The original Mercedes A-Class was a model of remarkable innovation. But its successors—especially the third generation—were far less notable. You might then assume this latest fourth generation would be nothing to write home about. You’d be wrong.
No matter whether you’re after a frugal diesel, a trendy plug-in hybrid, a rapid hot hatch or a (relatively) affordable petrol, the A-Class range is sure to offer up a model to pique your interest. But with so many other fine family cars vying for your cash, how does the A-Class compare to its competitors, particularly those of an equally prestigious brand, namely the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series?
But before we get into all that, let’s take a squiz at the A-Class’s key stats.
| Brand-new price range | £32,000–£63,000 |
| Car Planet price range | £9,000–£14,000 / £171–£264 a month |
| Trims | 10 |
| Engines | 12 |
| Available fuels | Petrol, diesel, hybrid |
| mpg range across all versions | 58–217 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £530/£4,600 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £1,100/£9,100 |
Equipment, options and extras
The Mercedes A-Class’s entry-level Sport Edition trim gives you the basics: dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, 18in alloy wheels, keyless go and cruise control. The AMG Line Edition brings into the mix larger screens and sportier styling, while the Premium trims offer rear armrest and keyless entry. The range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition introduces a whole host of further luxuries, not least a sunroof and 19in alloys.
Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2
If like most buyers you’re signing up to a PCP finance deal as opposed to paying cash, a Mercedes A-Class will generally cost you more per month than its premium-badged competitors, including the BMW 1 Series, although prices do vary month to month depending on dealer and manufacturer incentives.
Company car drivers would do well to look at the A250e, whose low CO2 emissions, plug-in hybrid tax breaks and impressive all-electric range result in eminently reasonable BIK tax compared to regular diesel or petrol engines. It sits in the same company car tax bracket as some versions of the Volkswagen Golf GTE and Audi A3 TFSIe. What’s more, the A250e’s battery can be charged from empty to full in just two hours using a 7kW wall charger. That’s the upside—the downside is that its fuel economy leaves something to be desired when you’re out of charge again.
If you’re going to be paying for your own fuel, however, you’ll appreciate that both the A200d and A180d have proved themselves economically efficient. The A200d averages 52mpg, compared to the BMW 118d’s 49mpg. Indeed, even the A200 petrol averages 41mpg, several mpg up on the 118i.
Safety and security
Euro NCAP awarded the Mercedes A-Class five stars out of five for safety, with higher scores for adult occupancy and pedestrian protection than the BMW 1 Series. In fact, it turns out that the A-Class is one of the safest family cars you can buy. Even the most basic versions include a variety of safety features: lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, seven airbags, a driver alertness monitoring system, and a popup bonnet to help cushion a pedestrian in the event of an impact. As part of the optional Driving Assistance package, the range-topping Premium Plus Night Edition also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which lets you know if you’re about to reverse out into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
The Car Planet verdict
The Mercedes A-Class is classy, swish and comfortable, packed with technology and providing a stellar driving experience. It stands out as among the best premium-badged models in the family car class—and we couldn’t recommend it more highly.
Car Planet are experts in used cars in Watford and Hertfordshire. Our virtual viewings mean you can check out a car from the comfort of your own home, or you can come in and view our cars in person. Every car goes through a thorough 150-point check to ensure it’s totally roadworthy. We’re transparent, too: we always display the details of a car’s imperfections. We care about sustainability, which is why we plant a tree for every car we sell, and we provide a 7-day money-back guarantee to any customer who isn’t absolutely satisfied with our service. With our competitive finance deals and part exchanges, you’re sure to find what you need, so check out our selection of secondhand Mercedes A-Class today and let’s get the ball rolling!
