Mercedes-Benz has announced that the A-Class hatchback will remain in production until 2026 in international markets, revising previous plans to retire the fourth-gen model this year. This decision comes amidst the shift in the company’s EV plans, moving away from a solely EV-focused approach towards a more “flexible” model strategy.
- Merc’s previously committed electric-first strategy has been revised
- Future A-Class, CLA will be based on MMA platform
- MMA platform able to accommodate variety of drivetrain options
Mercedes Benz's revised EV strategy
Previously committed to an electric-only strategy and a complete EV line-up by 2030, Mercedes-Benz CEO has revised this plan. This change in strategy is with regards to studies that project that only half of the company’s global sales targets will be achieved through the sale of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. The CEO further cited ongoing challenges such as the price difference between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars as a factor influencing consumer adoption rates.
Commenting on the ICE to EV transformation, Mercedes-Benz CEO, Ola Kallenius said, “I don’t think anyone had ever thought that the once-in-a-century transformation of the auto industry will be a straight line. There will be peaks and troughs.” However, for India, the brand had previously said that going all-electric is a better strategy than hybrids.
Next-gen Mercedes Benz A-Class, CLA details
Mercedes-Benz's decision to prolong A-Class production led to necessary modifications to the Rastatt manufacturing plant in Germany. This modification, however, has enabled the production of cars based on the MFA compact car platform and its electric-oriented MMA successor. Going further, the MMA platform is designed to accommodate various drivetrains, including ICE, PHEV and EV configurations.
The upcoming CLA, the third-generation model, will be the first to be equipped with the MMA platform with multiple powertrain options. While a concept was showcased at the Munich Motor Show, a production model is yet to be unveiled. Mercedes earlier claimed that the production version will only be ‘lightly altered’ over the concept. The ICE variants of the CLA will feature the company’s M282 petrol engine, which will also power future Geely, Lynk&Co and Volvo models. Meanwhile, the electric versions of the CLA will be offered in single- or dual-motor powertrains, supported by different battery options providing ranges of up to 750km.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class in India
In India, Mercedes only offers the A-Class hatchback in range-topping AMG A 45 form, priced at Rs 93.40 lakh. However, the sedan version, called A-Class Limousine, is also available in A 200 and A 200d guise, priced at Rs 43.80 lakh and Rs 46.30 lakh, respectively. Facelifts for the A-Class hatchback and sedan were launched in May last year.
All price, ex-showroom, India
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