Mercedes-Benz A-Class review

You’d expect a Mercedes to excel in interior design – and the A-Class doesn’t disappoint (let’s just say it’s very Instagrammable).

Everything’s nicely put together with the materials varying according to your choice of trim level. Most of the plastics are at least as good as you’ll find on rival models.

Tech and features

The A-Class sold up to 2018 gets a tablet-style screen mounted high up on the dashboard while later models have a slick widescreen display that extends in front of the driver.

The entry-level trim is the SE and gets you air-con, cruise control, a reversing camera, sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity.

The luxury goodies such as heated front seats, automatic wipers, figure-hugging sports seats, climate control and fancier dashboard materials are fitted to higher trims.

The built-in infotainment system on the newest model is particularly impressive. It sounds great and the system can be controlled by touch, mouse or voice.

You can even seamlessly connect your phone to your vehicle using Apple’s CarPlay in models from 2016 or Android Auto in 2017-onward models.

Handling and ride comfort

The previous-shape, pre-2018 A-Class had a particularly firm suspension, which you’d naturally think would make it feel sporty to drive.

And while that’s true of the A45 AMG, it’s not necessarily so for the rest of the range. This version of the Merc is still a capable thing, though.

The newer A-Class suspension is better engineered, and while the body moves around a little bit over bigger bumps, the ride quality is decent.

Engines and power

Whichever shape you’re looking at, the lower-powered petrol engines need to be worked little harder if you want to get a move on, but the rest are up to the task.

The hybrid A250e pairs an electric motor with its petrol motor for particularly spritely performance. Meanwhile, the A35 and A45 AMG models are like rocket ships.

Storage solutions

Despite the earlier A-Class not being as roomy as the later car, the glovebox and a storage bin under the central armrest provide enough space for all your knick-knacks.

The more recent model has better cup holders, perfect for your favourite coffee and somewhere to store your smartphone.

Boot space

The hatchback’s boot is slightly larger on the newer A-Class (up to 370 litres, or four standard-sized suitcases, with the rear seats in use), but both cars are reasonably competitive for the class and those seats fold flat.

The saloon’s boot capacity is larger again, but the smaller aperture that’s typical of this body style makes it trickier to load bulky items.

The A-Class’s rear seatbacks are split 40/20/40, which boosts practicality – some models even have storage beneath the floor.

Bear in mind the A250e plug-in hybrid loses some boot space to make room for its battery.

Fuel economy

There’s an engine to suit all pockets in the A-Class range. With a pure-electric range of 45 miles, the A250e plug-in hybrid battery is great for short trips around town.

Of the diesels, the A180d is the most economical with close to 60mpg on average. The A180 petrol will give you economy in the 40s.

As you’d expect, you’ll be lucky to get something in the 30s with the A35 and A45 AMGs.