Mercedes A-Class 2019 in-depth review - Carbuyer

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Following up its big-selling predecessor, the new Mercedes A-Class promises to mix sharp style with improved practicality and cutting-edge in-car technology. So how does it all stack up? James Batchelor finds out...
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[@joeegg17]

Hilarious ! ! Complaining that the car is fitted with modern usb c sockets . What next ? Complaining there's no tape player ?

[@Lyorian]

Cringed every time he complained about type c, what world is he living in.

[@WJC1981]

He didnt complain about it in the bmw 1 series

[@ericisgod77]

Agreed. Hes also aware that you can buy cables that have usb-c instead of usb-a? If you're spending 25k+ on a car a few quid for a new cable isn't much

[@bovineox1111]

Yeah a bit daft but I guess it wasn't apparent usb-c would be so ubiquitous. Crazy to be moaning about the adapter, clearly you just need a new cable ideally, the adapter is a bonus.

[@zeestar5750]

rubbish review clearly you did the review with negativity in your mind already set for the car

[@kabelo-2047]

I totally agree with that

[@eyeso9001]

thats right bro, i own the car and is best in its category

[@dustinmorris13]

Absolutely fantastic!! Loaded with tech that everyone wants. This is definitely a car for the new generation to enjoy driving. Thank goodness it has Type C as most people with new phones will have these.

[@kirubasudha]

One of the best car in class 🔥🔥🔥 Your review was biased 👎 AClass Is AClass 🥰

[@Mogsy28uk]

should not be able to see body paint inside -- thats poor, and expected from some brands, but not Merc. They are also taking their sweet time bring the full AMG 35 & 45 to market.

[@Mustafafilming]

When you put your foot down it sounds as if you're in Nissan Micra with a CVT.

[@tsscorp]

I like the fact that Mercedes is criticized about some of its choices on the car. The painted metal on the door is ridiculous at this price. Also the extra armrest of the backseats is annoying. Nice and interesting review.

[@duderu4real94]

Why would lose the adapter if it’s stays in the car 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@ustradingdiary]

2300 for two 10 inches tablet. benz surely know how to make money...

[@voodootfs]

You don't just get the upgraded screens, you get a lot more.

[@xenongames7533]

That option will be worth 230 pound in 10 years and even then it would be just about reasonable priced 😆😆

[@chrisabbott683]

Jun Long Lu The idea that the upgraded screens are “really worth it” is absolute madness. Are we really being told that to get a decent instrument binnacle we have to add over £2k to the already high price? Ridiculous. Spot on about the painted door frame being visible from the interior. I accept that on my other half’s £16k Ibiza but my £30k 1-series has trim there to hide it.

[@seylannaidoo8929]

you think that's bad, look at the opions list for a Porsche. It is ridiculous.

[@XzzVttll]

great. go buy than 2008 ford focus

[@ricardofarinha8922]

Unless you need some fuel sloshing in your trips and daily commute, avoid the new A Class (W177)! It's a prblem that the Mercedes doesn't have a solution for and doesn't seem to be worried to find one too. Some local dealers even called it a characteristic.

[@martint251]

You absolutely right , my lower part of my feet gets pain when I drive in town and I struggle to seat properly as paddles is offset to the right .

[@RedPMD]

1:38 I like to see the body colour of my car actually so it's a good thing for me as I'm reminded what I'm sat in and what colour I chose :3

[@VervBav]

Never liked the A class stylingwise, this one has a nice infotainment system, but at a cost... I guess the driver's entry is as bad as the GLA, it is just made to small..

[@H4M24UK]

I test drove this couple of weeks ago, absolutely awful. It's so low to the ground good luck going over bumps without causing queues.

[@neb4587]

But I can guarantee you'd complain if it was higher up because you'd say it was too much like a crossover and go on a rant about manufacturers making SUVs and all that crap.

[@dantindley5181]

Literally the only person to whinge about a car having modern standards. Like usb c.

[@jezstokes8592]

Good review but car isn’t really a comfortable cruiser if you are sat with your body twisted due to offset pedals. I had a 3 series like that - gave me backache

[@golddustwoman1253]

I don’t care what you have to say it’s my dream car for when I start driving

[@fredosmum3846]

Ciaran Gold same

[@klasseact6663]

James is back in the swing!

[@petercavellini3232]

Love the Satnav!...BMW!! Are you listening?!😎

[@Bigz0777]

Guy needs to review his jeans first before he reviews a car

[@ToreHansen]

If you can afford a new MB, I guess you can afford a new mobilphone also...

