Mercedes-Benz to launch new electrified MMA platform from 2024

Compact cars from Mercedes-Benz are set for a shake-up, with the manufacturer confirming its all-new architecture will launch in 2024.

Dubbed MMA – or Mercedes Modular Architecture – the platform will underpin Mercedes-Benz's smaller class of cars such as the A-Class and C-Class models as it electrifies more of its range.

However, as opposed to the BMW Neue Klasse/New Class and Volkswagen/Audi MEB and SSP platforms, MMA will allow for internal combustion engine-powered models and fully-electric ones to ride on the same basic underpinnings.

3

EQXX has previewed MMA's capabilities

It's one of the only examples of a manufacturer building its new architecture around electrification and fully-electric options, while still retaining the ability to use an internal combustion engine rather than the other way around – with the 800-volt layout able to package either a transversely-mounted four-cylinder engine or electric motors at the front and rear.

Mercedes-Benz says the 'Entry Luxury' segment will be reduced from seven to four models, all of which are to be based on MMA, with the recently-revealed EQXX concept previewing the architecture's electric capabilities.

3

The C-Class could transition to MMA in its next generation

As reported by Automotive News Europe, Mercedes is aiming to make its entry-level models more of a premium offering, expecting sales to drop by 25 per cent from 2019 levels (680,000 units) by 2026.

The German manufacturer has previously announced its intentions to go fully-electric by 2030, but only in markets which support the move. As a transitional step, it will solely launch electrified models from 2025, a large chunk of which are likely to be running on MMA.