Here is the cheapest new Mercedes available right now

The entry ticket to the Mercedes catalog is not within everyone’s reach, with the cheapest model currently costing €37,949.

In autumn 2023, is it better to buy a nearly 290-horsepower Tesla Model 3 electric, with a very satisfactory real range of 400 km, or a compact thermal car bearing a star emblem like the Classe A, which will have more modest equipment and higher operating costs?

This is THE existential question once you notice that the first Mercedes available in the catalog costs exactly the same as the Tesla Model 3. Mobiwisy tend to say the match is quickly decided.

Nevertheless, electric cars do not meet all sensitivities, needs, desires, or other considerations. Therefore, let’s focus on this Mercedes Class A 180 in its base Progressive Line finish offered at €37,949… to which an immediate €260 ecological bonus for 2023 must be added. That’s €38,209. More than a Model 3…

Mechanical

The Classe A 180 combines a 1.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine producing 136 hp with a small hybrid system of 14 hp that mainly assists during startup, where fuel consumption is highest. The torque stands at 230 Nm, and the transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch DCT. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 9.2 seconds, and a top speed of 215 km/h allows effortless cruising on the highway at 130 km/h.

With 133 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometer, the small hybrid engine isn’t exactly the epitome of sobriety. The WLTP mixed consumption is given as 5.9 liters/100 km, but it’s wiser to expect around 7.5 liters in real-world driving.

Exterior

Mercedes, unlike the previously discussed Audi A1, spares you the hassle: only one color is available at no extra cost. The Cosmos Black metallic. If you want to stand out, you’ll need to add between €300 and €2,850.

The 10-spoke alloy wheels have a consistent diameter of 17 inches, combining comfort and aesthetic dynamism. The sunroof (€1250) or tinted windows (€400) are unfortunately optional. Fortunately, LED headlights are included in the price.

Interior

The equipment is fairly well-equipped, but nothing extravagant for the price:

GPS
air conditioning
rearview camera and radar
LED headlights
electrically adjustable and foldable mirrors
Cruise control and speed limiter
volumetric alarm
rain sensor
velvet floor mats
10-inch multimedia screen
automatic day/night interior mirror

Artico sports seats are fabric but include heating in the front. The decorative inserts mimic carbon fiber, which is visually pleasing.

Conclusion

This Mercedes Classe A 180 Progressive Line charges a high price for its features at a time when shifting from gasoline to electric makes increasingly more sense. A BMW Series 1 seems much more suitable if you want to drive a German car at all costs, as the Munich-based brand is less expensive and more dynamic. Otherwise, a Tesla Model 3, much more future-oriented, appears to be an even wiser choice.