[@scottgraham6019]

Don’t buy one of these people this car will become nothing but a burden to you never mind the fact Mercedes customer service is a disgrace once they’ve secured their sale. My car has always been serviced at the manufacturer’s garage and on their service plan. Despite this my diesel A Class with 65000 miles needed an engine replacement due to the piston snapping. Mercedes refused to cover all costs despite numerous documents supporting my case that this was a defective engine.

[@GeordiLaForgery]

That's terrible. :(

[@ibrahimseck8520]

I'd rather have a Renault Megane, more value for money

[@pb7870]

Ibrahim Seck Same engine😂

[@ibrahimseck8520]

Which makes it more interesting as it is cheaper

[@priteshchampaneri7145]

I've got the 2017 new Shape Megane and it's the best cars I've driven

[@astronaut205]

guys I have been in more than 30 cars test driving.. the A Class feels like an Audi but way more better than Megane, focus etc or other cars.. way way better.. I mean the interior is so refined of course for the price I would also chose a lower budget car.. but A Class is like a dream

[@IH-wp1be]

Mat , I really need your review on this carwow channel ..

[@legobatman8353]

Hey Mercedes... Take me to Portsmouth. Mercedes...... No Fkin Way!

[@loveeuropehatetheeu5271]

He must be getting paid to wear those jeans ffs

[@chesteringosan7939]

the led light do all a class have that?

[@amc3]

While this guy is a A Class hater, have to agree about the colour on the doors.

[@misterPAINMAKER]

Carbuyer !!! When will you review the new Peugeot 508? :)

[@marklola12]

most phones are USB-C so that's a none issue

[@CFC_44]

Hes hating on USB c but all androids have it !!

[@korgond]

Great review.

[@expert_procrastinator]

Nice review James! Very balanced 👍 The A-class seems very much Emperors New Clothes. But that dash - WOW!

[@thechickenman2289]

o come on with that technology inside there your not even going to notice the bit of plastic

[@arek4518]

Thought this was Carwow

[@Aidan-LM02]

I honestly think Mercs have dropped in quality the build quality feels crap just a lots of plastic crap

[@MRK-lt4eg]

Can anyone distinguish the rear of the A class and the new Hyundai i20?

[@legnums2292]

If you cant, you have a pretty bad sight problem

[@bwmim9709]

The old a class on ur dp looks much better

[@MRK-lt4eg]

@@bwmim9709 agreed, That's why I'm not upgrading 🙄 A3 for me

[@luttrell1973]

Pretty sure you don't need to lean forward to speak to the car lol

[@AbrahamFarrell]

Instrument panel is very cheap looking in my opinion.

[@jonathanpaulasargent2024]

I drove the A250 yesterday - very impressed with the drive... So impressed I just ordered the 250!!

[@Rottensteam]

How's your experience with it so far?

[@moztheroz]

Bought a A250 AMG line the other week. Its fantastic. Hes right, it isnt a golf gti.....thank goodness. It's just a nice change from so much of the same. My only quibble is I got the FWD and not the 4matic. Still handles very well.

[@jehtochhh]

@@moztheroz i drive a GTD and i feel attacked HAHAHA

[@jonathanagg3254]

And this ‘nit picking’ review from someone wearing orange trousers mmmhhh!🥴🙄

[@Guilhermesanunes]

i see red not orange

[@funnystuffyam4326]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@rckrckrck]

Funny how people criticize this car when they can't afford a better one. You all can get a better Mercedes, the problem is, you can't afford it.

[@Nero200]

I’m glad he mentioned the screens being an option, Every review shows off them 10inch screens and you don’t even get them on any trim level as standard!... should show how bad the 7inch ones actually look. There terrible.

[@davekelders283]

Bought a 2019 Mercedes A200. Going to pick it up next wednesday. Cant wait to proove this review wrong ;) But then again, reviews are personal experiences. Best review for your own is doing a testdrive.

[@askme1245]

Any problems with the car, so far?

[@davekelders283]

@@askme1245 None so far. Enjoying my time in the merc.

[@askme1245]

@@davekelders283 The maintenance is very exensive?

[@ashliehiggins]

Oh no I have to spend £5 on cables for my £35k car.

[@AS-ln3pl]

well. If I buy a car for 35K i expect to get a 10-pack of those adapters with it. Why should I hassle with going to the shop to buy them?

[@carlopelio]

You wouldn’t need them because premium gadgets have USBC nowadays. You can critize this car for a lot of things but not for the USBC ports IMHO.

[@pc-cichlids4077]

@@carlopelio envy my friend.

