Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class for sale: everything you need to know
Remember the original Mercedes-Benz A-Class? Launched in 1997 it had troubled beginnings but was incredibly clever, packing E-Class style space into a supermini platform. The generation that followed in 2004 was similarly clever and higher quality too, but in 2012 the A-Class became a conventional, Golf-style family car. The latest model, which debuted in 2018, will also be the last A-Class - but it’s also the one yet.
Handsome on the outside, the most striking aspect of the current A-Class is its interior, thanks to jet-style air vents and a twin screen display - though many of its rivals have now adopted something similar, taking away some of the early impact. It has a premium look and feel but still does everything you’d want from a family hatchback, while the range includes everything from plug-in hybrids to incredibly quick performance models.
Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
The popularity of the Mercedes A-Class isn’t surprising - the idea of a Golf-sized hatchback with a Mercedes badge on the nose, priced at a relatively affordable level, means hundreds of thousands of buyers have been able to get behind the wheel and tell their friends they have a ‘Benz. The car’s styling and features back up the branding though, with a smart exterior and modern, high-tech feeling cabin for a feel-good factor you don’t often get in cars of this size.
The pair of display screens spanning in front of the driver were quite eyecatching when new, and while cars like the Golf and BMW 1 Series have since adopted a similar layout, the Mercedes ‘MBUX’ system still looks good and works well. It can feel a little complex at first but it’s easy to get used to the major features, and even the voice control function works pretty well.
It’s not the most spacious or airy car in this class but it’ll still seat four comfortably and a fifth passenger in a pinch. Earlier cars weren’t quite there for refinement or ride comfort but Mercedes has improved this over time, and all now make good cruisers, while being responsive and agile enough when the road gets twisty. The hot versions are truly spectacular too - the A 35 is a real Golf R rival, while the A 45 is simply the hottest hatchback around, and genuinely thrilling to drive.
The Merc’s premium rivals include the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, while the Volkswagen Golf is an obvious comparison too as pretty much the default choice in the family hatch sector. For a premium feel without the price tag, the Mazda 3 is also one to consider, and for space, quality and reliability, the latest Honda Civic is about as good as you’ll get - and the Type-R, while not as quick as the AMGs, is even better to drive.
What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz A-Class model to buy?
Diesel has fallen out of fashion in recent years but if you cover a lot of miles then it may still be worth a look. The regular petrol models are getting pretty frugal though and they’re smooth and refined too, and should serve most drivers’ needs perfectly well. The plug-in hybrid makes more sense for new buyers and company users than used buyers though, as its tax advantages largely disappear after the first year. As far as trim levels go, even the entry-level Sport Executive is worth a look, though while all models use a twin screen layout, the smaller screens in some lower-spec models look a bit lost in their housings - you ideally need the pair of 12-inch screens for the full impact and usability.
Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class fuel economy and performance
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 180: The range starts with a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 136PS. With a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, 0-62mph arrives in 8.8 seconds and combined economy is 47.1mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 200: Another variant of the 1.3 but with 163PS, performance improves with an 8-second 0-62mph time, while economy drops only slightly to 46.3mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 220: The A 220 moves up to a 2-litre engine with 190PS, for 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, and 42.2mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 250: Now with 220PS, the 2-litre is powerful enough to drop the 0-62mph time down to six seconds flat, while economy is still 40.9mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 250 e: The plug-in hybrid A 250 e once again uses the 1.3-litre engine, this time alongside an electric motor and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Combined power is 218PS and there’s a 45-mile EV range, while 0-62mph takes 6.6 seconds.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 180 d: The first of three diesels uses a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, with 116PS. It uses the eight-speed auto, and gets to 62mph in 9.7 seconds from rest. Combined economy is 56.5mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 200 d: Tuned to 150PS, the same 2-litre engine gets from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, while economy actually improves to 58.9mpg combined.
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 220 d: Another variant of the 2-litre diesel, the A 220 d gets another power bump to 190PS, dropping the 0-62mph dash down to seven seconds. Economy is quoted at up to 65.7mpg.
- Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic: The first of two AMG models, the 35 uses a 306PS turbocharged 2-litre petrol engine, which results in a 4.8-second 0-62mph time and 34mpg combined economy.
- Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+: While the 45 packs another 2-litre engine it’s actually quite different to the 35, best demonstrated by its enormous 421PS output. 0-62mph is over in only 3.7 seconds, but the car still returns a reasonable 31mpg combined.
What used Mercedes-Benz A-Class trim levels are available?
The A-Class has a big lineup for a relatively compact car, with a slightly confusing array of trim levels that are probably best summed up as being better equipped the more words there are in the trim name. Certain kit is standard on all models though, from touchscreen infotainment to air conditioning to LED headlights, so no A-Class is poorly equipped. Most of these trim levels also apply to the saloon version of the A-Class too.
- The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sport Executive starts the range with a pretty healthy standard of equipment and an upmarket appearance, plus the option of all the regular petrol and diesel engines.
- The Mercedes-Benz A-Class AMG Line Executive gets AMG-themed styling and the same engine lineup as the Sport, plus the plug-in hybrid A 250 e.
- The Mercedes-Benz A-Class AMG Line Premium packs all the AMG Line Executive’s equipment, plus a few other luxury items.
- The Mercedes-Benz A-Class AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition piles on even more kit, such as larger alloy wheels and LED Multibeam headlights.
- The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic Executive is where the proper AMG range starts, with various sporty touches and plenty of equipment, plus of course the 306PS petrol engine.
- The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic Premium cost an extra £1500 when new and got some more equipment for the original owner’s outlay.
- The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic Premium Plus added further kit on top of the Premium, such as larger alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, and adaptive damping as standard.
- The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ Plus is the highest-performance A-Class and its equipment level reflects this status. The most obvious changes from the ‘35’ AMGs are the 15mm lower adaptive suspension, and a set of forged alloy wheels.
Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class dimensions and boot size
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4419mm
- Width: 1796mm
- Height: 1440mm
- Ground clearance: 160mm
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class’s boot size is:
- 405-litres (A 250 e: 345 litres; diesel: 395 litres; A 35 and A45: 370 litres)
- 1210 litres with rear seats folded (A 250 e: 1125 litres; diesel: 1200 litres)
Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class road tax
Towards the upper end of the A-Class range several models came in at more than £40,000 when new, and that means used buyers, if you’re looking at a car between two and six years old, will be stung with a £600 annual VED bill, or £590 for the plug-in hybrid models. For cars that cost under £40,000 new, you’ll pay a much more reasonable £190 per year, or £10 less for the plug-ins.
How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
Buy an A 180 d and you should pay the lowest insurance of any A-Class, thanks to its group 18 rating. The A 180 petrol is two groups higher, while the plug-in hybrid A 250 e begins in group 30. The hot hatchbacks will be most costly, thanks to a group 36 rating for the A 35 and group 41 for the A 45. All these insurance groups are a bit more than you’ll pay for something like a VW Golf, which starts in group 14 and tops out at group 31 for the A 35-equivalent Golf R.
