Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review 2024

Mercedes-Benz A-Class At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The latest Mercedes A-Class is a strong competitor against rival premium family cars. It looks smart and the interior has the wow factor; it's just a shame it's not got a little more substance to back up its style.

+Innovative infotainment system that looks great. Interior looks pretty swish. Comfortable and easy to drive.

-Merely so-so on practicality. Petrols aren't that powerful or refined. Handy touchpad controller lost in 2023 facelift.

Insurance Groups are between 18–35
On average it achieves 87% of the official MPG figure

The latest Mercedes A-Class represents a very appealing entry point into premium car ownership. It might be the smallest and most affordable Mercedes, but its bold interior and generous equipment levels make it a strong alternative to cars like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf. Read on for our full review of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

The Mercedes A-Class has come a long way since the early days. First introduced in 1997 as a scaled-down MPV-type that’d fall over at the merest sight of an elk, it would gradually morph over the years into a more conventional prestige hatchback that would delight image-conscious buyers on a budget.

For all their popularity, though, previous versions of the Mercedes A-Class have been, well, not all that good. Not bad, you understand, just not as good as the excellent cars with which they were required to compete, those being the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. These rivals were better to drive, more practical and higher in quality than the A-Class, and of course, no less desirable.

This fourth-generation model, though, is a different matter entirely. While the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series are better and more desirable than ever, the baby Benz has really caught up.

Finally, it delivers the comfortable, sophisticated driving experience that you expect from a Mercedes, while it also has its family car rivals matched on space and versatility. Where quality is concerned, it still doesn’t have quite the bullet-proof solidity of assembly that its rivals do, but if anything, it has them beaten for poshness and theatre.

Much of that is thanks to simply stunning materials, and the rest is down to the high-tech infotainment system that dominates the cabin, with its twin screens, sharp graphics and feature-rich functionality.

A mid-life update in 2023 means you now get more for your money, too - gone are the small infotainment screens offered on lower-spec A-Class models. In their place are two fancy 10.25-inch displays. You now get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range, too, while Merc's fancy augmented-reality navigation is standard from mid-grade models and above.

Standard equipment levels are pretty comprehensive, although what would you expect with a start price nearing £32,000? Fortunately, the Mercedes A-Class shouldn't cost a fortune to run - especially as petrol models now come with mild-hybrid technology, while there's also a plug-in hybrid version available that'll appeal to company car drivers.

Is the Mercedes A-Class the best car in the class? Well, no, we don’t think so: that honour probably falls to the BMW 1 Series. However, the margins are tight, and different cars suit different people. If you’re after a comfortable car that dazzles with its infotainment kit and its luxurious interior, then the A-Class might well be pick-of-the-class for you.

Looking for a second opinion? Check out heycar's review of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Ask Honest John

What are the best steering locks or security devices for a Mercedes?

"Could you tell me which security device/ steering wheel lock is best for a Mercedes AMG C53? I have read that many of them damage the leather steering wheel."
You can read our reviews of some steering locks on the Honest John Kit website here: https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/category/safety-security, but we would recommend the Stoplock Pro Elite which has a wide range of adjustment to suit a variety of steering wheels, or the Disklok which can be purchase with a protective cover that goes over your steering wheel before the lock to prevent damage.
Answered by David Ross

Which has the more rear space - the Mercedes A-Class or BMW 1 Series?

"I am looking to buy a new premium hatch and was wondering if you could advise, which of the Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1 Series has more space for rear passengers?"
The BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class are very close on interior space, with the former having slightly more legroom while the latter has a little more headroom, although we are talking a matter of millimetres in difference. Both will fit taller rear passengers with relative ease, but if rear seat space is important cars like the SEAT Leon, Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia are more generous in this respect.
Answered by David Ross

What small cars come with luxury features?

"I require a small car with all of the luxury features one can find on larger cars. As far as I can see no manufacturer meets this requirement. Why not?"
You don't specify which luxury features you have in mind, but there are several small cars that offer big car features. For example, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact car but can be specified with electric front seats, man-made leather, climate control, ambient lighting, keyless entry and start, augmented reality navigation, head-up display and a host of advanced safety systems.
Answered by David Ross

Do plug-in fuel saving devices actually work?

"Can the 'Eco-Chip' fuel saving device plugged into the OBD2 socket cause damage to vehicle systems, including PHEVs?"
We have not tested the EcoChip fuel saving device, but would be hesitant about using one, particularly on a car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Answered by David Ross
More Questions

What does a Mercedes-Benz A-Class cost?