As the name suggests, the A-Class has always been the smallest car in Mercedes' lineup.
It began as a smartly designed mini-MPV that arrived to a middling reception from critics, before being revamped into a more traditional family hatch in 2012. All A-Classes have sought to distill the Mercedes experience into a relatively compact and affordable format.
We'll talk you through everything you need to know about the Mercedes A-Class, including the different trim levels available and different models over time.
Mercedes A-Class models explained
Mercedes committed to the idea of building a compact model in the early '90s and, in 1997, launched the first A-Class. Unlike the version we're familiar with today, the '97 car was a short, upright mini-MPV. This bodystyle continued for one more generation until 2012 when it relaunched as a family hatch.
Despite the change in bodystyle, the A-Class's fundamentals have remained unchanged throughout its time on sale. It's always been a five-seat, two-row car and every generation has been offered with a hatchback-style boot lid. The current A-Class is a slight exception to this rule as it's also offered as a saloon.
Several other Mercedes models have been created using the same front-wheel-drive platform as the A-Class. These include the GLA compact SUV, the B-Class mini-MPV and the CLA four-door coupe.
Mercedes A-Class rivals include:
Mercedes A-Class Saloon
For the latest-generation A-Class, Mercedes added a four-door saloon bodystyle for the first time. This swaps out the standard car's hatchback-style boot lid for a short saloon-style boot that protrudes past the rear windscreen.
The saloon gains a little cargo space over the hatchback as a result – 395 litres in the former versus 350 in the latter. However, the tradeoff is that the boot opening isn't quite as large on saloon models, making it trickier to load large or bulky objects.
Mercedes A-Class AMG models
There are two high-performance A-Class models developed by Mercedes' AMG division:
Mercedes A35 AMG
The speedy A-Class range kicks off with the A35 AMG. Don't let its entry-level positioning fool you, however, because this is a proper performance car with 306hp and a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds. Those numbers mean the A35 faster than some serious sports cars and, with standard four-wheel drive, it's hugely quick in the real world.
Shop used Mercedes A35 AMG cars for sale
Mercedes A45 S AMG
If the A35 is seriously fast, then the A45 S is stupidly fast. Mercedes has cranked the boost on the 2.0-litre turbo engine up to preposterous levels for a grand total of 421hp. This means this hyperhatch will catapult from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds – easily as fast as some real-deal exotic supercars.
Mercedes A-Class trim levels
Mercedes' trim level lineup for the A-Class is, frankly, a bit of a mess. There are fundamental basic trims like SE, Sport and AMG Line, but the brand insists on making slightly different variations of each – adding suffixes like 'Premium', 'Executive' and 'Plus'.
- SE – entry-level model with cruise control, climate control and a basic infotainment system
- Sport – adds slightly sportier alloy wheels and all-round parking sensors
- Executive – mid-range model with some choice extra equipment
- Premium – gains full-leather upholstery and an upgraded infotainment screen on pre-facelift cars
- AMG Line – brings a sporty look inspired by high-performance AMG models
Mercedes A-Class generations
Fourth generation – 2018-present
- Fourth-gen A-Class was the most aerodynamic car in its class when it launched
- Model code – W177
- Facelifted in 2023
- This was the first A-Class offered as a four-door saloon
- Choice of turbo petrol, diesel and plug-in-hybrid engines
Third generation – 2012-2018
- This A-Class ditched its predecessor's mini-MPV body for a more conventional hatchback shape
- Model code – W176
- Facelifted in 2015
- Earned 40,000 pre-orders before production began – among Mercedes' most successful launches
- Choice of turbo petrol and diesel engines
Second generation – 2004-2012
- Second-gen A-Class was also offered as a three-door hatch for a more youthful look
- Model code – W169
- Facelifted in 2008
- Contained lots of new safety tech like airbags that could vary their force according to the accident
- Choice of petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines
First generation – 1997-2004
- The first A-Class had a clever 'sandwich' floor to improve crash safety
- Model code – W168
- Facelifted in 2001
- Infamously flipped over during a 'moose test', causing Mercedes to add stability control to all versions
- Choice of petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines
What's the best Mercedes A-Class model?
First and second-generation A-Classes are now quite old, so will only be of interest to used-car shoppers who don't mind a bit of running maintenance. Most A-Class models currently on the market will be third and fourth-generation cars – the ones with the more desirable hatchback bodyshape.
Third-generation A-Classes built until 2018 can be bought on the used market, mostly priced between £5,000 and £15,000 at the time of writing. That's a relatively attainable way to put a Mercedes badge on your driveway, but we'd strongly recommend upgrading to a fourth-generation car if your budget allows.
2018-on A-Classes are much improved over their predecessors, with better interior materials, a more modern design, and a smoother, easier driving experience. Around £15,000 buys an early fourth-gen A-Class, or you can spend around £25,000 on a nearly new example.
Shop nearly new and used Mercedes A-Class cars for sale, or read our Mercedes A-Class review to find out what this posh hatch is like.
