Mercedes-Benz Will Kill Its Most Boring Cars By 2025

Luxury /9 Comments

We can't say we'll miss them.

When MBUSAdecided to cut the A-Class sedanfrom its lineup, we can't say we were disappointed. With underwhelming build quality and a subpar driving experience, it wasn't worthy of wearing the iconic three-pointed star. Despite being a rather middling package, the A-Class enjoys great popularity in other markets (especially in hatchback guise).

But not even that can save it from the automotive grim reaper. A recent report from Germany'sHandelsblattindicates Mercedes-Benz will kill the premium sedan/hatch and its MPV sibling, the B-Class, in 2025. This is part ofthe company's new business strategy; where it previously focused on high sales figures, Mercedes is now looking to increase profits by selling even more luxury cars.

The lineup will be separated into Entry Luxury, Core Luxury, and Top-End Luxury. We've already got a taste of what to expect from the new Top-End Luxury class with theMythos S, the first of many exclusive motor vehicles to come.

2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Side View Driving Mercedes-Benz 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Rear View Driving Mercedes-Benz 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Dashboard Mercedes-Benz 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Front View Mercedes-Benz
2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Side View Driving
2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Rear View Driving
2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Dashboard
2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Front View

Following a regrettable merger with DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes-Benz sought to dominate the sales charts by rapidly expanding its lineup. Traditional nameplates such as the S-Class and E-Class were quickly joined by the terrible first-generation M-Class, the troubled V-Class, and, of course, the A-Class.

The idea of offering something to suit everyone's needs quickly tripped the company up. In a matter of a decade, Mercedes-Benz lost its reputation for quality. It seems the automaker is returning to its roots, by catering to the whims of the upper echelons.Maybach's current success is proofthis is working.

However, that's not to say the brand is completely abandoning the entry-level luxury segment. Benz may shuffle the A and B off their mortal coils, but the report indicates theCLA, GLA, and GLB are here to stay.

2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Front View Mercedes-Benz 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Rear View Mercedes-Benz 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Dashboard Mercedes-Benz 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Front Angle View Mercedes-Benz
2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Front View
2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Rear View
2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Dashboard
2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Front Angle View

Their replacements will be different from what we're used to. Thenew MMA platformwill underpin the company's latest compact vehicles and will replace the existing MFA2 architecture. CEO Ola Kallenius has made some big claims about MMA, noting it will introduce new standards. Described as "electric first," the platform will also be able to accommodate ICE powertrains.

"The entry point to the Mercedes brand in the future will be a different one than today," he said at the time. Frankly, we're a little relieved by that. A brief stint in both the A-Class and B-Class will quickly identify both vehicles as cop-outs; money makers designed to draw in buyers with the Mercedes-Benz badge. All this did was dilute the prestige of the brand.

From a business perspective, it also makes sense. Profit margins are far higher on top-end vehicles and wasting time with smaller cars just doesn't make sense for a brand that wants to attract buyers used to shopping in the ultra-luxury segment.

Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV Front Angle View Mercedes-Benz 2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV Rear Angle View Mercedes-Benz 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB Front Angle View Mercedes-Benz 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB Rear Angle View Mercedes-Benz
2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV Front Angle View
2021-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV Rear Angle View
2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB Front Angle View
2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB Rear Angle View
Source Credits: Handelsblatt

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2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Dashboard 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Side View Driving 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Rear View Driving 2019-2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Front View 2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB Front Angle View
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