The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a mini MPV produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The first generation (W168) was introduced in 1997, the second generation model (W169) appeared in late 2004 & the all-new generation late model W176 launched in late 2012. Launched as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a three-door hatchback to sit below the five-door. In the markets that the A-Class is or has been sold in, it has represented the entry level model of Mercedes-Benz.