Mercedes A-Class hybrid interior, dashboard & comfort
Any niggles elsewhere are put to rest once you climb inside the Mercedes A-Class – it has one of the best interiors of any small car
Mercedes is known for its modernist, luxurious interiors and it’s an approach that has worked especially well inside the A-Class. With its great combination of space, practicality and sheer design appeal, the A-Class’ swish interior will be a major selling point for many. There’s nothing else in this class that can match it for overall desirability, even if the last degree of build quality isn’t quite up to BMW or Audi standards.
The centrepiece of the A 250 e’s interior is its combination of two infotainment screens. All A 250 e models come in AMG Line trim, climbing through AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus. Even the entry-level A 250 e gets a pair of 10.25-inch screens as standard. Paired with a second screen behind the steering wheel, the effect is of an expansive floating infotainment display for the driver, perched atop a slickly designed dashboard set off by metal-effect vents.
Equipment, options & accessories
With the Sport Executive trim level missed out completely for the A 250 e, standard kit is pretty comprehensive – but there’s more to be had as you make your way up through the range.
AMG Line Executive models get 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG bodystyling, heated sports seats with adjustable head restraints (the hatchback’s headrests were integrated), two 10.25-inch screens, keyless go, parking package with reversing camera, smartphone integration, wireless charging, ambient lighting with 64 colours, multifunction steering wheel and single-zone climate control.
Moving up to the AMG Line Premium adds illuminated door sills, dual-zone climate control, MBUX augmented reality for the sat-nav, premium sound system, made-made leather/microfibre seats and blind spot assist. Finally, the AMG Line Premium Plus justifies its premium price with 19-inch alloys, multibeam LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, memory settings for the driver’s seat, head-up display and a 360-degree camera.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
As with all modern Mercedes, the A 250 e benefits from the brand’s excellent MBUX infotainment system that operates across two screens of varying sizes depending on which trim level you plump for. Previously, the entry-level A 250 e missed out on the second 10.25-inch screen, making do with a seven-inch driver display. It’s best enjoyed across a pair of 10.25-inch screens – one of which sits behind the steering wheel – and, once you’ve got your head around some of its idiosyncrasies, you'll find an infotainment system up there with the best.
BMW’s latest system is just as good if a little less flashy, while cheaper alternatives from Kia and Hyundai still have systems that are more than slick enough for daily use. Previously, you had to step up to AMG Line Executive to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but these now come as standard. We’re not overly convinced by the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice-control system, either – not all of our commands were recognised.
