Mercedes A-Class dimensions and boot space

If you're looking for the most affordable way to get your hands on a Mercedes, the A-Class is your best bet. While we wouldn't go so far as to say the Mercedes A-Class is cheap, it is at least competitively priced against its rivals: the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 Sportback. It's available in hatchback and saloon form, but we're focusing on the hatchback version here.

While those are the Mercedes' main rivals in terms of price, there are several cheaper alternatives such as the Peugeot 308 or Seat Leon. These don't carry the same reputation, or as much technology as the A-Class, but they do have more boot space on offer if that's a priority for you.

The latest version of the Mercedes A-Class hatchback was launched in 2018, replacing the previous model which had been on sale since 2012. The difference in size between the two is clear, with the latest version growing in all directions compared to its predecessor (127mm longer, 16mm wider and 7mm taller). This might be a turn off for drivers who like to drive something more compact, but there are still plenty of used versions of the older model available on BuyaCar.

But where the likes of the Peugeot 308 have a focus on superior boot space, the A-Class has incorporated most of this extra size into improving the experience of the passengers. The additional width has dramatically improved cabin space for rear seated passengers, and an additional 30mm provided by lengthening the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) has also offered a notable amount of extra legroom.

2012-2018 MECEDES A-CLASS BUYERS' GUIDE
2018-PRESENT MERCEDES A-CLASS BUYERS' GUIDE

The latest Mercedes A-Class is currently available on BuyaCar from £15,986 or £249 per month with PCP finance. Read on for more details on its dimensions and boot space, or head over to the BuyaCar search page to take a look at some great value used car deals. 

Mercedes A-Class dimensions

As we mentioned, this is the biggest Mercedes A-Class to date. It's around 70mm longer than the latest Audi A3 Sportback and 100mm longer than the latest BMW 1 Series, but it's also narrower than both (by 20mm and 3mm respectively), so you should still feel more comfortable in tighter city streets and narrow country lanes.

But it's that huge difference in length that should make all the difference when it comes to space in the cabin. Rear seated passengers will be especially grateful for the extra legroom on offer, while those precious extra millimetres of headroom will help even taller adults feel more comfortable in an A-Class than any of its rivals - the current A-Class is 15mm taller than the A3 Sportback and 6mm taller than the 1 Series.

If interior space is your main priority, the A-Class is a strong contender in this section of the market.

Mercedes A-Class boot space

Considering the difference in size between the old A-Class and the new model, the boot only grew by 18 litres. While that's a bonus for anyone looking to upgrade to the newer model, the 360 litres on offer still lags a behind the Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf (380 litres each), as well as cheaper alternatives including the Peugeot 308 (470 litres), Seat Leon (380 litres).

This is something of a compromise, as the A-Class does offer more space for passengers, but if you're in need of luggage space on a regular basis this might well be an issue. While 360 litres is still big enough to manage a weekly shop, that space will very quickly run out if you're also packing a pushchair.

The good news is, with the A-Class hatchback there is the option of folding down the rear seats. This helps to greatly increase the amount of luggage space on offer, making use of the extra cabin space to bring it on a par with the A3 Sportback and 1 Series (1,200 litres each), although the 308 (1,309 litres) and Leon (1,210 litres) are still superior.

Mercedes A-Class towing capacity

If you’re specifically looking for a tow car, then the Mercedes A-Class is unlikely to be your first choice, but neither are many other cars this size. The latest model is capable of towing up to 1,400kg providing the trailer is fitted with its own brakes - this rises to 1,600kg for more powerful versions. 

In terms of rivals, this puts the A-Class right in the middle of the Audi A3 Sportback (1,500-1,800kg) and the BMW 1 Series (1,300-1,500kg). While cheaper alternatives such as the Peugeot 308 and Seat Leon are also capable of towing a braked trailer or caravan weighing 1,300-1,500kg.

It's worth bearing in mind that relatively small family hatchbacks are not designed with towing in mind. While they are capable to some degree, more substantial SUVs such as the Mercedes GLE will happily tow up to 2,700kg.

Mercedes A-Class weight

A car’s kerb weight is an indication of how heavy it will be when it's put to real-world use. It includes the weight of an almost-full fuel tank, as well as 75kg representing a driver and some luggage.

Lighter cars tend to be more efficient and nimble to drive, but the Mercedes A-Class is one of the heavier hatchbacks on the market, and more astute drivers will be able to feel the difference compared to the much lighter Audi A3 Sportback (1,220kg) or Volkswagen Golf (1,257kg). This, coupled with the fact the A-Class is much taller than the A3 Sportback, will mean anyone after a more exciting drive will be swayed in the Audi's direction.