Mercedes-Benz knows what it's doing when it comes to car manufacturing. Yes, it has its share of sedans and SUVs with MSRPs that top $50,000 or more. Yet, they're also not afraid to create cars that are more affordable to those who want German design without a high price tag. This is how they came up with the A-Class
Introduced in the 1997 model year as a subcompact, the first generation of the class, labeled W168, was unique for the company. It features a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout on a car slightly larger than a Mini. It became infamous when the A-Class flipped over in a Swedish track test. Despite this, over one million of the vehicles were sold in Europe and Asia.
Three more generations of the A-Class have been built since its introduction. The car has transformed from a subcompact hatchback to a small family executive car. Construction materials shifted, so the frame is comprised of strong alloys with bonded links. It remains a front-wheel-drive vehicle with strict emissions controls, precision tracking, and near full absorption of rough surfaces.
Though new and used versions of the A-Class remained popular in Europe and Asia, Mercedes-Benz felt the American public wasn't ready for the design. It wasn't until 2018 and another design generation that the A-Class came to North America's shores for sale.
Let's check the A-Class model years and see which are the best to purchase used.
8 The 1998 A160 Avantgarde Has A Mini Style With Mercedes Finishes
There's nothing bad to say about this top Class-A trim from its initial release year. Though the hatchback's style is reminiscent of the classic Mini Cooper, the vehicle's lines are much cleaner. Plus, it has the power and construction to be a true city car.
Granted, the A160 Avantgarde isn't the executive compact the A-Class is today. However, Mercedes-Benz didn't want that when they produced the vehicle. After all, the C-Class sedan did just fine for them. In the end, they produced a fun, front-end-drive car which is now a low-cost solution.
7 The 2004 A190 LWB Elegance Is A Second-Generation Upgrade
Though the first-generation A-Class did fine when it came to sales, some drivers and Mercedes-Benz engineers believed a change was required for the vehicle's next generation. Additionally, the company wanted its infrastructure to be made of stronger materials. Hence, the introduction of the second-generation A190 LWB Elegance.
Across all trims, the A-Class contained high-strength steel alloys with bonded joints. Plus, since they added some length, storage capacity increased by 15 percent. Currently, the A190 LWB Elegance is a great value for its styling. This includes central locking remote control, 16-inch alloy wheels, and wood grain trim.
6 The 2004 A160 Has An Updated Diesel Engine
A year before the A-Class was released, Mercedez-Benz introduced a new era in diesel engines for passenger cars. Common rail direct injection, also known as Common Direct Injection (CDI), became the norm on the company's C-Class vehicles. When the company saw its success in terms of horsepower (hp) and lb.-ft. of torque, they added it to their A-Class vehicles.
The 2004 A160 has a more powerful CDI diesel than its first-generation predecessor. In fact, the standard 2.0L engine is 10% stronger in both hp and torque. At a used price of under $5,000, it provides potential buyers with more strength and increased fuel efficiency.
5 The 2009 A-Class Has Over Two Dozen Options
By 2008, the A-Class trims had grown to approximately 20 options. This grew significantly in the 2009 model year. A total of 10 more trims were added, split between manual (five or six-speed) or automatic transmissions. They are also divided by standard A-Class vehicles -- at least "standard" in the eyes of Mercedez-Benz -- and more elegant versions.
Hence, the opportunity to spend a little over $5,000 for a base model like the A170 Classic. Even this version gives the driver a five-star safety rating, a six-speaker audio system, and rear parking distance control.
4 The 2010 E-Cell Is A Fine Car If You Can Find One
In 2010, Mercedes worked in collaboration with Tesla to develop an electric power cell for the A-Class E-Cell. When fully charged, it has the capacity of traveling 120 miles and at speeds up to 90 mph. The E-Cell went beyond the features of the BlueEFFICIENCY A-Class trims of that time
Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of these models on the market. Only 500 were built and sent to selected customers. However, those who can obtain one pay far less than a current Tesla model. Plus, due to their modular design, updated battery systems are available.
3 The 2013 A-Class Introduced A Whole New Look To Compete With BMW
While the A-Class did well in Europe and Asia it didn't have the strength of some of its competitors. Namely, luxury vehicle maker BMW. So, to compete with them, Mercedes-Benz completely redesigned the third-generation model.
Basically, they transformed it from a true subcompact to a full-fledged small family car, thus moving it closer to the executive vehicle category. The 2013 model year is one of the most popular for the class. It's one reason why used prices range from the low $10,000 to over $30,000. Still, it's a bargain for German-engineered styling.
2 The 2015 A180 BE Has Dozen Of Features For A Low MSRP
There's a good deal to like on the 2015 A180 BE. Especially since it's considered an A-Class base model. Of most importance is the price. Well-maintained and outfitted A180 BEs average in the low $20,000.
It also has several features that other executive compact sedans in its category don't have. For instance, storage under the front seats, rain-sensing wipers, run-flat safety tires, and leather steering wheel.
1 The 2018 A-Class Is The First To Be Sold In North America
Though A-Class cars were manufactured in North America, Mercedes-Benz didn't feel the consumer market was ready for it. It took them over two decades to finally release a version of the small-family car in the U.S. and Canada.
Needless to say, they didn't skimp when it came to features. The standard A180, which still retains a top used value of around $45,000, features a 1.6L engine and seven-speed transmission under its hood. Automatic stop/start, ambient lighting, and an extensive safety package are also included at the base level.