[@pc-cichlids4077]

@@carlopelio you can cleary see by the comments the level of intelegence in this people.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

LOL, true!

[@TheHutchRuns]

I've got the A200 and I love the rorty sound that the engine makes when you're pressing on

[@primsirius]

The more car reviews I watch featuring James Batchelor the more Im convinced he's actually the son of Quentin Wilson. Anyone else agree?

[@youngc1982]

Don't think this bloke likes Mercedes...

[@MrTrull1]

No. Bored shitless with reading this comment over and over to be honest.

[@primsirius]

@@MrTrull1 surprised you spend that long reading KZbin comments never mind getting so fed up with them you feel the need to reply. Now not only do you get to be bored by the comment but now you get to have notifications about it. You are welcome

[@MrTrull1]

R Prime Thank you. You make life bearable.

[@RichardSlater]

I wonder if he knows.

[@brockl4292]

This guy is the worst interviewer. He’s like a dad who’s never used new tech in his life.

[@Buzzshot_GW]

Possibly the most bias and untrue review I have ever seen 😂

[@staal2595]

What is the true then??☺️

[@davidgouyaie8027]

Damn that review is mostly negative.. The real quality of this car is never shown! People says the w176 was too stiff and this gen they focus on ride cruise confort like a benz.. But now its pale in dynamically to the bmw. 🙄.. Some people like it that way.. 😬😅.. By now this guy is driving the amg version A35 or A 45..and regretting this review.

[@watchtheskies]

You know you can buy USB Type-C sticks now

[@BrialMusic]

This guy looks like one of those people you wanna punch in the face for no reason 😂. I drove the car and it's absolutely brilliant. It's great looking, interior is very good, infotainment is one of the best in the industry, tech wise it has everything you might need. Drives well too although sometimes yoi can feel a bit disconected from the road but very comfy either way. The boot is and back seats are also really good in terms of size. Definitely my next car. Otherwise I would get the XC40

[@LukeFerg117]

Don't like discount Matt Watson...

[@2506poacher]

My 2020 model (uk 69 plate) is a very nice car , Firstly it's an entry level merc maybe a premium car but it's the start of the marques line of motors and makes a statement , complaining about the lower trim and USB connectors in a car that come with more standard high tech kit than the s class .... is certainly nit picking , owning one (A180 amg line executive) is amazing far better than any other car in its class , I tested bmw 1 series , audi A3 , vw golf , DS4 and none can compare on quality and standard kit overall tbh I am a happy owner.

[@williama-d6]

that feature on the sat nav is very good

[@gauravkansal9192]

Carbuyer ditches its glovebox - bag of crisps test after carwow made fun of it in its xc40 review.!! :D :D :D

[@unknown-hl4bj]

@James Batchelor yes they did. Have a fight with Mat. A fight with 2 Toyota Aygo on a football field and a huge ball. :D

[@thewoodmilladmin8789]

When you asked "Tell me a joke" I was half hoping the A.I would reply "You" in Queens English Lol hahaha #jzkidding

[@01thistledoo]

More negative than need be. Nit picking for an entry level car with so much tech is almost unforgivable. He even complained about the body colour showing itself internally.

[@eskara23]

Mercedes are relying heavily on the new infotainment system it seems. I really wish they addressed interior comfort over all else though. The previous generation was terrible quality wise and felt claustrophobic.

[@lukebrimmy]

Reaper__23 trust me if you sit in the back you won’t find a problem he’s just being super over-nit picky

[@DutchManticore]

I've had USB-C for over 4 years now. Who owns a €50.000 Mercedes A class, but doesn't have a USB-C phone?!

[@san1122222]

It's interesting that literally everyone is reviewing top of the line packages of A-klasse, which is what most people that actually lease/buy this car can't afford. We're talking about a car that right now costs 400€ a month leased in Sweden, and that's with basic package. The cars reviewed (usually AMG) easily reach double the price, which is easily a c-class price. What's my point? Go for the typical package model, the one with 2 screens and less extras, basically what those aiming that a-class is aimed at can afford. Cheers

[@musicalsensesessions6567]

san1122222 great comment

[@75KoDe]

Don’t agree with the verdict on the engine in the 250. It accelerates as fast as a GTI but is a lot more comfortable. It just depends on what you want from your car. If you’re after a sporty hatchback go for the GTI or the i30N Performance. I’ve driven all cars and decided to go for the Merc.

[@pc-cichlids4077]

good choice same as me.

