Mercedes-Benz is preparing a revolutionary SUV-minivan hybrid: what will replace the A-Class?

German automotive giant Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed: the era of traditional compact hatchbacks is coming to an end. The popular A-Class will be replaced by an ambitious project that combines the practicality of a van with the off-road capability of a crossover. What is known about the new model on the MMA platform, and why is the brand changing its strategy?

Mercedes-Benz is preparing a radical update of its Entry Luxury line. Instead of familiar form factors, engineers are working on a model set to become a "space-age" successor to both the A and B classes.

End of the "Made in Germany" Era and the Move to Hungary

Despite the fact that the life cycle of the current Mercedes A-Class has been extended until 2028 due to stable demand, global changes are already underway.

• Farewell to the B-Class: Production of the compact van will cease by the end of 2026.
• Relocation of Capacities: In the second quarter of 2026, main production will move from Rastatt, Germany, to the plant in Kecskemét (Hungary).
• New Status: The Hungarian site will become the "homeland" of the new mysterious model. The most affordable Mercedes-Benz models will officially stop being purely German in origin.

SUS: A Bold Experiment with a "Sport Utility Sedan" Body

The main news is that Mercedes is moving away from the classic hatchback format in favor of a hybrid. According to the publication Automobilwoche, citing Chief Technical Officer Jörg Burzer, the new model will feature traits of both a crossover and a minivan.

Designers are drawing inspiration from the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept. At the time, it introduced the SUS (Sport Utility Sedan) idea—a vehicle with the high seating position of an SUV but the comfort of a luxury sedan. In the mass segment, this will transform into a "cross-van" format:

• High seating position and protective plastic cladding (from SUV).
• Maximum interior volume and cabin transformation (from minivan).

MMA Technical Base and Estimated Price

The new model is based on the MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture). It is designed on an "Electric First" principle but supports the installation of internal combustion engines (ICE). This will allow Mercedes to react flexibly to market demands:

• Hybrids and Electric Cars: The platform is designed for both types of powerplants.
• Price Range: The new model is expected to be more expensive than the current A-Class. The projected price in Europe is between €44,000 and €45,000, placing it alongside the premium CLA.

Expert Opinion from Vnedorognik: Is This the Right Move?

For Mercedes-Benz, this project is a strategic gamble for survival in the compact car segment. The company needs high sales volumes but no longer wants to compete with mass-market hatchbacks.

Our analysis:

As specialists in off-road vehicles, we see this as a positive trend. The combination of van comfort and crossover geometry is what the modern market demands. However, the question remains: will the new model retain the brand's signature suspension durability? For Ukrainian roads and active recreation, it is critical that the "off-road" look is backed by the reliable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

We hope this will be a full-fledged universal vehicle worthy of the star on the hood, not just a marketing product for "social networks."

Follow our social media