Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Rolf]

This new GLA looks a whole lot sportier than the current model. I also am hoping it has the new GLC grill instead of a million stars grill from the CLA.

Some other news, which I think is good news, it looks like the A-class will have a successor afterall.

Next compact series based on MMA
Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius confirmed at the auto-motor-und-sport congress that there will be a successor to the A-Class. It's striking, however, that all Mercedes executives are avoiding the term "A-Class." The new entry-level model could therefore have a different name. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), allowing for both pure electric drivetrains and hybrid solutions.

The future of the A-Class had actually been sealed long ago – and it looked bleak. As recently as March 2025, Mercedes officially announced that it would not develop a successor to the compact model. The new CLA was intended to take on the role of the entry-level model, while the Stuttgart-based company consistently focused its strategy on luxury and strong margins. But now comes a spectacular turnaround: At the auto motor und sport congress, CEO Ola Källenius personally confirmed that there will be a new entry-level model when the current A-Class is discontinued at the end of 2027 – although the Mercedes CEO avoids the term "A-Class." This suggests that the new base Benz will not necessarily be a compact hatchback sedan and, accordingly, will no longer be called the "A-Class."
Dealer pressure, customer demand, and strategic foresight were the deciding factors. For many customers, the A-Class is their first point of contact with the Mercedes-Benz star. Anyone who loses this entry point may also lose potential buyers for the larger models in the long run. Mercedes wants to avoid this – and is seizing the opportunity to significantly upgrade the segment's technology with a fresh entry-level model series.

Auf MMA-Basis: Ola Källenius bestätigt Einstiegsmodell

Mercedes-Chef Ola Källenius hat auf dem auto-motor-und-sport-Kongress bestätigt, dass es einen Nachfolger der A-Klasse geben wird. Auffällig ist dabei allerdings, dass sämtliche Mercedes-Verantwortlichen den Begriff "A-Klasse" vermeiden. Das neue Einstiegsmodell könnte also anders heißen. Es...

www.auto-motor-und-sport.de

 

[Merc1]

I don’t think they need another entry level car other than the CLA imo, but it’s not a hatch or sedan then what’s it? Another crossover doesn’t fit.

M

 

[Gor134]

I don’t think they need another entry level car other than the CLA imo, but it’s not a hatch or sedan then what’s it?

Perhaps return of the B-Class, or a B-Class esque model to go against the upcoming A2 thing

 

[Ozy]

This design language would fit the GLS very well. The grill is already expected to be somewhat similar, and the stars are placed on the sides too in the headlights, but this is cleaner for sure. That rear looks good too.

 

[Centurion]

My only dislike are the tail lights. Too Chinese generic. I think I would prefer bigger tail lights with graphics that include stars.

 

[SNB]

This design language would fit the GLS very well. The grill is already expected to be somewhat similar, and the stars are placed on the sides too in the headlights, but this is cleaner for sure. That rear looks good too.

Would look great and give the Range Rover a run for its money. Unfortunately we all know that Mercedes won’t do it.

 

[leylandi]

 

[Centurion]

I love monoblock wheels but have only seen them once IRL.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

My only dislike are the tail lights. Too Chinese generic. I think I would prefer bigger tail lights with graphics that include stars.

I agree the lights have no character, but. please....
No.
More.
Starlights.

They just look cheesy. Currently, on the E-class, those taillights are at least relatively subtle compared the what was shown on the CLA and this concept.

 

[Swissbob]

Michael Leiters Would be my choice.

He became now CEO of Porsche.

Factbox-Who is Michael Leiters, potential new CEO of Porsche?

(Reuters) -Porsche on Friday named Michael Leiters, former chief executive of McLaren, as a potential successor to CEO Oliver Blume in a move which could end Blume's dual leadership role after

uk.finance.yahoo.com

 

[Fastpaddy]

This needs to hurry up I want one

 

[Merc1]

I really hope they have sense enough to put the right engines in it for the right markets. A 4-cylinder isn’t going to cut it here. It needs the I6 at a minimum.

M

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I really hope they have sense enough to put the right engines in it for the right markets. A 4-cylinder isn’t going to cut it here. It needs the I6 at a minimum.

M

I just think its going to be nowhere near as luxurious as the concept, nor do I think Mercedes will put any great effort into it from an engineering point of view.

A bit like the X class concepts translation to production reality.

 

[Merc1]

I just think its going to be nowhere near as luxurious as the concept, nor do I think Mercedes will put any great effort into it from an engineering point of view.

A bit like the X class concepts translation to production reality.

I would hope they aren’t that foolish. The VLS is a segment creator in the USA. It has to be a knockout. The concept was more flashy than luxurious imo. The main thing is that it needs to be refined to the point of feeling like a Mercedes Benz and not a aftermarket conversion. It needs to have that feel and refinement that the best Mercedes’ have.

M

 

[Swissbob]

I just think its going to be nowhere near as luxurious as the concept, nor do I think Mercedes will put any great effort into it from an engineering point of view.

A bit like the X class concepts translation to production reality.

The VLS will be as luxurious.

But for the US it needs the V8. It’ll have Airmatic and RWS, that has been already confirmed.

 

[Ozy]

With minor adjustments, a bit more “realistic”, looks fantastic imho

 

[Merc1]

Now that looks amazing. It will never look that good. The next GLS and GLS Maybach need to be designed simultaneously, that way the Maybach version doesn't look like an afterthought. A GLS like that would be a huge upgrade and hit. I would make the body bigger and taller so it clearly looks like a GLS and not a GLE. The grille designed in from the start will work so easily vs adding it on like with the EV GLC where it just isn't totally right. Move the sports grille back to just the sports cars. Back in the day only the SEC and SL got that grille. Clearly the traditional grille should be on bigger vehicles, and the sports grille on the smaller vehicles - if you must use it outside of just the SL/GT. It fits on a car like the CLE, but I would be ok if the S63 went back to an aggressive version of the old-school grille.

M