Why should you consider a lease on a Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

Is a Mercedes-Benz A-Class lease right for you?

For anyone wanting a compact premium car, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback is an excellent choice.

The Mercedes A-Class hatchback has been popular since its launch back in the '90s. Selling 158,955 in the UK in 2020 alone, its small stature, desirable looks, and wealth of tech have ensured that it's kept in front of the times, and the latest iteration runs on a platform that's longer, stronger, and lighter than ever before. 

If you're looking for your next Mercedes lease, the A-Class hatchback is worth some serious consideration.

The History of the A-Class

First unveiled in 1997, the A-Class was a compact entry-level model designed to be versatile, practical, and user-friendly. 

It revolutionised what the small car market could be, with 20 new technological innovations including the 'sandwich' floor; by elevating the floor and mounting the engine partly under it, MB engineers realised they could improve interior space, and in a crash the engine would slide under the pedals rather than into the cabin.

It was also versatile, with a mammoth 72 different seating configurations thanks to the removable passenger seat.

Through the years the A-Class has become not only a class-leading, family-friendly small car, but it's also become a style leader, cutting shapes on the motorway with its distinctive looks. While the sandwich floor was done away with in the third generation, it keeps the same core principles; versatility and innovation. 

If you're after a stylish, forward-thinking, technologically advanced - but still practical - small family car, there's not much else you could ask for from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

The Drive

The Mercedes A-Class has a range of engines on offer.

Petrol-wise, you can opt for the turbocharged 1.3-litre A180, or slightly more powerful 161bhp A200. Upgrade to the 2.0-litre A250 for 221bhp for even more fun, or go for a frugal diesel with the A180d or A200d, offering 114bhp or 148bhp respectively.  

If you want to throw sensibility out the window, there's always the sporty 302bhp AMG A35, or, if that's still erring too far on the side of normal, the 415bhp AMG A45. 

For an A-Class that's kinder on your wallet and on the environment, the fourth-gen brings with it a plug-in hybrid variant, which pairs the 1.3-litre petrol engine with a 15.6kWh battery for a claimed range of 40 miles on the electric motor alone. 

If you drive with a little care and keep the A-Class topped up as you would your smartphone, you'll be able to tackle the daily commute on the electric motor alone.

But the fuel consumption on all the A-Class models is much better compared to older variants, thanks to the new engines, lighter weight, and low drag - less than a person on a bicycle. Mercedes have obsessed over every little detail on the A-Class, down to the lettering on the tyres standing out no more than 0.2mm.

You can feel this attention to detail in every aspect of the hatchback, from the drive to the safety kit to the dashboard.

When it comes to dynamics, the A-Class sits firmly in the middle of the class; you know it's a family car, but it's still good fun when you floor it down the motorway.

Opt for an AMG A-Class and you'll get even more of an exhilarating response as you veer into hot-hatch territory.

Technology

Ever wanted to feel like a pilot in the cockpit of a plane? You can in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Well, sort of. The number of screens on offer would certainly confuse a pilot, before they tried to take off and realised it's Ford Anglia's that are known for flying, not A-Class hatchbacks.

The instrument cluster is replaced with a seven-inch screen, while a large touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system dominates the middle of the dash. On higher spec models this is replaced by one mammoth screen that spans almost half the width of the dash. There are no conventional dials to be seen, but the screens are all configurable. 

A couple of long journeys under your belt, and you'll know exactly how you like them to be set up.

The touchscreen is crammed full of navigation and connected services, including detailed live traffic updates, and the voice activation does away with the need for pushing buttons at all. Just let your car know what you need, and the system will respond appropriately.

Mercedes say it'll learn your voice too, so over time the system will become more accurate.

Space and Practicality

Screens aside, the interior is built for long journeys.

The seats are firm and a little flat, but they provide the support you need on long-haul trips. The materials used give the hatchback that traditional Mercedes-Benz luxe feel, while the boot clocks in at 310L for the hybrid models, and up to 370L on the combustion engine models.

It's no Skoda Superb, but it'll swallow the weekly shop without breaking into a sweat, and trips away will just need a little clever juggling with everyone's luggage.

Space in the rear is much better than on older models, though this isn't the car for you if every member of your family is over six-foot. But there's space enough for a couple of car seats, and most young families will find there's more than enough room to counteract the arguments.

Lease a Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback

If you're interested in a Mercedes-Benz A-Class lease, our leasing experts will be happy to help you find the best lease deal. If you're looking for your next company car, we've got fantastic business lease deals across the A-Class range, so you're sure to find the Mercedes business lease for you.