[@dylanthedyslexicvillain4294]

75KoDe does the reliability of the A class not worry you, Mercedes cars in general seem to break down a lot and cost a lot to repair this is the one thing that’s stopping me buying the A250. I’m very close to buying a Hyundai 130 n performance that seems to be the perfect little package and extremely reliable

[@john4716]

This guy is being a bit picky , I have the A220 AMG line auto petrol and the two 7” screens are not bad at all and I saved £2.300 quid . The A class is a great little car and quick don’t care what this idiot says , mine is 190 HP 0-60 in 6.9 seconds I think quick enough

[@clairekennedy8767]

I wish this car was offered in the USA because it’s better than GLA

[@tonyg7940]

100% better.. I've tested both.

[@rc666]

So Germans can be funny, at a cost.

[@Master-tu4kd]

Don't like the idea of screens replacing the traditional rev and speed dials. It would spoil the whole experience of driving.

[@dennisevans7183]

This guy has zero idea or just a Benz hater!! I've test driven the A200 and it was awesome and none of the crap this guy is on about. Also, the engines are petrol not diesel, well in Australia at least. I have the A250 on order and expect it in the next 4 to 6 weeks with all the bells and whistles like the Vision Package, Seat Comfort Package, Key-less-Go, Ambient lighting, AMG Line Package, Driver Assistance Package, Apple Play and MBUX as standard. the A200 I test drove was one of the best experiences I have had in a new car and I've had over 15 new cars in my time on this earth to compare it too. My A250 will be the 1st one in Australia as I per-ordered it back in May 2018 and it hit the production line early this month. I would suggest anyone keen on this vehicle to go and test drive yourself

[@MAHDi-ph1wl]

What do you think about it now ? Am looking to get one

[@dennisevans7183]

@@MAHDi-ph1wl Best car ever, very happy with it

[@astronaut205]

armrest button feels allright..car feels extremely stylish and comfortable with a lot of technology and nice graphics.. the only thing that bothered me is the cheapy feeling on the right-left flash

[@MrDeheed]

To be honest USB C is superb, down with lesser versions!

[@ryangunit84]

I’m driving one now. It’s rented for a week. (Vacation car) anyway I love it and he’s not spotted the standard USB ports where the cigarette lighter should be.

[@Unboxings13]

Virtuo?

[@ronpower7790]

The next Golf and A3 will be still the benchmark. Don't know if the Merc badge and the advanced infotainment would make me buy one.

[@scoopermg8226]

Awesome VAG products. With their class trailing 3 year warranty, oil burning tsi engines, nothing-as-standard spec, diesels tested on monkeys, flaky DSG 'boxes and co2 cheat software. But hey! They have felt in the cubby holes! Mint!

[@Matty12333]

Ron Power The new golf will be the same old shape, overpriced for what it is and probably full of recalls and faults. But, it has the VW badge so people will,buy it

[@ronpower7790]

@@Matty12333 I would rather say the Golf is a grwon up car with an rather timeless design. I had a Golf 6 for 5 years in the past and it never made any problems. Also the interior quality was great.

[@titoyolo240]

*Golf will still be the benchmark because A. It's larger and essentially the same as an A3, which means you're happy getting ripped off. B. A3 is neither here nor there. It's not bigger than a Passat, the brand's no prestige either, so why would anything choose that

[@Matty12333]

tito yolo VW is seen more premium than a Ford or Vauxhall in the Uk, at least

[@joelspace]

I need a new car as my golf GTI Mk 7 is a pile of crap and keeps breaking so after owning 3 Golfs i'm done with VW. I really want to like this car but it seems all gimmicks bells and whistles rather than a drivers car with substance. Chatting to my car? No thanks, I have irritating Siri for that and Knight Rider was the 80's. Sat Nav Augmented Reality? No I use Waze which tells me quickest route according to traffic. Silly changing mood lights? My sister has that in her pansy disco Mini cooper and it's a bit tacky. So could I bring myself to buy a car on basis of this Mercs tech which is going to be obsolete before long rather than driver experience? Probably not but it's a shame because I want to like it more.

[@kagrossett]

I don't usually dislike videos. But when the presenter laughed at the car's lame joke I was left with no other option....

[@YonePepe]

i actually think the interior design is very weird, and the quality questionable to say the least

[@damiancox7276]

Yep great ordered an A35, Audi look like a dinosaur next to these, not sure what the issue is with the plastics, body colour visible inside??? we went black but not sure what the prob is, Amazon sell USB converters for peanuts - reviewer seems to have a bee up his bum about the A class - ditching our S3 and the world has moved on

[@dailyautocarcrash3880]

How many mistakes can one add in a review? Amg models with 19” ?? Min 4:52 150d entry model? Maybe he wanted to say 180d... min 9:44 Regardless of one’s tastes, reviews are meant to inform.... not disinform.... check your facts and prepare!

