Mercedes A-Class vs. C-Class: which is better?
We put the A-Class and C-Class side-by-side for a full comparison to help you decide which is best for you
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Comparing the Mercedes A-Class vs. C-Class is like trying to pick a favourite child – these slick Merc models are siblings and often rivals for those in the market for a small-midsize premium car.
There’s a fair bit that sets these models apart, but the Mercedes bloodline means they’re both luxurious, packed with tech, and dreamy to drive.
But how do you pick the right model for your needs? Take a look at our A-Class vs. C-Class review to get the highlights of each model, and things you should consider.
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A-Class vs. C-Class
Our guide will answer:
Is the A-Class or C-Class better to drive?
Which Mercedes model has the better styling?
Does the A-Class or C-Class have better tech?
Is the A-Class or C-Class more reliable?
What are the A-Class vs. C-Class dimensions?
Mercedes A-Class vs. C-Class: styling
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The C-Class and A-Class are from the same family tree and you can tell from the styling, but they come in a range of stunning different shapes.
The A-Class is available as a hatchback and a saloon. As for the C-Class, you can pick between a saloon and an estate.
There’s no denying that they’re all beautiful cars. With that handsome Mercedes styling, signature grilles and plenty of chrome detailing, it’ll be a case of choosing the shape that appeals to you most.
Mercedes A-Class vs. C-Class: what are they like to drive?
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If you’re driving a Mercedes, you’re never going to have a bad time. They both feel smooth, easy-going, with a pop of power if you need it.
For the A-Class, pick from variations of a 1.3-litre petrol engine – the 136hp A180 or the 163hp A200 – or the 2.0-litre petrol.
If you fancy a hybrid, there’s the A250e with 212hp.
There’re also a few spins of the same 2.0-litre diesel engine, the A180d and A220d that can only be found on the used market, and the A200d that lives on in the current range.
The C-Class offers 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, plus 2.0-litre diesels, and a 127hp plug-in hybrid (badged C300e). The petrols offer 205hp and 258hp respectively, and you can get 200hp or 265hp from the diesels.
Of course, there are also Mercedes AMG versions of both the A-Class and C-Class if you really want to crank up the performance.
Mercedes A-Class vs. C-Class: interior and technology
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Just like driving a Mercedes, simply sitting inside one is also a treat. Both cars get plenty of driver’s seat adjustment and support, and the quality of the cabins is top-notch.
The A-Class cabin is comfortable and spacious, with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen and a matching 10.3-inch digital driver’s display.
The C-Class matches its sibling for tech, but the interior does feel slightly more plush and executive. Your infotainment screen is slightly bigger at 11.9 inches, with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.
The proper AMG models add performance touches like sports seats and carbon fibre trim to the already impressive interiors.
Mercedes A-Class vs. C-Class: boot space and practicality
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There are a few different body styles for these Mercedes siblings, and that means varying boot space.
First off, the C-Class saloon offers a 455-litre boot that’s smaller than the 490-litre boot in the fuel-powered C-Class estate.
Adding electric power, the C-Class plug-in hybrid saloon shrinks to 315 litres, while the plug-in estate gets 360 litres.
The A-Class hatchback has a smaller 370-litre boot, shrinking to 310 litres for the hybrid. In the A-Class saloon, you get 420 litres in the petrol or diesel and 345 litres in the hybrid.
Mercedes A-Class vs. C-Class: safety and reliability
Both the A-Class and C-Class scored a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating on their last checks (in 2018 and 2022 respectively), so you know they perform well in crash testing.
The A-Class uses safety tech likes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist.
All C-Class models have a blind spot monitoring system, plus lane keep assistance as well.
Reviews for reliability are positive, though. Both cars are praised in the forums and Mercedes as a whole is considered a reliable brand.
Mercedes A-Class vs. C-Class: dimensions
We’d be here all day comparing the individual dimensions of each version of both the A-Class and the C-Class, but here are the two versions closest together to give you an overall idea.
Mercedes A-Class saloon
Length: 4,558mm
Width: 1,796mm
Height: 1,458mm
Boot: 420 litres (1,210 litres with the rear seats folded)
Mercedes C-Class saloon
Length: 4,751mm
Width: 1,820mm
Height: 1,452mm
Boot: 455 litres (1,335itres with the rear seats folded)
Verdict: Mercedes A-Class vs. C-Class: which should you buy?
Choosing between the A-Class vs. C-Class Mercedes models is a nice situation to be in, but also a tricky one.
The C-Class is the bigger model in general and there’s also the option for the practical estate, so it might be better for families.
On the other hand, the A-Class hatchback is ideal as something smaller but still premium – and even the saloon is still slightly more compact than the C-Class alternative.
Take a look at our full range of used A-Class and C-Class models to take a look at each car in detail.