Mercedes A-Class review

The Mercedes A-Class has always been a compact hatch with one major selling point – that three-pointed star on the nose. But while its predecessors all lacked a little substance behind the badge, this latest generation is a genuine contender for class honours.

Step inside and it blows its rivals away – the interior design and quality is wonderful, and the infotainment system is one of the best on the market at any price. Some rivals are more fun to drive and several are more comfortable, but the A-Class leads the class both in terms of refinement and efficiency.

About the Mercedes A-Class

The latest Mercedes A-Class is the fourth generation of Mercedes’ smallest car. While the first two examples took on a mini-MPV design direction (with clever, if not particularly desirable, results), the most recent pair have gone for a more conventional five-door hatchback shape in order to compete directly with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

The A-Class is an important model for Mercedes: available as a five-door hatchback and four-door saloon in the UK, it’s the brand’s biggest-seller. As with the third-generation model, spin-offs from the same platform are available – including the four-door coupe CLA and GLA mini-SUV. 

Mercedes offers a selection of trim lines on the A-Class, with a choice of Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium and Premium Plus, plus two dedicated AMG models: the AMG 35 4MATIC and AMG 45 S 4MATIC+. All models include cruise control, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and adaptive LED headlights although the entry-level Sport version makes do with smaller 17-inch alloys, compared to the standard 18-inch wheels on AMG Line Executive and Premium models. Those above get new 19-inch wheel designs.

The latest A-Class updates no longer hobble you with a smaller infotainment screen either, with all models now getting a pair of 10.25-inch media screens with MBUX – Mercedes’ multimedia system operated via either the screen, touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, or for certain functions, voice control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard on the A-Class as well.

Engine choices are made up of a pair of petrols in two states of tune, a single diesel engine and a plug-in hybrid petrol. The A 180 and A 200 both use a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology making 134bhp and 161bhp respectively, while the A 250 e, only offered in saloon form, uses the same 1.3-litre but with more electric assistance, for a 215bhp system output. The sole diesel, badged A 200 d, gets a 2.0-litre unit making 148bhp and 320Nm of torque.

A manual gearbox is no longer available in the A-Class; both the A 180 and A 200 are available with a seven speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox, while the A 200 d and A 250 e get an eight-speed twin-clutch automatic. 

A more spritely AMG A 35 is available in hatchback or saloon form and uses a new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, producing 302bhp and 400Nm of torque. Hot hatch fans will love the manic AMG A 45 S, featuring the world's most powerful four-cylinder engine – a bespoke turbocharged 2.0-litre unit with 415bhp.

Engines, performance and drive

If there’s one aspect of the A-Class that impresses the most from behind the wheel, it’s refinement. On a motorway cruise, it’s class-leading: a 0.25 drag coefficient means that there’s barely a whisper of wind noise. The engines settle down to a barely-audible hum, and the most obvious – but not intrusive – sound comes from the tyres. 

Like-for-like, the A-Class is 20kg lighter than the old one, even though it’s grown in every direction. While the handling is an improvement on before, this still isn’t an exciting car. It’s got plenty of grip, but the suspension is biased more closely towards security than fun. Things aren’t helped by steering which has very little feel, though it is precise and its light weight at low speeds makes the A-Class very easy to park. 

The model you choose determines the sort of rear suspension set-up you’ll get. Most versions of the A-Class use a torsion beam set-up, however, if you go for the A 180, A 200 or A 200 d engine and upgrade to Premium Plus trim, this adds more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension – the same set-up the high-performance AMG models use. The torsion beam lacks the overall control of the multi-link, but you need to be seriously pressing-on for this to be a noticeable issue.

There is, however, a more tangible difference in ride comfort. Around town, the torsion beam jiggles ever so slightly more over short, sharp bumps, though in reality, the more advanced set-up doesn’t fare much better when compared to class rivals. The A-Class is a car that fidgets over bumps rather than smothering them – particularly on larger wheels. 

0-62mph acceleration and top speed

The entry-level A 180 manages 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds with a 134mph top speed, while upgrading to the 161bhp A 200 petrol version sees the sprint time improve to a more sprightly 8.2 seconds and 140mph. Saloons are each a tenth slower to 62mph while the A 200 gains 3mph on top speed. All perform fine on paper, then, but the torque deficit relative to the A 200 d means that these A-Class derivatives need working hard at times – effort they hastily announce through a loud, thrashy tone.

