Mercedes A Class Amg 2018

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2018 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a medium-sized hatchback and saloon model. The current generation was launched in the middle of 2018 and has quickly become one of the best-selling cars in the UK.

A saloon version joined the range in the middle of 2019, which has not been offered in previous generations. There is also a pair of hot-hatch performance model available called the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and the even-faster Mercedes-AMG A 45.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has received generally good scores from most UK media sources, with most rating the entry-level models slightly higher and performance-oriented titles slightly lower. Scores for the hatchback and saloon models are very similar, which is not surprising.

As of November 2021, the A-Class has an Expert Rating of 69% based on 42 different reviews. That puts it one point behind the Audi A3 and eight behind the BMW 1 Series.

Reliability hasn't been a strong point of the current A-Class, unfortunately. In the 2021 What Car? reliability survey, it finished dead last in the family car category, and the 19th worst new car on sale. The previous year (which was the first appearace for this model) wasn't a lot better, when the A-Class ranked equal 19th out of 24 cars.

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A-Class highlights

Superb interior trim
Intuitive infotainment system
Great build quality and refinement
Plenty of space in the front
Wide range of variants to choose from

A-Class lowlights

Rather rigid ride quality
Rivals have more powerful engines
Cramped in the rear
Alternatives have more boot space
Dead last in reliability rankings

Key specifications

Body style:Five-door hatch and four-door saloon
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £24,100 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

"For the image-conscious and tech-focused buyer, there may not be a better car on sale today."
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
"The latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class premium hatch is one of the most tech-laden cars on sale, of any size."
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Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid A 250 e AMG Line Premium
Score: 8 / 10
"The numbers alone make the A 250 e hugely appealing as a company car, while the fuel savings and fantastic interior will be just as tempting for private buyers. We hope that the quality issues our test car suffered were an isolated thing, but we would prefer a slightly more forgiving ride. Even so, this PHEV remains one of the highlights of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class range."
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
"Thanks to its beautiful interior and conventional three-box body, the A-Class Saloon feels like a proper mini Mercedes."
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Model reviewed: A 180 SE
Score: 8 / 10
"Quality is excellent; the doors shut with that characteristic Mercedes thud, and the dash is covered in squashy plastics."
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
"The Mercedes A-Class has become one of the most desirable small family cars in Britain. And with sharp looks and a beautiful interior, this latest version is giving rivals like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 plenty to think about."
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Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid A250e hatchback AMG Line Premium
Score: 6 / 10
"Those still waiting to dip a toe into the world of electromobility could do a lot worse than to dip it in the A250e's direction. If you do, however, do so knowing you'll be getting a car that misses at least as many dynamic standards expected of a £35,000 Mercedes as it hits."
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 7 / 10
"If you like the idea of a four-door but are put off by the restricted versatility of Mercedes-Benz CLA, the A-Class saloon could be for you. As with the latest A-Class hatchback, it is a car many are likely to consider on the strength of its outstanding interior alone."
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Model reviewed: A250 AMG Line Saloon
Score: 8 / 10
"Looks are of course subjective, but in its transformation to a saloon, the A-Class now oozes style on the outside as well as the inside."
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
"Now entering its fourth full model generation, Mercedes' smallest passenger car has just had its luxury credentials supercharged."
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Model reviewed: A 220 AMG Line
Score: 8 / 10
"Least expensive 2.0-litre petrol A-Class is brisk, rounded and fairly refined. Probably the sweet spot of the 'baby Benz' range for savvy and keen drivers."
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Model reviewed: A 180 SE
Score: 8 / 10
"In A 180 SE trim, this is not only the least expensive A-Class but the least expensive Mercedes-Benz, and you're asked to sacrifice very little from a well-rounded car for that privilege."
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Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid automatic A 250e AMG Line Premium
Score: 9 / 10
"With 218hp in total, and the electric motor's readily available torque, the A 250e accelerates very strongly when required, making for safe overtaking. The A-Class probably has the edge over its premium rivals in cabin design at the moment, too."
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Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid automatic A250e AMG Line hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
"There's usuable electric range with the A250e, so much so that most people really could commute entirely on electric power alone and charge up while the car is at home overnight or at the office during the day."
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
"As a first step onto a manufacturer's ladder of cars, the new Mercedes-Benz A-class is a pretty darn good one. Mercedes has addressed many concerns surrounding the – hugely popular – previous generation model and bequeathed the 2018 car with an onslaught of clever tech and high-end interior design, not to mention improved driving manners."
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
"You might think you don't need a premium compact saloon. But drive the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and you could well find yourself coming up with reasons why that's exactly what you need. It's very good."
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Model reviewed: 250 e plug-in hybrid 2021
Score: 8 / 10
"When it comes to a plug-in hybrid with the ability to give you low running costs, there are few better options than the Mercedes A 250 e."
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual A 180d hatchback
Score: 9 / 10
"The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has set a benchmark for the next generation of premium hatchbacks, and one that may prove tough to crack for impending competitors. The latest tech fitted to it is seriously impressive, especially when you consider that you can't even get some of it on cars twice the price."
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
"Hi-tech, well built, stylish and as comfortable and luxurious as it should be: the Mercedes A-Class is a great premium hatchback."
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
"The Mercedes A-Class saloon is full of the latest technology, but with a more conservative and slippery shape than the hatchback"
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
"The Mercedes A-Class Saloon offers more space than the CLA and a brilliant infotainment system, but its price is a bit steep."
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
"The Mercedes A-Class is one of the most upmarket, high-tech small cars on sale, but some more old-fashioned alternatives are more affordable and better to drive."
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Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid A250e AMG Line
"Undeniable leadership in terms of PHEV benefit-in-kind, and the A-Class's other strengths of looks and cabin design and quality are present. The powertrain isn't always the slickest though, and the small boot will be an issue for some."
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Model reviewed: A220 4Matic saloon AMG Line
"Niche addition that has almost the same whole-life cost as the hatch and which is marginally more efficient. It's also less practical, however."
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Model reviewed: A220d AMG Line
"Punchy engine that offers decent performance and efficiency as well as lower company car tax than any rival."
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Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol automatic A200 AMG Line
Score: 8.1 / 10
"Strengths of residuals, efficiency, cabin design, quality and front-end styling all position the Mercedes-Benz A-Class very nicely in the premium lower medium sector."
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"There's so much that is just right that this car could have been designed and engineered by Goldilocks."
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
"Now in its fourth generation, the Mercedes-Benz A-class is unrecognisable from the car that kicked things off two decades ago."
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
"It's sophisticated and civilised on the road, it's packed with technology, and the interior has proper wow-factor."
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
"Same engine line up as latest A-Class hatchback. Handsome small saloon."
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8.4 / 10
"The perfect premium saloon for those who feel a C-Class is too big"
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8.2 / 10
"Impressive optional in-car tech, but prioritises style over substance"
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Model reviewed: Range overview
"Almost faultless inside and out – the Mercedes A-Class finally earns an A grade."
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Score: 8 / 10
"A very decent car, but it's the design and tech that set it apart."
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Model reviewed: 1.3-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid A 250e
Score: 4 / 10
"Expensive as a plug-in system is, this PHEV A-class makes a pretty good fist of saving fuel (as long as you plug it in) and feeling great to drive. What a shame the lack of traction and non-linear braking mar the whole experience."
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
"Connectivity and interior layout takes priority over how it drives. For some, that'll be perfect"
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Model reviewed: 250 AMG Line
Score: 6 / 10
"Handsome thing it is too, resplendent here in AMG Line trim. Good proportions, a nice stance, not too big and unwieldy, compact. A good size."
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic A 220d AMG Line
Score: 6 / 10
"It runs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, developing meaty numbers."
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
"The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon is comfortable and has a very attractive interior, even if it isn't quite as well constructed as an Audi A3 Saloon's. Keen drivers may be a little disappointed that there's a lot of lean when cornering, but we'd recommend looking at the sportier CLA if that's the case."
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
"No matter whether you're after a (relatively) affordable petrol, a super-frugal diesel or a seriously rapid hot hatch, the A Class range offers something for you."
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 6.8 / 10
"With similarly compact dimensions (and an identical interior) to the hatchback model, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class saloon adds a dose of executive pizzazz to an already impressive offering. Ultimately it's just its restricted boot aperture that separates it from the five-door model."
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
"The Mercedes-Benz A-Class faces very tough competition from the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. This latest Mercedes is very good but doesn't quite have the all-round ability to beat the best rivals."
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Safety rating

