The cheapest Mercedes you can get today is the A-Class. But you'll have to hurry because production will end soon.
Mercedes has decided to stop production of its cheapest model to date, the A-Class.
The decision is part of a larger restructuring of the car brand's model program, which is now being sent on a serious diet.
At the same time as the A-Class disappears, production of its sister model, the B-Class, will also have to be stepped up.
According to Markus Schäfer, head of development at Mercedes, it is not only economic necessity that is causing the Germans to tighten up.
The management also reportedly wants to "reduce the complexity" of the model program. However, the development manager does not hide the fact that more money must also be earned per car.
– Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the compact family from seven to four models.
– We need models that work all over the world. Also in China and the USA. I know that the hatchback is a favorite in Europe, but we have to make difficult trade-offs, it says in a comment to Italian Quattroruote .
The changes to the model range mean that the new generation of the Mercedes CLA will serve as the brand's base model in the future.
The existing models, GLA and GLB, will continue to be part of Mercedes' model range.
In addition, Mercedes plans to introduce electric versions of the more traditional models, such as the C-Class and E-Class.
Instead of launching them in separate model series, as is the case today. Despite a smaller number of models, Mercedes will launch a smaller and more affordable version of the off-road G-Class to attract a new customer base.
Fact box:
- The first generation of the Mercedes A-Class was presented in 1996 and was revolutionary in several ways. Mercedes had never built this type of car before.
- The car had front-wheel drive, a short and high body, and an interesting design that provided good cabin space for its size.
- In 1997, the A-Class became world famous overnight when it rolled over in the World of Technology moose test. Mercedes initially ignored the problem, but then recalled all cars and halted sales until an anti-skid system was installed and the suspension overhauled.
- The second generation came in 2004 and was not nearly as revolutionary. The third and fourth generations (2012 and 2018 respectively) had a more conventional hatchback body, but the fourth generation is also available as a sedan.