Thankfully, the new mild-hybrid system in the A 180 and A 200 works very smoothly, cutting the engine out and starting it up again quickly, while smoothing off some of the previous lumpiness in this engine-and-gearbox combination. 

The plug-in hybrid A 250 e is only available as a saloon and it provides a healthy amount of performance despite offering upwards of 350mpg. The A 250e accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds thanks to a combination of a 1.3-cylinder 4cyl turbo petrol with an additional electric motor which in total produces 215bhp. In EV mode, it tops out at 87mph, going on to 143mph with combustion power.

The AMG A 35 model produces 302bhp and 400Nm of torque. It will sprint from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds (4.8 in the saloon version) onto an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph, pegging it close to the VW Golf R. Power is fed to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and there are five drive modes to choose from, allowing separate adjustment of elements like the dampers, throttle and gearbox responses.

Engaging the A 35’s most aggressive drive mode transforms the car’s behaviour, feeling composed, grippy and lightning fast. It flatters in a way the old A 45 couldn’t, mimicking the Golf R’s fantastic all-weather ability and adding a welcome degree of involvement. The Golf R is perhaps slightly crisper to drive and feels slightly more agile, but most drivers will be impressed by the the A 35's incredible all-weather performance. 

The AMG A 45 S takes the honour of the fastest A-Class with a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds. Power is fed through an eight-speed auto 'box, while the four-wheel drive system provides an impressive amount of grip. It rivals the Audi RS 3 for performance and price, costing more than £63,000.

MPG, CO2 and running costs

The strong figures across the standard A-Class range are no doubt partly thanks to a slippery body shape, which Mercedes claims that is the most aerodynamic in its class. If you're prioritising efficiency, the plug-in hybrid A 250 e will appeal as Mercedes claims an all-electric range of up to 53 miles – and staggering combined fuel economy of between 282-353mpg.

That latter figure is somewhat meaningless, however, as with frequent charges you could reasonably run this car for months without filling it up with fuel even once. The fact it emits only 23g/km of CO2 will be more relevant to business users, who will save a fortune in company car tax.

The A-Class diesel option is still pretty frugal and offer excellent returns from a tank of fuel. The A 200 d achieves a claimed maximum of up to 57.7mpg in both hatchback and saloon form, with CO2 emissions of 130g/km.

The A 180 and A 200 petrol models now 48-volt mild-hybrid tech and a more proactive start-stop system to help with fuel consumption. There's nothing to really separate the A 180 and A 200 in terms of fuel efficiency however, with both capable of around 45 to 48mpg. Emissions are dependent on which equipment level you choose, but start from 133g/km for the A 180 and 133g/km for the A 200, a small increase in efficiency since the entry-level manual gearbox option was dropped.

Naturally, the performance-oriented AMG A 45 S model is the least efficient of the range, although a claimed 30.7mpg on the combined cycle is still a good return when you consider it produces a staggering 415bhp.

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Electric range, battery and charging

The plug-in hybrid A-Class uses a 16kWh lithium-ion battery to feed a single electric motor, and offers a pure-electric driving range of up to 53 miles. To get the most out of the A 250 e's hybrid system in terms of both range and fuel economy, you’ll need to charge it as often as possible.

The A 250 e has a maximum charging speed of 11kW, and a 10 to 100 per cent top-up takes under two hours if you use a home wallbox or workplace charger capable of that speed – a domestic three-pin socket will take five and a hour hours to do the same job.

Insurance groups

The A 180 falls into insurance groups 19-21, while the A 200 tops out at group 25 in its highest trim level and the A 250 e saloon sits in group 32 or 33, depending on which trim level you go for. The 415bhp AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Plus will be even more expensive to insure, sitting in group 41, and the A 35 models a touch less in groups 36-37.

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Depreciation

Although buyers will have to pay handsomely to own and insure an A-Class, our latest expert data suggests the range will offer good residual values after three years and 36,000 miles of motoring. The diesel A 200 d is expected to retain the most value – 57 per cent to be exact – while the A 250 e saloon will hold onto just 50 per cent.

