As fans of the three-pointed star begin to say goodbye to some of Mercedes’ smaller models, a new chapter is quietly taking shape. Early details are now emerging about the most affordable all-new Mercedes, set to arrive in 2028, and expected to step into the space currently occupied by the A-Class in the lineup.
Rather than simply replacing the A-Class with another conventional hatchback, Mercedes-Benz appears ready to rethink the entire idea of an entry-level car. Reports suggest the German brand is working on a radical new alternative, one that blends the upright stance of an SUV with the everyday practicality of a compact minivan—an approach that breaks away from Mercedes’ traditional small-car formulas.
A New Shape for an Entry-Level Mercedes
According to sources, the upcoming model—set to replace both the A-Class and the B-Class—will move away from familiar hatchback and sedan silhouettes altogether. Instead, Mercedes aims to create a fresh body style that combines the elevated driving position of the GLA with the interior versatility that made the B-Class popular before its planned discontinuation.
Jörg Burzer, Mercedes’ Head of Development, has described the car as something that “doesn’t look like anything that has existed before,” promising a design that will be both distinctive and highly appealing.
MMA Platform One Base, Many Possibilities
Underneath, the new entry-level Mercedes will ride on the brand’s MMA platform, the same architecture used by the next-generation CLA, GLA, and GLB. This platform is designed for flexibility, capable of supporting petrol engines, hybrid systems, or fully electric powertrains. That adaptability gives Mercedes the freedom to tailor the car to different markets and shifting demand as electrification continues to evolve.
Who Is It For? Mercedes Is Targeting Younger Buyers
While the idea of a minivan-inspired shape might sound conservative at first, Mercedes’ real target here is a younger audience. The formula focuses on three key elements:
A raised driving position, offering the sense of confidence and visibility many younger buyers prefer
Smart, flexible interior space, ideal for urban lifestyles and young families who want practicality without moving up to a large SUV
A competitive price, expected to undercut both the GLA and GLB, making it the most accessible gateway into the Mercedes brand
Why the A-Class Isn’t Gone—At Least Not Yet
Despite earlier plans to shift focus toward higher-margin luxury models, the numbers tell a different story. In 2025, the A-Class remained a strong seller, with nearly 70,000 units sold in Europe alone, making it the fourth best-selling Mercedes model that year. That continued demand is why Mercedes extended A-Class production in Hungary into early 2026, buying time while this all-new, more forward-thinking replacement is prepared for its 2028 debut.
In short, Mercedes isn’t abandoning the entry-level segment—it’s reinventing it. And if the early signs are anything to go by, the brand’s cheapest future model could also end up being one of its most interesting.
