New Mercedes A-Class (2018-present)
The latest Mercedes A-Class sets itself apart from others with technology and quality
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz A Class Diesel Hatchback (2015-2018) a180d sport premium 5dr
Finance price £178 per month
Cash price £14,550
2018 Mercedes A-Class prices from £12,977 Finance from £178 per month
The Mercedes A-Class is firmly aimed at people who don’t mind paying a bit more for an upmarket badge stuck on the front of their family hatchback. It's the German brand's smallest and cheapest car on the market, but it still features much of the technology you see on the more expensive models such as the C-Class or S-Class.
While you might not consider £23,000 to be particularly cheap for a hatchback of this size, the A-Class goes into direct competition with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, of which the Mercedes is the more affordable option.
Inside is where the A-Class really stands out from the competition. It looks expensive thanks to all that tech that's been handed down from larger Mercedes models, although the actual build quality is questionable.
High-specification models have a pair of 10.3-inch touchscreen media displays on the dashboard that are joined together to resemble a large widescreen. It's considerably more futuristic and impressive than the smaller displays used by competitors. While even the most basic entry-level models feature advanced software that brings extra functions, including voice control through the Mercedes MBUX system that can learn your daily habits and favourite radio stations.
There's also a seven-inch digital instrument display as standard behind the steering wheel, along with a touchpad for controlling all the on-board computers and organising your displays to show the information you prefer - speed, RPM or sat-nav for example.
In terms of safety, Mercedes offers extra features such as Active Lane Change Assist to help you maintain your direction on a motorway for example, or change lane for you as and when you indicate to do so - this comes at an additional cost.
The inclusion of other more standard technology has helped the A-Class achieve a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, scoring over 90% for adult occupancy, child occupancy, and for protection for vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians.
There's also a saloon version of the A-Class on sale, this proves much the same as the hatchback, other than a change to the shape of the boot, which also makes the car 130mm longer.
Last Updated
Key facts
Warranty : 3-years / Unlimited miles | Boot size: 360/1,210 litres |
Width: 1,796mm | Length: 4,531mm |
Height: 1,440mm | Tax (min to max): £165-205 in the first year, £140 thereafter
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Best Mercedes-Benz A Class Deals
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MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS A180d Sport Premium 5dr diesel hatchback
Your price: £14,550or £178 per month -
MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS A180d AMG Line Executive 5dr diesel hatchback
Your price: £14,195or £178 per month -
MERCEDES-BENZ A CLASS A180d Sport Premium 5dr diesel hatchback
Your price: £14,780or £180 per month
Best Mercedes-Benz A Class for...
- March 2018 A-Class makes first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show
- March 2018 Dealers start taking orders
- May 2018 first models arrive in the UK
- September 2018 A-Class Saloon goes on sale
- November 2018 A 200 d Sport and A 220 d AMG Line go on sale
- Early 2019 First deliveries of saloon
- Early 2019 AMG A35 versions go on sale in UK
- Late 2019 Mercedes-Benz extends the A-Class range, offering more trim and engine choices across both its hatch and saloon models
Understanding Mercedes-Benz A Class car names
- A Class
- Trim
- AMG Line
- Engine
- A200
- Gearbox
- Automatic
- Trim
- Mercedes offers three trim basic levels – SE, Sport and AMG Line. SE is the cheapest, Sport is the mid-range, and AMG Line is the most expensive. For late 2019, the marque has also added Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus, which bundles further equipment on to the package.
- Engine
- There are four engines currently available, two petrols and two diesel units. The A180 and A200 petrols are 1.3-litre, and the A250 is a 2.0-litre. The A180d is a 1.5-litre diesel and the A200d and A220d are both 2.0-litre. Mercedes-AMG offers a potent version of its 2.0-litre petrol in the A35 AMG model.
- Gearbox
- There are now three gearbox options - choose between either a seven or eight-speed automatic, the other is a six-speed manual.
Mercedes-Benz A Class Engines
Petrol: A180, A200, A250, A35 AMG Diesel: A180d, A200d, A220d
The A-Class is really only available with four engines, although both diesel and petrol is offered in various states of tune.