To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our free car valuation tool...

Interior, design and technology

The fourth-generation A-Class sports a design which amounts to a fairly conservative evolution over the old model. It’s a bit sharper to look at while the lights are pointier and slimmer. The hot AMG versions get a sporty body kit and a lairy wing, but overall it’s a look which will neither set pulses racing nor put off existing customers.

The big changes come on the inside. The latest model is a huge leap forward over the tidy, yet slightly cheap-feeling predecessor. The design is unique, attractive, well-laid out and feels immaculately put together with lots of soft-touch plastics. It all adds up to a cabin which makes the previous class design benchmark, the Audi A3, look rather old-hat overnight. The giant leap forward in appearance, however, is thanks in no small part to its fantastic dual-screen MBUX infotainment system – more on that later.

Non-metallic Polar White and Night Black paint hues are standard for the A-Class range, with a handful of other exterior colours available. However, there's not much in the way of other opportunities to personalise your car.

There are only four standard alloy wheel designs too, and you’re tied down to one depending on the trim you go for: Sport Executive versions feature a 17-inch five-spoke wheel design, while AMG Line Executive and AMG Line Premium cars get 18-inch five-twin-spoke rims. Top-of-the-range AMG Line Premium Plus models ride on 19-inch alloy wheels, as do the Mercedes-AMG 35 and 45 S models.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

It only takes a few seconds gawping at the A-Class’s infotainment system to realise that it’s head and shoulders above any rival system. Called ‘MBUX’, all models now feature a pair of 10.25-inch screens positioned side-by-side for an almost continuous widescreen display: the screen in front of the driver shows various driving information and data, while the central display caters for the infotainment functions.

The main menu has three large widgets for phone connectivity, navigation and
audio functions. Swiping through them is slick – not quite smartphone fast, but still responsive. Meanwhile, loading times are fine, but the navigation system speed is pegged back by loading three routes at once. It would be quicker if it started with the optimum route, then provided alternatives.

The screen itself has an excellent resolution, though, so Apple CarPlay and Android Auto look sharp. The driver’s screen is just as good. It’s in effect split into three, allowing the driver to show the trip, navigation or driving functions in a number of combinations.

The steering wheel also gets touch-sensitive controls like those found in the flagship S-Class, while higher-spec models feature augmented-reality navigation. When approaching junctions, the system displays images from a forward-facing camera onto the screen, and in real time superimposes arrows onto the display which inform the driver of the turning they need to take.

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Practicality, comfort and boot space

The A-Class is available as a five-door hatch and four-door saloon. Up front, the driving position is great – there’s plenty of adjustment for both the seat and the steering wheel, so it’s easy to get comfy. Mercedes has made an effort to slim down the plastic trim around the pillars, and as a result visibility, particularly over the shoulder, has improved. However, it can feel a little claustrophobic in the back compared to some of the A-Class’ rivals because of the front seats – their shape and size block out a lot of the light. 

In terms of cubby spaces, the A-Class is pretty standard for the class. There’s a big central storage bin, a couple of cup holders ahead of the infotainment touch pad, and a smartphone-sized space at the base of the dash. The front door pockets are roomy enough for a large bottle, but those in the back are small.

It's worth noting that while refinement is good on most models, the A 35's large 19-inch wheels roar on the move – a trait that's pretty tiring on longer journeys. The car's sporty bias also means it feels a bit fidgety on the move, detracting from long-distance comfort. 

Dimensions and size

The A-Class hatchback measures 4,428mm long, 1,796mm wide and 1,423mm tall. That’s 136mm longer than the old car, and larger than the A3 Sportback in every dimension – the extra 91mm in length could make a difference when parking in tight spaces. The 2,729mm wheelbase is also longer than the A3’s 2,640mm space between its axles.  

The A-Class saloon is longer at 4,558mm, but is the same width and just 6mm taller.

Leg room, head room & passenger space

Mercedes states that there’s more elbow and headroom in the back compared to the previous A-Class. However, a lack of knee room means that when filled with four six footers, it’s more cramped than the Audi. Headroom is fine, unless you’re in the raised middle seat. That central berth is narrow too, so it’s not a comfortable place to sit.