Euro-NCAP-logo

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2018

96%

ADULT OCCUPANT

91%

CHILD OCCUPANT

92%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

75%

SAFETY ASSIST

More safety recognition

Euro NCAP rated the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class as Best Small Family Car in 2018
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class won the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2019 Safety Award
Thatcham Research rated the Mercedes-Benz A-Class as one of the ten safest new cars for 2019

Eco rating

Green-NCAP-logo

Model tested: A 200 AMG Line petrol
Date tested: February 2019

5.2 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

Additional eco rating

The score above is for the A 200 petrol engine, which was tested in 2019. The A 180d 1.5-litre diesel manual was also tested by Green NCAP in February 2021 and received a 2.5 star rating. We are currently updating our Euro NCAP database, as the organisation changed its rating system and we need to change our database accordingly to be able to display the new scores.

Green NCAP said: "The car tested by Green NCAP is the 180d, with Daimler's 1.5 litre, turbocharged four cylinder diesel engine. Energy efficiency is a strong point for the car, with low fuel consumption for a car of its weight. For pollutant emissions, the car has selective catalyst reduction, a three-way catalyst and a diesel particulate filter.

"On the whole, these work well and emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases are well controlled. Oxides of Nitrogen are the only weak point: in the Clean Air index, NO_x is elevated in the more challenging tests and emissions of N₂O, a powerful greenhouse gas, reduce the score in that part of the assessment.

"The indexes in these two areas of assessment reduce the average and result in an overall 2½ star rating."

This rating only applies to the 1.5-litre diesel manual version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range (although there won't be any significant difference between hatchback and saloon body styles).

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has received

2021

Carbuyer Awards – Best Plug-in Hybrid (A 250e)

2020

Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Company Car (A 250e)
Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for New Drivers
What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid Family Car (A 250e)
Business Car Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid (A 250e)

2019

What Car? Awards – Safety Award + Best Family Car over £28,000 (A 250)
Carbuyer Awards – Best Small Luxury Car
Company Car Today Awards – Car of the Year + Premium Lower Medium Car of the Year
Carwow Awards – Game-changer

2018