Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon Review 2022
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon is a saloon car with a sporty DNA. Its slick exterior is complimented on the inside with a premium interior and top-of-the-range technology. Under the bonnet, a choice of responsive engines makes for an enjoyable driving experience.
Rivals to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon include the Audi A3 Saloon, Mazda 3 Saloon, Hyundai i30 Fastback, and the BMW 3 Series Saloon.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon Pros:
- Plug-in hybrid technology available
- Excellent fuel consumption
- Premium interior and technology
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon Cons:
- Boot space decreases on plug-in hybrid versions
- Rear headroom is limited
- A lot of equipment comes at an extra cost
Our Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon review covers:
- Compact saloon style with wide mesh grille and LED headlamps
- Simple and stylish interior featuring various premium materials
- 405-litre boot, which reduces to 345 litres on PHEV models
- A range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines available
- Four trim levels: Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus
Mercedes-Benz has kept the exterior of the A-Class Saloon relatively similar to the C-Class Saloon, albeit a bit more compact. It's got a long bonnet, a wide mesh grille, flat LED headlamps and an elegant rear end.
Although it's a compact saloon car, there's a generous amount of space inside. If sat in the front, you'll certainly be pleased, there's plenty of leg and headroom, and the seats slide back to accommodate taller folk. In the rear, space is a bit more limited, and three adults will struggle to get comfortable.
Boot space comes in at 405 litres and can extend to 1,210 litres with the rear seats down; however, the plug-in hybrid options decrease space to 345 litres. The A-Class Saloon falls short of its rivals in this capacity, with the Mazda 3 Saloon and BMW 3 Series Saloon having a bigger boot.
The interior of the A-Class Saloon is what you'd expect in a Mercedes-Benz, simple yet luxurious. There's a range of expensive-looking materials, chrome buttons, and ambient lighting featuring 64 selectable colours.
In terms of technology, the A-Class Saloon features a seven-inch digital cockpit behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch infotainment system in the centre of the dashboard. It features Mercedes' voice control system known as MBUX, which can control sat-nav or climate control.
Four trim levels are available, including Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, and AMG Line Premium Plus.
The entry-level Sport Executive comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, ARTICO man-made leather seats, THERMATIC climate control, heated front seats, and a parking package with a reversing camera.
The AMG Line Executive has 18-inch alloy wheels, a multifunctioning sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, a sports brake system, and an interior aluminium trim.
AMG Line Premium once again comes with 18-inch wheels and adds an advanced sound system, MBUX augmented reality for navigation, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, and blind spot assist.
The range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus features 19-inch alloy wheels, an electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory function, a head-up display, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and a parking package with a 360-degree camera.
Under the bonnet, the A-Class Saloon has a range of 1.3-litre petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options.
Two petrol engines are available, the A 180, which returns 136bhp and can achieve 0-60mph in just under nine seconds. The more powerful A 200 has 163bhp and reaches 60mph in 8.1 seconds.
The same options are available for the diesel units, either an A 180d or an A200d. They have less power but make up for this with exceptional fuel economy, with the A 200d returning a combined 68.9mpg.
The sole plug-in hybrid option is the 250e. Combined with its electric motor, it packs a punch, coming with 218bhp and achieving 0-60mph in just 6.7 seconds. As expected, it has excellent fuel consumption and can run off the electric battery for up to 44 miles.
On the road, the A-Class Saloon performs well. Its handling is secure and feels stable when changing direction, and the steering is responsive and accurate, making the car go where you command.
You'll also be in for a comfortable drive, with the suspension proving effective when driving through town and on the motorway.
Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon start from £31,255.00 OTR* or to lease from Price On Request per month.
Thinking about leasing the A-Class Saloon? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and have a range of leasing deals available to suit all driving styles.
Leasing may prove cheaper than buying the A-Class Saloon thanks to a low initial investment, road tax and breakdown cover being included in your lease deal, and fixed monthly rentals.
*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.
