Overview

If you’re drawn to the three-pointed star, the Mercedes A-Class is the smallest and most attainable model in the brand’s range. Available as a practical hatchback we’ll be covering here and as a saloon that gets its own separate review, it’s available with a wide variety of power outputs that include two hot AMG versions, and very keen finance terms.

The current A-Class sports a sleek exterior design with a shark-like front end, a world away from the tall, awkward styling of the first two model generations. It was first launched in 2018, but a series of minor updates have kept things fresh with the most recent changes coming in 2023.

The A-Class faces stiff competition from all directions. Not only is it a direct competitor for other premium German hatchbacks such as the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1 Series, but other, aspiring brands are competing for a slice of the premium hatchback pie – such as the Peugeot 308 and Volkswagen Golf.

At the same time, family buyers who value space and practicality might be looking at similarly priced compact SUVs, such as Mercedes’ own GLA, the Audi Q2 or the BMW X1.

The most recent facelift simplified the engine range, with four now available – two petrols and a diesel, all with mild hybrid tech. There are also two AMG-badged models, offering additional pep and performance to rival hot hatchbacks. We’ve reviewed the hottest, the Mercedes-AMG A 45, here. Sadly, Mercedes now limits the A250 e plug-in hybrid to the saloon model only.

There are plenty of other options in the A-Class range if you fancy something a bit different. For SUV connoisseurs, there’s the aforementioned GLA and the closely-related (but larger) GLB. If you want something more traditional, there’s the A-Class Saloon. Finally, there’s the slinky and seductive CLA four-door coupe, and its CLA Shooting Brake sibling – both based on the A-Class platform but offering a more stylish silhouette.

In the market for a posh hatch? Read on for our full Mercedes-Benz A-Class review.