► Premium hatchback takes on A3, 1 Series
► Petrol and diesel engines plus hot AMG models
► Majors on glitz and comfort
The market for premium hatchbacks is fiercely contested, and Mercedes-Benz hasn’t always made things easy for itself. While the A-Class hatch has been a big seller, it’s faced internal competition from a sprawling line-up. SUV fans can pick the GLA, those after more traditional lines might choose the A-Class Saloon, the GLB offers seven seats on the same platform, and for a touch of glamour there’s the CLA four-door coupe and CLA Shooting Brake.
Yet time is running out for the A-Class hatchback. Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer recently confirmed during the launch of the new CLA that the A-Class will not get another generation, as part of Mercedes’ push to simplify its range and focus on the right vehicle mix for its customers.
That makes the current A-Class something of a swansong, still a strong premium contender but facing fresh competition and the shadow of its own imminent demise. It’s very much a case of buy one while you can.
Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz A-Class? Yes, if you want a classy, refined hatchback and value the Mercedes badge, but newer rivals like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 have bested it, thanks to a sharper drive and better-resolved tech.
Here’s how we test cars, and why you should trust us.
At a glance
Pros: Premium cabin ambience, refined cruising ability, decent running costs
Cons: Fiddly infotainment controls, not the sharpest drive, pricey options
What’s new?
Right now, the Mercedes A-Class is very much still on sale, and following the subtle facelift it received in late 2022 for the 2023 model year, it’s still competitive against its old sparring partners, the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. The update focused on simplifying the range and improving in-car tech rather than reworking the fundamentals, and it all still feels pretty fresh today.
While the A-Class continues to attract style-focused buyers, it now faces stiff competition from newer traditional hatchback rivals, as the steady stream of buyers moving from this bodystyle to SUVs has become a flood. Mercedes’ streamlined engine range reflects a market pivot toward efficiency and simplicity in the hatchback market, although it has lost the plug-in hybrid option in hatchback form.
What are the specs?
Mercedes’ smallest hatchback carries on with a familiar engine line-up of two mild-hybrid petrols and a single diesel, all paired to automatic transmissions. Ignoring the AMG A35 and A45S hot hatches for a moment (they get their own review), the core A-Class range targets sensible buyers.
Both petrol options, the A180 and A200, use the same 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, co-developed with Renault. The A180 delivers 134bhp for a 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds, while the A200 steps up to 161bhp, cutting the sprint to 8.2 seconds. Both use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is generally smooth but can hesitate in stop-start traffic. Mild-hybrid tech helps smooth out the stop-start system and fills in torque gaps for a more seamless drive.
The A200d diesel remains appealing for high-mileage drivers, offering up to 60mpg in real-world motorway use. With 148bhp on tap, it competes well with diesel rivals like the BMW 118d or VW Golf TDI and pairs with an eight-speed automatic for relaxed long-distance cruising.
Unfortunately, the A250e plug-in hybrid has vanished from the hatchback range, now confined to the A-Class Saloon. A shame, as it was a convincing company-car choice.
How does it drive?
The Mercedes A-Class isn’t as focused on sporty handling as the BMW 1 Series but remains an assured and competent hatchback. All models come with ‘comfort’ suspension, and wheel sizes range from 17 inches on Sport Executive models to 19 inches on AMG Line Premium Plus. The smaller the wheels, the more forgiving the ride.
In town, the A-Class deals well with urban lumps and bumps, though you’ll hear and feel the suspension working on rougher surfaces. Larger wheels increase the patter, especially at low speeds. Still, at higher speeds, the ride settles, and the A-Class flows smoothly, even if an Audi A3 blends comfort and body control slightly better.
On twisty country roads, the A-Class displays secure grip and composed handling. There’s some lean through faster corners, and it’s not as responsive or playful as a 1 Series, but the chassis has enough balance to make a spirited drive enjoyable. The steering is well-weighted and precise, allowing you to place the car confidently, though it could offer more feedback.
The A-Class feels most at home on motorways, where it cruises quietly and feels impressively grown-up for a compact hatchback. Wind noise around the windscreen is low, helping create a calm, refined atmosphere, although some noise does come from around the rear windows at higher speeds. The engines remain hushed on long journeys, adding to the relaxed vibe. Very Mercedes.
What about the interior?
Inside is where the A-Class shines. The facelift brought in the current iteration of the MBUX infotainment system, dropping the old central touchpad and going fully touchscreen. The twin 10.25-inch displays look sharp and give the cabin a premium feel beyond what you’ll find in many rivals.
However, removing the touchpad of the older A-Class was a bit of a backward step. It means controlling the system can be a bit of a stretch, and some icons are fiddly and small despite the generous screen size. Voice control helps but isn’t perfect, even if it is better than most.
Material quality is largely high. Satin-finished metal on the doors and turbine-style air vents feel genuinely premium, though harder plastics appear lower down, and the piano-black trim shows fingerprints easily. The haptic steering wheel controls remain a frustration, as they’re sensitive and awkward to use while driving.
Space is good for a premium hatch. Rear passengers enjoy decent legroom and a bright cabin, helped by the low window line. The boot opening is slightly narrow, but the space itself is practical and well-shaped for luggage.
Before you buy
You’re not short of choice here, starting with Sport Executive and rising through AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, and AMG Line Premium Plus. Prices for the A-Class hatch start around £31,300 for the A180 Sport and stretch well into the mid-£40,000s for AMG Line Premium Plus versions. As usual with Mercedes, adding options can raise the price rapidly.
Rivals worth considering include the BMW 1 Series, which has recently been comprehensively updated, the evergreen Audi A3, and higher-spec versions of the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 and the surprisingly upscale Peugeot 308. The BMW stands out for driving pleasure, while the A3 excels with user-friendly tech.
Verdict
The A-Class remains a strong player in the premium hatchback market. It’s now overshadowed and beaten by the 1 Series and A3. However, it’s not without appeal, and it still retains its main strengths, such as handsome styling, a high-quality interior, and refined cruising manners, even as newer rivals keep the pressure on.
It’s not the sportiest option, and some tech choices could be better executed, but the A-Class still feels every inch a Mercedes. For many buyers, that brand appeal and premium feel will seal the deal.
If you crave a sharper drive, the BMW 1 Series is the one to go for, while the Audi A3 scores for tech and ergonomics. Yet as a classy all-rounder that blends comfort and prestige, the A-Class remains a worthy option, even if its days are now numbered.