Meant as a subcompact, entry-level alternative to the C-Class, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class was introduced in 1998 in three and five-door variants on the W168 platform. The W169 followed in 2005, continuing the hatchback theme. In 2013, the W176 became a larger, five-door model and was imported to the US for the first time as a GLA-class crossover. The W177 followed in 2018 with a sedan variant.