The Mercedes-Benz A-Class will enter a fifth generation in 2028 with hybrid and electric powertrains while retaining its hatchback styling, Autocar can reveal.

The German car maker had originally planned to scrap the current model in 2025 as it streamlined its ICE range and put greater focus on more luxurious, higher-margin models.

But slower than expected demand for electric models prompted the company to extend its life until at least 2028 – when, Autocar has now confirmed, an entirely new generation of the A-Class will arrive, sharing a platform with the recently launched CLA.

The new model will stay true to its hatchback predecessor, although it will have a raised driving position to mitigate against the extra height that will result from the elevated floor of the EV variant.

However, insiders insist it won't be a crossover, eschewing the move towards an MPV bodystyle that had been heavily speculated in recent months.

Those rumours followed confirmation that Audi was readying a new A2 that, while replacing the A1 and Q2 and becoming its new entry EV, would follow the same one-box design as the A-Class-rivalling original.

The suggestions were that Mercedes was planning to base the fifth-generation A-Class on its early-noughties version (also a one-box shape). However, this was dismissed by our insiders.

"We have a compact crossover with the GLA. We were also previously present in the compact MPV market with the B-Class. But with the introduction of the GLA and GLB, we now offer far more contemporary alternatives for those seeking a car with compact dimensions and an elevated seating position," Autocar was told.

For reference, the A-Class was launched in 1997 as an MPV-esque city car but became a more traditional hatchback in 2012 to rival BMW's 1 Series.

Design

The styling of the new A-Class is described as "traditional in form but modern in detailing". The intention, according to those familiar with the development programme, is to evolve rather than reinvent the hatchback's appearance.

The design was signed off prior to the departure at the end of January of Mercedes long-time design boss Gorden Wagener.

To help disguise the higher ride height of the EV, Mercedes will look at increasing the ground clearance of all future A-Class models.

There have also been suggestions of subtle wheel-arch cladding to reduce the visual effect of the rear wheel-well gap seen on the electric CLA.

Changing the ride height would inevitably influence seating positions front and rear, but separate sources have told Autocar that doing so is a priority.

This, they say, is drawn from what they describe as consistent customer feedback and shifting buyer expectations.

Ease of access and better outward visibility are also described as key aims. This is because the fifth-generation A-Class is intended to appeal not only to current, younger customers but also to older buyers who previously chose the B-Class before production of that model ended in 2022 after two generations.

The B-Class had long catered to those seeking compact dimensions but a more upright driving position.

Despite this, our sources insist the A-Class won't be a crossover, adding that the car will retain a driving position buyers expect of a hatch, even when raised.

Key styling elements are expected to include the latest evolution of the shark-nose front end, as seen on the new CLA and GLC.

Along its flanks, the A-Class will retain framed doors-unlike the frameless ones fitted to the CLA – and it will have a sloping roofline.

A conventional tailgate with an angled back window will remain.

Inside, it is set to offer seating for up to five. A sliding or adjustable rear bench is under consideration.

Whether the A-Class name will be retained remains unclear. The suggestions are that the new model is sufficiently differentiated from today's A-Class that it could take a new name, possibly CSA (Compact Sports A-Class), into production, aligning it with the three-letter designations of the CLA, GLB and GLA.

The new model is likely to be produced alongside the CLA and GLA at Mercedes' plant in Kecskemét, Hungary.

Platform

In a major departure, the new A-Class moves from the Modular Front Architecture, which dates back to 2011, to the newer Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), the same structure that underpins most of its stablemates.

The versatility of the MMA allows Mercedes to build fully electric and petrol-powered models on the same production lines.

The move to the MMA is expected to give the new A-Class a longer wheelbase and wider tracks for added interior space.

The suspension will retain MacPherson struts at the front and a new five-link arrangement at the rear.

It is unclear at this stage if lower-end ICE versions will adopt a torsion-beam rear set-up, as with today's model.

Both ICE and EV A-Class models will offer optional four-wheel drive but Autocar understands the standard models will differ: the EV will be fitted with rear-wheel drive and the ICE front-wheel drive.

The EV will get an 800V system with either a 58kWh LFP or 85kWh NMC battery.

Mirroring today's Mercedes EVs, the new A-Class EV line-up is likely to start with a 221bhp single-motor variant, topping out with a 349bhp all-wheel-drive car.

Whether Mercedes' new entry-level EV features the dual-speed gearbox already used by the CLA saloon, CLA Shooting Brake and GLB or resorts to a simpler single-speed unit remains unclear.

The mild-hybrid models will all use the same turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, in line with current MMA models.

It is expected to form the basis of at least five variants, ranging from 154bhp to 209bhp.

The new A-Class will also have performance-oriented AMG variants, possibly pushing up to 500bhp in the EV.