Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatch Successor Back On, Arrives in 2028

Current fourth-gen (W177) Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatch back pictured. A successor to which is now confirmed, and will bow in 2028.

German automaker Mercedes-Benz has backtracked on its plans to axe the A-Class hatchback. A successor to which has reportedly been confirmed and will arrive sometime in 2028 – when the current A-Class hatch goes out of production.

Mercedes-Benz had initially sought to slim down its small car portfolio, with the new third-gen CLA positioned as the ‘entry-point’ to the brand’s line-up too. As a refresher, said new fastback underpins the new MMA platform base and brings both all-new styling and tech.

New third-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA in fastback saloon (left) and long-roofed 'shooting brake' forms. Mercedes-Benz has initially planned for the CLA to be the brand's new 'entry point'.

Critically, besides a long-roofed ‘shooting brake’, said new MMA platform base will also spawn the new third-gen GLA and second-gen GLB crossover SUVs. Now, it appears a decision has been made to expand it further with a fifth bodystyle – a hatchback.

With that, said A-Class hatch successor is widely tipped to share key dimensions – track width and wheelbase – with its lifted GLA crossover twin mentioned. Prototypes of the latter have been spotted undergoing road tests recently ahead of its planned 2026 launch.

Mercedes-Benz's current compact cars range consists of the fourth-gen A-Class hatch (W177) and its booted (V177) offshoot (top), second-gen GLA (H247)(left) and GLB (X247) offshoots.

Key sources online reportedly indicate that the A-Class hatch successor in question will also see both combustion (ICE) and electric (EV) powertrain choices available under its hood.

This will ensure the three-point star can rival against the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, not to mention the planned new Volkswagen ID Golf EV hatch too. Certainly, this A-Class hatch successor will be entering hotly contested segment to pine for sales.

The current A-Class hatch (W177) saw its production cycle extended by two more years to 2028 thanks to popular demand. Continued production of its booted Sedan (V177) twin remains uncertain.

Much of this new decision stems from the brand’s renewed pursuit for volume over exclusivity. Prompting which was the 6% drop in overall global sales the marque endured in the first half (H1) of this year (2025), followed by a 16% decline in EV sales.

Certain here too is the marque’s belated admission that their initial luxury-first pursuit in their transition towards electrification came at the cost of market share. It also acknowledges that, given uncertain times, both drivetrain flexibility and volume are now valued more than profit margins.