Recent reports by German publication Handelsblatt suggest that Mercedes Benz is looking to retire their A and B class models by 2025. The reports come with claims that Mercedes board members have made the decision not to release a new A-Class at the end of this model cycle. The existing A-Class – the fourth generation – is set to continue production until 2025, however, there are currently no plans to continue the line after this point. The B-Class MPV is also set to cease production by 2025.
These changes have likely come around for one of two reasons – the first is Mercedes-Benz’s existing plans to go all-electric in the next few years. Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius has said previously that “the biggest decision that we made, from the year 2025 forward all new architectures from Mercedes Benz will be electric-only”, lining up with the 2025 deadline for retiring the A and B class.
However, there is likely another reason for this move – Mercedes Benz has previously stated plans to focus on more luxurious models. At the Future of the Car Summit earlier this year, Kallenius stated that “It’s not our goal to be a competitor of the volume producers. That’s not what the Mercedes-Benz brand stands for. So stay tuned as far as our product portfolio is concerned. But we would rather be looking up than down.” While no strict plans were announced, Mercedes’ current move to retire the entry-level A-class and more affordable B-Class could be part of this shift.
Currently, the A-Class is Mercedes’ main entry-level model, offering a hatchback and saloon form and a range that brings you from simple luxury with all the technological trimmings that come with the MBUX system, all the way up to AMG-riddled top-of-the-range A-Class that offers a performance package to be proud of. The B-Class on the other hand is a more family-friendly model that offers sport at the entry-level. You still get all the luxury of the MBUX system, leather seats, mood lighting and a panoramic display, with the top-of-the-range AMG Line Premium Plus also offering impressive finer details, including keyless entry, panoramic sunroof and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.
However, while these models are some of the best-selling and arguably most popular, Mercedes’ decision to move towards bigger and more impressive models, including their growing EV line, means that something has to give and it appears that that decision has been made. For fans of compact cars, however, Mercedes aren’t abandoning that market completely – the CLA, GLA and GLB will still be produced, though there will likely be some changes. These models could switch from the MFA platform to the MMA and MB.OS structure, bringing it in line with their other new releases.
Mercedes Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schfer, claims “The vehicles of our entry luxury MM platform will be based on the MB.OS software architecture for the first time in 2024. Instead of seven, we plan to offer four models in this segment.”
If you’re the proud owner of the Mercedes A or B class models, don’t panic – our team is still on hand to provide servicing and repairs for any issues you may be experiencing. Simply get in touch with our team for more information or to book your vehicle in with us, today.