TL;DR The 2028 Mercedes A-Class will enter its fifth generation, keeping a traditional hatchback design while adding hybrid and electric powertrains. It shares a platform with the CLA, features a slightly raised ride height for EVs, and will not become a crossover. Styling evolves rather than changes drastically, interior space is increased, and AMG and performance EV variants are planned.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is set for a fifth-generation update in 2028, offering both hybrid and electric models while keeping its traditional hatchback design, Autocar can reveal.
Originally, Mercedes planned to retire the current A-Class in 2025 as it focused on higher-end vehicles. However, slower demand for electric models means the car will continue until the new generation arrives in 2028. The new A-Class will share a platform with the recently launched CLA.
While it retains the hatchback shape, the ride height will be slightly raised to offset the taller floor of the EV version. Sources confirm it will not become a crossover, rejecting earlier speculation of an MPV-style design.
Design Updates
The styling of the new A-Class will evolve rather than reinvent its appearance, described as "traditional in form but modern in detail." Mercedes plans to increase ground clearance and may add subtle wheel-arch cladding to reduce the visual effect of the rear wheel gap, especially on EV models.
The fifth-generation A-Class aims to appeal to both younger buyers and older customers who previously favoured the B-Class, offering easy access and good outward visibility. Key design elements will include the shark-nose front end seen on the CLA and GLC, framed doors along the sides, a sloping roofline, and a conventional tailgate with an angled back window.
Inside, the car will seat up to five people, and a sliding or adjustable rear bench is under consideration. The new model may adopt a fresh name, such as CSA (Compact Sports A-Class), to align with Mercedes’ other three-letter models like CLA, GLB, and GLA. Production is expected at Mercedes’ plant in Kecskemét, Hungary.
Platform and Powertrains
The 2028 A-Class will switch from the ageing Modular Front Architecture to the newer Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), which allows both petrol and electric models to be built on the same line. This platform offers longer wheelbases and wider tracks for more interior space.
Front suspension will retain MacPherson struts, while the rear will adopt a new five-link setup. ICE models will use front-wheel drive, and EVs will use rear-wheel drive, with optional four-wheel drive available for both.
Electric A-Class models will feature an 800V system with either a 58kWh LFP or 85kWh NMC battery. Power outputs are expected to range from 221bhp in the entry-level EV to 349bhp for the top all-wheel-drive variant. Mild-hybrid ICE models will use a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 154–209bhp. AMG performance variants may push EV outputs up to 500bhp.
The 2028 A-Class promises a modern evolution of Mercedes’ entry-level hatchback, keeping its traditional design while meeting the needs of both ICE and EV buyers.