The entry level petrol engine is badged A180 and is a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which makes 136 hp.
The A200 is essentially the same engine, except that it produces 163 hp. Neither feel quick. They are also pretty loud when being thrashed, however, fuel consumption for both is good. Officially, the A180 will do 51.4mpg, and the A200 will achieve 53.3mpg - both pretty strong for petrol engines. Both can shut off two (out of four) cylinders when they’re not needed to cull energy consumption.
Mercedes has dropped the A220 petrol engine, leaving a range-topping A250, which uses the same 2.0-litre engine, but it makes a strong 224hp. It will get from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds, which is pretty quick for a small car. This is just as fast as some hot hatches like the Ford Fiesta ST. But it’s less economical than the other petrols on offer, with an official figure of 47mpg.
If you fancy something properly hot, there’s the A35 AMG. This has a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine making 306hp and it will despatch 0-62mph in 4.7seconds, as well as hit an electronically limited 155mph. This is fast, if not faster than other hot-hatches, but, expect there to be an even hotter A45 AMG model along in the future.
The A180d is the cheapest diesel of the three on offer. The 1.5-litre engine is the most economical of the lot too (70.6mpg). On paper this is the slowest engine, and in real life, it is also by far the slowest. It's great for motorways with the cruise control dialled in to 70mph, but not so brilliant at overtaking on B roads.
The latest additions to the A-Class engine range are the A200d and A220d. Both are a 2.0-litre diesels, but the A200d offers up 148hp and a 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds, while the A220d makes 187hp and dispatches 62mph in 7 seconds. Fuel consumption is impressive, with 70.6mpg and 67.3mpg respectively touted in the official book.
| Model | Fuel | Fuel economy | Power | Acceleration (0-62mph) | Top speed |
A180 | petrol | 53.3mpg | 136hp | 9.2s | 134mph |
A220 | petrol | 53.3mpg | 163hp | 8.0s | 140mph |
A250 | petrol | 47.9mpg | 224hp | 6.2s | 155mph |
AMG A35 | petrol | 38.7mpg | 306hp | 4.7s | 155mph |
A180d | diesel | 74.3mpg | 116hp | 10.5s | 125mph |
A200d | diesel | 70.6mph | 148hp | 8.1s | 137mph |
A220d | diesel | 67.3mpg | 187hp | 7.0s | 146mph |
Mercedes-Benz A Class Trims
SE, Sport, Sport Executive, AMG Line, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus
When the A-Class launched, there were just three trim levels for owners to pick from, but Mercedes-Benz has attempted to reduce customer reliance on the extensive option and package bundle lists with a few additional levels.
Mercedes is still concentrating on technology with the A-Class, so even the base specification SE gets a touchscreen display including a ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice recognition system, plus, twin seven-inch displays. On the outside there are 16-inch alloy wheels, DAB Radio, Artico artificial leather seats, Active Lane Keeping, Speed Limit Assist, Keyless Go, air conditioning, and sat-nav with real time traffic, and climate control. Active brake assist is also standard. Note that the saloon is not available in SE spec.
Upgrading to Sport adds LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and automatic climate control, while AMG Line models get 18-inch alloy wheels, an AMG-branded bodykit, and a three-spoke AMG steering wheel. Stepping up to AMG levels also adds larger 10.3-inch touch screen displays.
Where previous packages were added to throw in extra equipment, Mercedes has now bundled these in to Sport Executive, AMG Line, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus.
This sees options, such as Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, which searches for a suitable parking space and then helps you to park in it, added to AMG Line Executive models. AMG Line Premium goes one step further and throws in keyless entry, wireless charging for smartphones and the augmented navigation, for example.
Finally, AMG Line Premium Plus sees the clever multi-beam LED headlamps added, as well as a panoramic glass sunroof, traffic sign assist and a memory programme for the electrically-adjustable front seats.
Mercedes-Benz A Class Reliability and warranty
The A-Class is a new car and was launched too late to be considered for the 2018 Auto Express Driver Power survey.
However, the previous A-Class came 56th in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey, and the Mercedes C-Class tends to fare well in these surveys too.
