Mercedes A-Class 2013-2018: Complete Used Buyer’s Guide

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, produced from 2013 to 2018, represented a bold departure from its predecessors. Moving away from the tall, MPV-like design infamous for the ‘elk test’ mishap, this model adopted a sleek, low-slung hatchback profile to compete directly with the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. This shift prioritized driving excitement and premium appeal, making it a standout in the compact premium segment.

Design and Exterior Styling

The A-Class’s exterior captured attention with its aggressive, forward-leaning stance. Sharp lines, a prominent front grille, and sculpted headlights gave it a sporty, modern look that screamed luxury. Available in five-door hatchback only, it measured around 4.3 meters long, positioning it perfectly against rivals. Body styles were limited, but the practical five-door format suited families while maintaining a coupe-like silhouette.

Wheel options ranged from 16-inch standards to 18-inch alloys on sportier trims, enhancing its road presence. Colors spanned classic silvers and blacks to vibrant reds, with AMG Line packages adding aggressive bumpers and spoilers for a performance edge.

Interior Quality and Comfort

Step inside, and the A-Class delivered Mercedes’ signature luxury. High-quality materials like soft-touch plastics, leatherette or real leather upholstery, and metallic accents created an upscale ambiance rivaling pricier models. The dashboard featured a driver-focused layout with twin cowls framing the instruments and a central infotainment screen.

Front seats offered excellent support, with options for heated seats and lumbar adjustments in higher trims. The column-mounted gear selector in automatics freed up console space, improving knee room. Rear space accommodated five passengers adequately, with ISOFIX points on outer seats, though the middle spot felt cramped due to the transmission tunnel—especially in 4MATIC all-wheel-drive versions.

• Key interior highlights: Premium build quality, intuitive controls, ambient lighting options.
• Seating: Comfortable for four adults; tight for three.
• Tech features: Standard Bluetooth, optional navigation, Harman Kardon audio.

Practicality and Luggage Capacity

While the interior impressed, practicality had trade-offs. Boot space measured 341-355 liters, smaller than the A3’s 380 liters or 1 Series’ 360 liters, due to the design’s sloping roofline. Folding rear seats expanded capacity to 1,150-1,200 liters, and the wide hatch aided loading despite minimal wheel arch intrusion.

Rear legroom and headroom were competitive, suitable for children or shorter adults. Accessibility was good via wide doors, but the compact dimensions meant it wasn’t ideal for large families compared to saloons or estates from rivals.

This table illustrates the A-Class’s position in the segment—functional but not class-leading.

Engine Range and Performance

A diverse lineup of petrol and diesel engines catered to varied needs. Petrol options included the efficient 1.6-liter (122 hp), punchy 2.0-liter (156-211 hp in A250), and hot A45 AMG with up to 360 hp. Diesels like the 1.5-liter (109 hp) and 2.1-liter (136-170 hp) offered strong torque for economy, with figures up to 78 mpg claimed.

Transmissions featured six-speed manuals or seven-speed dual-clutch automatics. The A250 Sport boasted overboost to 225 hp briefly, ungoverned top speeds over 155 mph, and sporty exhaust crackles. 4MATIC all-wheel drive was available on select models for better traction.

• Petrol pros: Smooth, responsive, fun in AMG variants.
• Diesel pros: Economical, torquey.
• Cons: Diesels noisy under load.

Driving Experience and Handling

Mercedes transformed the A-Class into a driver’s car. Direct steering, composed chassis, and multilink rear suspension delivered sharp handling and stability. Front-wheel drive with anti-roll bars kept body roll in check, though the ride was notably firm—especially on AMG Sport models with larger wheels.

Facelifted models introduced adaptive damping for better comfort. SE or Sport trims with smaller wheels were preferable for daily driving. Test drives are essential to assess the stiff setup, which prioritized dynamics over plushness.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety was a strong suit, earning a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Standard kit included multiple airbags, stability control, and attention assist. Options like collision prevention, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise enhanced protection. High safety credentials made it family-friendly.

Equipment Levels and Standard Specs

Trims progressed from SE (climate control, alloys, cruise) to Sport (sports seats, ambient lighting), AMG Line (body kit, larger brakes), and AMG (performance upgrades). Even base models felt premium with good infotainment and parking aids.

Reliability and Common Issues

Owners reported solid reliability, with few major problems. Some noted diesel chain rattles or automatic gearbox hesitations, but mechanicals held up well. Pre-purchase checks for suspension wear and service history are advised. User feedback highlights trouble-free ownership over years.

Used Buying Guide: Prices and Recommendations

Used prices range from £8,000 for high-mileage diesels to £20,000+ for low-mile AMGs. Seek facelifted (2015+) models with adaptive suspension. Petrols suit enthusiasts; diesels for mileage. Inspect for rust-free bodies and full Mercedes service logs.

Top picks:

• A180 petrol for efficiency.
• A200d for balance.
• A250 for performance.

Pros and Cons Overview

Mercedes A-Class vs Rivals

Against the Audi A3 (refined, spacious) and BMW 1 Series (engaging, rear-drive), the A-Class excelled in style and tech but trailed in ride comfort and boot size. It offered better value used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the 2013-2018 A-Class reliable?

Yes, with proper maintenance; common issues are minor.

What’s the best engine choice?

A200 petrol for most; diesels for high mileage.

How practical is the boot?

Adequate at 341 liters, but rivals offer more.

Does it have 4WD?

Yes, 4MATIC on select models.

Recommended trim for comfort?

SE or Sport with adaptive dampers post-facelift.

Final Thoughts on Ownership

The 2013-2018 A-Class blends luxury, performance, and style in a compact package. Its firm ride demands a test drive, but for those seeking premium hatchback thrills, it’s a compelling used buy. With economical engines and high safety, it remains popular years later.