entering the homestretch. It’s now celebrating by stripping down and showing some skin. While the front and rear ends are heavily camouflaged, the latest prototype has an exposed body. It’s immediately familiar, but incorporates some cues from the EQE and EQS.

More: Mercedes Details New CLA’s Two EV And Three Hybrid Powertrains

The changes are readily apparent as we can see streamlined bodywork as well as flush-mounted door handles. The greenhouse has also been completely revamped and it’s an awkward mess as the third quarter glass extends into the rear door. As a result, there’s mismatched lines and an unappealing mix of shapes.

At the ends, there are star-infused lighting units which have become a hallmark of the modern Mercedes. They’re joined by an evolutionary single bar grille and new bumpers.

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The redesigned CLA will debut next year and ride on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture. The company has revealed quite a bit in recent months and has previously confirmed an electric variant with a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS).

Customers can also opt for a 4Matic variant, which adds a 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS) motor up front. It only has a ‘boost’ capability as the motor engages when extra power or traction is needed.

SH Proshots

We’ll learn more about the electric powertrain closer to launch, but Mercedes has already confirmed the CLA has an 800-volt electrical architecture as well as a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW. The company also has plans to offer an optional 85 kWh silicon oxide battery.

If you’re not sold on the electric revolution, you can look forward to a new family of four-cylinder petrol engines. Americans will get a hybridized powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter engine, a small battery, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. The engine produces 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), while the motor contributes an additional 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS). Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive will be optional.

Alongside the sedan, Mercedes is also developing the CLA Shooting Brake, the swoopy station wagon variant of the series. It’s set to debut later this year, though, like the current model, it’s unlikely to make its way to the US.

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Mercedes recently announced plans for a slew of new and updated models including 17 EVs and 19 vehicles with an internal combustion engine. The company didn’t go into specifics, but confirmed plans for a redesigned GLC as well as facelifted versions of the GLE, GLS, and S-Class. There will also be an electric E-Class and a ‘baby’ G-Class.

That’s a lot of product, but a new report suggests Mercedes-AMG is working on an electric supercar concept. According to Autocar, the one-off model aims to redefine ‘electric performance’ and showcase future performance capabilities.

More: Mercedes Teases Baby G-Class, Electric E-Class, And More, V8 And V12 Live On

As a company insider explained, “Where the EQXX aimed to go the furthest, this aims to go the fastest. It will be the fastest-accelerating car AMG has ever produced.”

Additional details are limited, but it sounds like the car could borrow some cues from the One-Eleven concept, which debuted in 2023. The publication went on to say the model will preview the company’s next-generation electric powertrain technology including axial-flux motors. The latter are slated to show up in production models including a new high-performance crossover.

Mercedes One-Eleven Concept

We can also expect the latest battery technology and this could mean a solid state unit. This doesn’t sound too far-fetched as Mercedes recently began testing a modified EQS with a solid state battery that delivers up to 621 miles (1,000 km) of range.

Besides mentioning the concept, the publication said the redesigned CLA will debut next month and be followed by the CLA Shooting Brake. The redesigned GLB is slated to arrive in late 2025, while the closely related “g-Class” will reportedly be launched in 2027.

The latter will reportedly be based on the MMA platform and the publication suggested there could be single and dual-motor variants. This would be a tad surprising as the G-Class is known for being a capable off-roader, but the baby G will reportedly be more focused on luxury.

Furthermore, in 2026, Mercedes will reportedly unveil a “comprehensively” revamped EQS that will adopt the S-Class name. It will reportedly ride on the MB:EA Large platform, however previous reports had suggested development on the platform had stopped and it was going to be scrapped all together.