Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mercedes A-Class review

The Mercedes A-Class is a premium hatch that is full of quality, with great on-board technology and a range of frugal engines

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
RRP
£30,720 £41,825
  • Gorgeous interior
  • Fantastic tech
  • Efficient engines
  • Firm ride
  • Coarse 1.3 petrol engine
  • Dull handling

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

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 A200d front

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 panning

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. 

A-Class

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions
We think the latest Mercedes A-Class is one of the best premium hatchbacks you can buy right now, thanks to its well-built cabin, seriously slick infotainment system and class-leading refinement.

For an alternative review of the Mercedes A-Class, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    A180 Sport Edition 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £30,720

Most Economical

  • Name
    A200d Sport Executive 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £34,715

Fastest

  • Name
    A200 Sport Executive 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £33,655
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Our latest car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,485 off RRP*Compare Offers
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £31,535Avg. savings £3,985 off RRP*Compare Offers
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £23,500Avg. savings £4,311 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £21,210Avg. savings £1,862 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on A-Class

Best future classics 2024/2025: car investments that could make you money
Future classics - header image

Best future classics 2024/2025: car investments that could make you money

Identifying future classic cars is a tricky but potentially lucrative business, here are our future classic recommendations
Best cars & vans
25 Nov 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Mercedes-AMG A35 hatch available on a hot £380 per month deal
Mercedes-AMG A 35 - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Mercedes-AMG A35 hatch available on a hot £380 per month deal

A £4,000 saving on the list price on this PCP deal might make Merc’s 300-horse hot hatch more affordable than you’d think
News
27 Oct 2024
Best handling cars
Best handling cars - header image

Best handling cars

Pure cornering bliss! Here are the best handling cars that money can buy
Best cars & vans
23 Aug 2024
Best low emission green cars in the UK
Best low emissions green cars - header image

Best low emission green cars in the UK

Low emissions and good fuel economy go hand-in-hand, and these cars deliver the best of both
Best cars & vans
22 Aug 2024
Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2024
Best hot hatchbacks - header image

Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2024

The very best hot hatchbacks offer giant-killing performance and an engaging drive, all wrapped up in a family-friendly package
Best cars & vans
23 Jul 2024
Best cheap hot hatchbacks
Best cheap hot hatches - four way header image

Best cheap hot hatchbacks

Need an affordable car which delivers on both power and practicality? These cheap hot hatches fit the bill
Best cars & vans
2 Apr 2024
New Mercedes-AMG A45 S Limited Edition goes green, and yellow
Mercedes-AMG A45 S Limited Edition - front quarter

New Mercedes-AMG A45 S Limited Edition goes green, and yellow

AMG’s distinctive Green Hell Magno paintwork has been applied to an A45 S with some yellow highlights alongside
News
13 Feb 2024
Mercedes-AMG A45 S vs Honda Civic Type R: 2023 twin test review
Mercedes-AMG A45 S and Honda Civic Type R - front tracking

Mercedes-AMG A45 S vs Honda Civic Type R: 2023 twin test review

A refresh has upped the ante for Mercedes-AMG’s A 45 S. How does it shape up against our reigning Hot Hatch of the Year, the Honda Civic Type R?
Car group tests
26 Aug 2023
New Mercedes-AMG A 35 2023 facelift review
Mercedes-AMG A 35 - front action

New Mercedes-AMG A 35 2023 facelift review

The A 35 is still one of the most refined hot hatches you can buy, but its new facelift isn’t a particularly thorough one
Road tests
24 Jul 2023
New Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 2023 facelift review
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S - front

New Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 2023 facelift review

The hottest Mercedes A-Class benefits from changes introduced on rest of the range
Road tests
17 Jul 2023
Mercedes A-Class vs DS 4: 2023 twin test review
Mercedes A-Class vs DS 4 - header

Mercedes A-Class vs DS 4: 2023 twin test review

The Mercedes A-Class is the definition of a premium hatchback – can the DS 4 deliver a fresh alternative?
Car group tests
24 Jun 2023
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Mercedes A-Class 2023 review
Mercedes A-Class - front

New Mercedes A-Class 2023 review

The Mercedes A-Class premium hatch has been given a final round of updates before it bows out for good
Road tests
24 Mar 2023
Best cars for £3,000 or less
Best cars for £3,000 or less - header image

Best cars for £3,000 or less

A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Here are some great used cars available for £3,000 or less
Best cars & vans
28 Feb 2023
Most economical family cars
Most economical family cars - header image

Most economical family cars

Are you after a spacious and economical new car? Here’s a definitive list of the new family cars that deliver the best MPG.
Best cars & vans
1 Dec 2022
Revised Mercedes-AMG A 45 hot hatch priced from £63,140
Mercedes-AMG A 45 - front

Revised Mercedes-AMG A 45 hot hatch priced from £63,140

Both the A 45 and less powerful A 35 will gain updates inside and out
News
27 Oct 2022
New Mercedes A-Class facelift: specs, pricing and powertrains
Mercedes A-Class - front

New Mercedes A-Class facelift: specs, pricing and powertrains

Mercedes’s premium hatchback has been given an mid-life update for 2022
News
27 Oct 2022
Mercedes leasing deals 2022
Mercedes C Class

Mercedes leasing deals 2022

The best Mercedes leasing deals available right now
Best cars & vans
14 Sep 2022
All-electric Mercedes A-Class replacement could still be on
Mercedes A-Class

All-electric Mercedes A-Class replacement could still be on

Mercedes plots A-Class-sized all-electric car on bespoke platform
News
11 Aug 2022
Audi RS 3 vs Mercedes-AMG A 45 S: 2022 twin test review
Mercedes-AMG A45 vs Audi RS3 twin test

Audi RS 3 vs Mercedes-AMG A 45 S: 2022 twin test review

Two of the hottest hatches on sale do battle as we pitch the new Audi RS 3 against the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S
Car group tests
5 Mar 2022
Used Mercedes A-Class (Mk4, 2018-date) review
Mercedes A-Class

Used Mercedes A-Class (Mk4, 2018-date) review

A full guide to buying a used Mk4 Mercedes A-Class
Used car tests
30 Dec 2021
Used Mercedes A-Class (Mk3, 2013-2018) review
Used Mercedes A-Class - front

Used Mercedes A-Class (Mk3, 2013-2018) review

With decent tech and a broad engine range, the Mercedes A-Class is a strong premium hatchback – but it’s not quite the best of its era.
Used car tests
2 Nov 2021
New Ford Focus vs used Mercedes A-Class
Ford Focus vs Mercedes A-Class

New Ford Focus vs used Mercedes A-Class

Can a used Mercedes A-Class beat a new Ford Focus?
Car group tests
25 Sep 2021
Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line: Deal of the Week
DotW Mercedes A250 - Offside front

Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line: Deal of the Week

This 2020 2.0-litre petrol Mercedes A250 in AMG Line trim is the BuyaCar Deal of the Week
Partnership
14 May 2021