Report: Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatch Lifecycle Extended As Brand Scales Back EV Plans

Current face-lifted W177 and V177 A-Class hatchback and sedan models. Reports indicate A-Class hatch model will see its lifecycle extended as a result of Mercedes-Benz scaling back on EVs.

According to UK title Autocar, German automaker Mercedes-Benz looks set to extend the lifecycle of it’s W177 A-Class hatchback for much longer than it initially planned for. At the same time, the three-point star is also poised to scale back on its ambitious electric vehicles (EVs) as well.

The latter decision is what directly prompted the A-Class model’s extension, effectively as a cost streamlining measure. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius also stated recently that the carmaker’s latest studies projected that plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and full EVs will consist of just half of tits global sales by its previously-cited 2030 target.

Mercedes-Benz also notes the price disparity between ICE and EVs being a key reason for their scale-back on EVs.

“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,” said Källenius to Autocar further. The exec also pointed to the ongoing price disparity as one reason for the slower-than-expected take-up of EVs, suggesting they will remain more expensive than their ICE equivalents for some time.

With its initial EV-only stanced now abandoned, Mercedes-Benz looks set to continue producing combustion (ICE) models based on existing platforms well into the next decade, adds Autocar. This, as Källenius describes it, stands as arguably a more flexible model strategy for the three-point star to execute in the coming years.

Production of the A-Class hatchback is set to continue at Mercedes-Benz's recently altered Rastatt plant in Germany. (Note: Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ pictured)

In preparation for the continuation of its A-Class hatch production, Mercedes-Benz has altered its manufacturing plant in Rastatt, Germany to enable it to produce cars atop the MFA compact car platform and its new electric-biased MMA successor.  The latter was conceived as a hybrid structure capable of accommodating ICE, PHEV and EV drivetrains.

Moreover, the MMA platform will first be used for the third-generation CLA compact saloon, with the first prototype for which was completed in Sept last year. Combustion (ICE) variants of the new CLA are poised to adopt Mercedes' M282 petrol engine that will be be manufactured by Geely in China. Said mill will also be employed in future Geely, Lynk&Co and Volvo models.

Production-bound version of the Concept CLA are set to see single- or dual-motor setups available, plus a slew of batteries that promise up to 750 KM in maximum range too.

As for electric (EV) variants of the new CLA model, these will adopt either single- or dual-motor powertrain setups, along with a slew of battery options that promise to deliver up to 750 KM in maximum range.

With its main hatch model planned continued production, perhaps its booted V177 and longer-wheelbased Z177 sedan twins might see its production continued for some time too. The former is offered in place of the hatch in select key markets like North America whilst the latter is sold exclusively in China.

As a refresher, the A-Class is sold in Malaysia in both hatch (W177) and sedan (V177) forms, albeit the former is limited to just the AMG-built and fully imported (CBU) A45 S guise. The latter, which is locally assembled, is offered across multiple trimlines and guises instead.