On the plus side, it’s really easy to fit a child seat. The ISOFIX mounts are clearly exposed by plastic openings, and the doors open fairly wide.

When we pitted the Mercedes A-Class head-to-head against the DS 4 E-Tense in a twin test, we found that the A-Class offers more headroom and its cabin is wider too. That said, the DS 4 is more generous when it comes to knee room.

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Boot space

One criticism of the previous model is that the boot wasn’t just smaller than most rivals, but hard to make use of due to a narrow opening. The new car addresses both of these issues to an extent – the opening is a useful 20cm wider, and the total volume is up to 355 litres. That’s a nominal 25 litres fewer than front-wheel drive A3 models, but more than quattro-equipped cars. There’s also a tiny bit of underfloor storage for hiding away smaller items. 

The rear seat backs fold in a 40/20/40 split, but the boot floor isn’t quite flat. With the seats down and the car loaded to the roof, capacity increases to 1,195 litres – still 5 litres less than the Audi. The A 250 e saloon meanwhile can pack between 345 to 1,125 litres with the seats raised and lowered respectively, while the conventional combustion models, without a battery occupying some of their luggage space, extend that to 405 litres seats-up and 1,200-1,210 litres with the seats folded.

We also measured the boot space of the A-Class ourselves when we pitted it against the DS 4 E-Tense in our twin test. We found that while the DS 4’s boot is wider than the A-Class’s, the Mercedes gained points back by having a longer boot and lower load height too, which make it easier to load heavier items in.

Towing

The A 180 petrol is rated to tow 1,400kg, while the A 200, A 200 d and A 250 e have a maximum towing capacity of 1,600kg, and AMG models 1,800kg.

Reliability and safety

All versions of the A-Class come loaded with safety kit: an active bonnet, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), auto headlights, and a glut of airbags are standard throughout the range. Also included is ‘Mercedes me connect’; an in-built system which not only keeps the driver within easy contact of approved breakdown services, but is also able to contact the emergency services in the event of a serious accident.

The Mercedes A-Class was assessed by Euro NCAP in 2018 and achieved a maximum five-star safety rating. Adult and child occupant protection scored an excellent 96 and 91 per cent, respectively.

The A-Class finished 39th on our list of the best cars to own based on owners' feedback from the 2023 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. The premium hatchback also received a 93.77 per cent score for reliability. However, Mercedes as a brand finished a disappointing 25th (out of 32) in the best car manufacturers rankings – behind Jaguar and BMW.

Warranty

As with other models in the Mercedes range, the A-Class comes with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty. That’s a match for BMW’s standard warranty, and better than Audi’s which is capped at 60,000 miles over the three year period. 

Servicing 

Various service plans allow buyers to spread the cost of maintenance over monthly payments. A typical plan costs around £30 per month, guaranteeing the price of parts and labour for up to three services.

What do owners think?

Here’s what owners in the 2024 Driver Power survey thought of the Mercedes A-Class.

Used and nearly new

This fourth generation Mercedes A-Class launched in 2018 so it’s now in plentiful supply on the used car market. The car has proven extremely popular with buyers with its combination of style, technology and a premium badge helping keep used values strong. The A-Class was the UK’s fifth best-selling car in 2020 and fourth in 2021, so there’s no shortage of choice out there.

Mercedes A-Class history

Mercedes A-Class Mk3: 2013-2018

The third generation A-Class arrived in 2013 as a complete departure from the Mercedes compact car philosophy that had gone before. A traditional hatchback in shape, it offered sharp design inside and out but was criticised for a firm ride and a lack of practicality. Big sales numbers mean there are lots of used models to choose from. Read our full Mercedes A-Class Mk3 buyer’s guide here...

Mercedes A-Class Mk2: 2004-2012

Following the same MPV themes as the original Mercedes A-Class the Mk2 car was very much an update on that formula and remained at odds with what rival manufacturers were doing in the compact premium family car space at the time. Sturdy build quality, low running costs and cabin space were strengths but it was better around town than on the open road. 

Mercedes A-Class Mk1: 1998-2004

The first Mercedes A-Class with a unique design with a tall shape and a small footprint maximising interior space and manoeuvrability. The design was groundbreaking, a new approach to premium compact cars and they still make good, cheap family runabouts today.