[@Vermilion2049]

2300 pounds for upgrade from 7inch to 10inch....you can buy 5-6 iPads for that money. What a rip off as always by car manufacturers

[@trustgtr33]

pretty, eye candy interior...great materials outside, low quality components underneath..4 years later everything will break..all be left is that pretty interior

[@neb4587]

Na the exterior materials are bad. The metal doesn't even start until you get to the doors. That being said, I still love it.

[@RGV250FORSALE]

Bare paint/metal showing on the inside of door frames would stop me from buying a car - especially a premium branded car like a Merc. BMW, Audi, even Ford and Citroen with it's DS range have plastic cowls over the window frames giving a far nicer finish to the door. There really isn't any excuse for this other than blatant cost cutting - and if they cost cut to this level - then what else that you can't see is being trimmed back on as well.

[@YannisPotamitis]

The armrest in the rear seat is an optional extra!!! Ahahaha

[@geoffdundee]

was going to buy one but having second thoughts now............cabin noise also sounds excessive

[@rabit818]

Blasé Mercedes. Red door sill is pretty tacky for its price. The infotainment, which is expensive, is the only thing going for this Renault.

[@albertduncan6365]

James, cracking review, but tone down on the pouting and lip pursing please. It’s not the WI goss session.

[@arlind530d]

Just reading the comments on carbuyer videos you can tell that its subscribers are adults, unllike carwow subscribers who are a bunch of children who place dumb comments just to get as many likes as possible

[@GrrMeister]

BRAKES GRABBY ? (12:00) Probably need 'bedding in a little' I would presume they are the same as on my W245 B200 CDi AMG which are superb, the best brakes I have ever experienced on any car, once needed on German Autobahn when travelling at 141 MPH and someone pulled out - no problem.

[@CptBaker95]

Finally someone else who hates showing door seals! It’s very true they should cover it, it looks cheap my A3 is in the same class and does this.

[@titoyolo240]

i'm sorry, did i hear a torsion bar, in a mb? comon daimler you guys are not vw audi

[@hraklisbakalopoulos269]

Yes exactly..we used to have a Merc and an Audi a few years back...Audi is better nowadays...

[@knumbugs]

I was all set for getting this car. After hearing about the steering and pedals... not anymore

[@Lendargarda]

awesome car!! bad review!

[@nervo6321]

Totally unfair review…I own an A class 250 AMG and it’s a fantastic vehicle, and having owned BMW’s and ALFA’S etc it’s the best car I have ever owned by far.

[@Bartoszek22]

Why does this review feels like you wanted to discredit the car straight from the get go...I watched tons of A class reviews and nobody ever moaned at things you were complaining...

[@bossadave]

3 million drug dealers can’t be wrong!

[@ramalhourtigao2359]

I bet there will be a LOT of crashes because of people trying to work the screens and changing colours while driving.. :D what do you think?

[@chinadollfmd]

If you want quicker performance, use the paddle shifters and red line the engine.

[@mohamad9773]

Just swapped my AMG one with sport 180d premium plus The sport seat on AMG really uncomfortable and you feel you have to bend your head to sit on it (you can't sit in upright posture). Normal seat in sport 180 d premium Plus far more comfortable.

[@fisslewine1222]

Mercedes demonstrate Jaguars lack of creativity, even though both cars have a great history, right now I get the impression Mercedes build cars out of a love for cars the Maybach 9 for example, whereas Jaguar has forgotten something crucial in the newer PACE series cars that are a massive move in the right direction!

[@johnloi4939]

No Mat Watson no party, This guy’s good, but nothing more than your average boring reviewer, unlike Mat who’s an absolute entertainer! Brilliant car nevertheless.

[@DersimLondon]

Seen this advertised for lease at £200 a month Mercedes a180d sport with the upgraded 10.25 media display, active park assist, heated seats and mirror package. those upgrades alone are 3k.

[@eyeso9001]

yeap. this guy is a hater. i dont know how he invent all those bad things but i own the A220 Sedan and is an amazing everyday car with lot of power for normal people. Thats all.

[@GrrMeister]

The external colour finish shown at 5:09 matches your trousers perfectly, and did you mention that you can select from 64 colours, including RED, for the Fibre-Optic interior display !

[@ghalghgh]

Review style very similar to carwow 😜