In terms of warranty, the A-Class is covered for three years, with an unlimited mileage.
Used Mercedes-Benz A Class
These latest models are already beginning to surface on the used market - but don’t expect any significant savings.
Any reductions tend to be in the hundreds of pounds rather than thousands - however - with these nearly new models, you are looking at cars that are in stock and ready to be driven home. With a new car, you’ll inevitably be put on a waiting list.
There are, however, significant savings to be made on previous generation models, as dealers look to empty reserves in anticipation for the new models coming in.
You can read more about the previous-generation Mercedes A-Class here
| Mercedes A-Class: used car prices | 1 year old | 2 years old | 3 years old |
Best for economy Mercedes A180d | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Best for families Mercedes A200 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Best for performance Mercedes AMG A35 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Mercedes-Benz A Class Prices
Mercedes-Benz A Class AMG Line
a180 amg line 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 50.4mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £23,315
You could save up to: £3440
a180 amg line 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £24,787
You could save up to: £3568
a180 amg line executive 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 50.4mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £24,695
You could save up to: £3560
a180 amg line executive 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £26,167
You could save up to: £3688
a180 amg line premium 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 50.4mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £26,075
You could save up to: £3680
a180 amg line premium 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £27,547
You could save up to: £3808
a180 amg line premium plus 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 50.4mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £27,455
You could save up to: £3800
a180 amg line premium plus 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £28,927
You could save up to: £3928
a200 amg line 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.1mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £24,741
You could save up to: £3564
a200 amg line 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £26,213
You could save up to: £3692
a200 amg line executive 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.1mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £26,121
You could save up to: £3684
a200 amg line executive 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £27,593
You could save up to: £3812
a200 amg line premium 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.1mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £27,501
You could save up to: £3804
a200 amg line premium 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £28,973
You could save up to: £3932
a200 amg line premium plus 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.1mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £28,881
You could save up to: £3924
a200 amg line premium plus 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £30,353
You could save up to: £4052
a200d amg line 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 67.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £27,550
You could save up to: £3780
a200d amg line executive 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 67.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £28,930
You could save up to: £3900
a200d amg line premium 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 67.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £30,310
You could save up to: £4020
a200d amg line premium plus 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 67.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £31,690
You could save up to: £4140
a250 amg line 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 45.6mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £27,918
You could save up to: £3812
a250 amg line executive 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 45.6mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £29,298
You could save up to: £3932
a250 amg line premium 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 45.6mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £30,678
You could save up to: £4052
a250 amg line premium plus 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 45.6mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £32,058
You could save up to: £4172
a250e amg line 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
- Economy
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £30,525
You could save up to: £2455
a250e amg line executive 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
- Economy
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £31,905
You could save up to: £2575
a250e amg line premium 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
- Economy
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £33,285
You could save up to: £2695
a250e amg line premium plus 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol/plugin elec hybrid
- Economy
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £34,665
You could save up to: £2815
Mercedes-Benz A Class SE
a180 se 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 51.4mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £20,555
You could save up to: £3200
a180 se 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 54.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £22,027
You could save up to: £3328
Mercedes-Benz A Class Sport
a180 sport 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 50.4mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £21,935
You could save up to: £3320
a180 sport 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £23,407
You could save up to: £3448
a180 sport executive 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 50.4mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £23,315
You could save up to: £3440
a180 sport executive 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £24,787
You could save up to: £3568
a200 sport 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.1mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £23,361
You could save up to: £3444
a200 sport 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £24,833
You could save up to: £3572
a200 sport executive 5dr
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 47.1mpg
- Gears manual
Starting at: £24,741
You could save up to: £3564
a200 sport executive 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel petrol
- Economy 53.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £26,213
You could save up to: £3692
a200d sport 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 67.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £25,845
You could save up to: £3660
a200d sport executive 5dr auto
- Doors 5
- Fuel diesel
- Economy 67.3mpg
- Gears automatic
Starting at: £27,225
You could save up to: £3780
Other Editions
- Used Mercedes A-Class (2012-2018)The Mercedes A-Class is an upmarket hatchback that trades space for style