Mercedes A-Class to live on as Audi A2 EV rival
Mercedes has confirmed that its upcoming, fifth-generation A-Class will be available as an EV or hybrid hatchback when it arrives in 2028.
The A-Class was set for discontinuation in last year, but as Mercedes seeks to regain ground in the electric vehicle market, a new model based on the 492-mile CLA’s Multi Modular Architecture (MMA) will debut on the back of the brand’s EV blitz.
Battery, platform, and range
The MMA platform is compatible with both electric-only and internal combustion powertrains, with both sharing the same production line. By switching to the 800V MMA, the A-Class EV will get a longer wheelbase and wider tracks to improve interior space. Electric models could come with front- or rear-wheel-drive, and two choices of battery – a 58kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) unit, or a 85kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt pack.
Details surrounding the electric A-Class’ range are scant. However, it has been reported that entry-level A-Class EV models will start with a single-motor, 221bhp powertrain, while range-topping non-AMG cars wil get a twin-motor, 348bhp setup. Meanwhile, performance-focused AMG-badged cars are expected to make up to 500bhp.
Mercedes A-Class EV design and practicality
Unlike Audi, which has pursued a one-box design with the upcoming A2 EV, the electric A-Class is expected to develop the current fourth-gen car’s hatchback bodystyle. The visuals were signed off by now-departed long-term design chief, Gorden Wagener, at the end of January this year.
Yet to help conceal the higher ride height of the EV, Mercedes has said it will look at increasing the ground clearance of all future A-class models. Nonetheless, the Stuttgart brand insists that it won’t become a crossover.
The Mercedes A-Class EV will meet the customer demand for improved ease of access, better outward visibility, and an elevated ride height. Up front, the A-Class EV will get a sharknose front end as per the new CLA and the GLC. No word has been made as to whether it will adopt both car’s opinion-splitting illuminated front grille. We also know that the A-Class won’t benefit from the CLA’s frameless doors.
Around the back, a regular tailgate and angled back window remains, and inside, it will seat up to five passengers.
To bring the A-Class EV into line with Mercedes’ EV naming strategy, Mercedes is said to be toying with the idea of giving it a new three-letter name to keep consistent with the electric CLA, GLB, and GLA. Like the CLA and the GLA, the A-Class will be built at the Mercedes factory in Kecskemet, Hungary, alongside the next generation electric C-Class.
