Mercedes-Benz A-Class: specs, features, models & FAQs
Our in-depth guide to the Mercedes A-Class covers specs, key features and answers to common buyer questions
Family hatchbacks have been very popular over the years, combining compact dimensions, hatchback practicality and efficiency.
The Mercedes A-Class is one in a growing number of premium hatchback models.
One of the original premium options, it has a long-standing fan base and is now extremely popular, both new and used.
Mercedes A-Class specs
Apart from choosing a trim level, you’ll also want to make sure you go for the right engine for your needs.
There are plenty of petrol and diesel models, including some mild hybrid variants and a pretty impressive plug-in hybrid.
Mercedes’ naming structure makes a lot of sense – model badges begin with ‘A’ to signify this is the A-Class, followed by two or three numbers. The higher the number, the more power it has.
An A-Class with a ‘d’ at the end of its badge is a diesel, those with an ‘e’ are plug-in hybrids, and it’s a petrol if there’s no letter.
A-Class engine performance
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The engine you pick really decides the character of your A-Class – they range from seriously economical to seriously quick, and pretty much everything in between.
Petrol
The efficient 1.3-litre petrol engine is a popular pick, and it’s available with either 136hp (A180) or 163hp (A200). In 2022, mild hybrid variants with an additional 14hp were introduced.
It’s actually an engine that was built by Renault as part of its partnership with Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Mercedes, so you’ll see the same 1.3-litre unit in cars like the Renault Captur and Nissan Qashqai.
There’s also a more powerful 2.0-litre petrol option with 190hp (A220) or 224hp (A250). It’s not as economical as the 1.3-litre and not as quick as the performance models, so it’s not as popular.
Diesel
Three diesel options have also been available over the years: 116hp (A180d), 150hp (A200d) or 190hp (A220d). All use a 2.0-litre engine, except earlier A180d models that used a 1.5-litre engine instead.
Plug-in hybrid
The best pick for the eco-conscious is undoubtedly the plug-in hybrid model (A250e), which uses a 1.3-litre petrol engine working together with an electric motor to produce a total of 218hp.
It’s surprisingly quick, yet when driven smoothly and charged regularly, it can offer the potential of seriously low running costs.
Earlier cars came with a 10.6kWh battery pack capable of around 40 miles of electric-only motoring, but an upgrade in 2023 saw the range climb to around 50 miles thanks to a bigger 15.6kWh battery.
Most drivers with a home charger will be fine with the 7.4kW maximum charging speed on models sold up until late 2022. An update that year increased this to 11kW and added new 22kW DC charging speed for a 10-80% charge in around 25 minutes.
Performance
The final options are the A35 and A45 S models, which belong to the performance AMG division. They produce 306hp and 421hp respectively from a 2.0-litre petrol engine, and benefit from the extra grip of four-wheel drive.
They’re quicker than many hot hatches, managing 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds (A35) and 3.9 seconds (A45 S).
A-Class size & dimensions
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The Mercedes A-Class is a fairly typical size for a family hatchback, though it’s slightly longer than other premium options like the BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf.
It’s 4,428mm long, 1,992mm wide (including mirrors) and 1,423mm tall, though there are some differences between the models.
For example, the A250e hybrid model is around 3cm taller, while the A35 and A45 models are around 1-2cm lower and a touch longer.
There’s also the saloon model, which is 13cm longer, at 4,558mm, but the other dimensions are pretty similar.
Mercedes A-Class interior quality & design
The Mercedes A-Class offers a very premium-feeling cabin compared to most other family hatchbacks on the market, with even the basic models coming with a part-faux-leather interior.
Inside, everything feels high-quality and all the main touch points are finished in soft-touch materials.
A-Class infotainment
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The Mercedes A-Class has one of the best infotainment systems for a car of this size. It’s built using parts from the system you get in some very posh cars, like the S-Class.
Lower-spec models come with smaller seven-inch screens, although twin-10.25-inch displays are available in higher-spec cars.
The MBUX system was controlled by a slick trackpad in the centre console up until 2022, which uses multi-finger gestures similar to a smartphone or tablet. The facelift removed this in favour of a full touchscreen system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the optional ‘Smartphone Connect’ package, which also adds a wireless phone charger and remote unlocking via compatible smartphones.
The newer the car, the more car tech you’ll get as standard. For example, many newer models have larger screens and smartphone connectivity as standard.
A-Class cabin & boot
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The boot size varies by model year, and if you get a hybrid, which have slightly less space because of the batteries.
As of 2024, the latest models have a 350-litre boot, which is below average by around 30 litres. It’s not really enough to notice, but it’s also not class-leading.
The saloon model has a bigger 395-litre space, but because it has a narrower boot opening, it can be harder to fit big and bulky items in compared with the hatchback.
If you go for a plug-in hybrid model, expect a loss of around 40-50 litres – you’ll have to make the same compromise for any other hybrid, too, so this isn’t unique to the A-Class.
A-Class passenger comfort
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It’s really easy to get comfortable behind the wheel because the front seats have adjustable base lengths to support your upper legs.
All cars also have height and reach adjustment in the steering wheel, which should make it easy to get adjusted whether you’re tall or short.
ISOFIX fittings are also standard in the two outermost rear seats, but it’s worth noting that some cars, such as the BMW 1 Series, can also have an additional point on the front passenger seat.
How does the A-Class drive?
It’s clear that the Mercedes A-Class is designed to be a sporty model. Its responsive steering and reasonably firm suspension give you a good feel of the road.
However, it’s also really well-suited to towns and cities, where its speed-sensitive steering makes light work of tight turns.
A-Class running costs
Mercedes reckons its latest 1.3-litre petrol engines can exceed 40mpg, and its diesels are even more efficient, getting up to X.
Comparably low CO2 emissions also help to ensure that your car tax bill shouldn’t be too high.
As a premium model, some parts and consumables might be more expensive than other manufacturers, but the A-Class is such a popular model that finding the right part should be easy enough.
Common Mercedes A-Class questions answered
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There’s a reason the Mercedes A-Class often appears in the top ten list of best-selling cars in Britain. But if you still have any questions, here are some answers you might be looking for.
Does the Mercedes A-Class have Apple CarPlay?
All versions of the fourth-generation Mercedes A-Class, introduced in 2018, are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
However, it was only recently that this became standard fit across the range. For some earlier models, it was an optional extra or standard on higher trim levels.
It’s important to check any individual car listing to be sure because frequent updates continue to change precise kit levels.
Is a Mercedes A-Class front-wheel drive?
Yes, the Mercedes A-Class has always been a front-wheel-drive model, and the fourth-generation is no different.
However, there are some exceptions, which are predominantly the sporty models. The A35 and A45 performance editions come with four-wheel drive.
Some other models, like the A220, have also been available with four-wheel drive. You’ll spot these because they’re badged ‘4Matic’.
Does the Mercedes A-Class have folding mirrors?
The mirrors on all Mercedes A-Class models fold, but they’re not always electrically operated.
You’ll want to check that the ‘Mirror’ package, sometimes part of the ‘Executive’ equipment line, was ticked. It adds electrically folding mirrors plus automatic dimming for the driver’s side and rear-view mirror.
The actual mirror portion of the door mirrors is electrically adjustable across the range, and it’s heated, which is great for clearing off rain in wet weather.