Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Mercedes-Benz S-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
In comparing the Mercedes-Benz A-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Pricing: A used 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class ranges from $27,894 to $36,922 while a used 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is priced between $77,842 to $167,946.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class loses 40 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class loses 56.9 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz A-Class retains 16.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class’s base engine makes 188 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class base engine makes 429 horsepower. The A-Class is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 473 miles. The S-Class is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the Mercedes-Benz A-Class the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$33,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$50,950
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$33,950 - $92,500
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$103,990 - $242,715
Starting MSRP:
$111,100
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$91,383
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$69,200 - $118,500
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$32,449
Price Range:
$27,894 - $36,922
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$51,317
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
$32,449 - $87,757
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
97
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
28,763
# Good or Great Deals:
38
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$99,189
Price Range:
$77,842 - $167,946
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$76,671
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$54,782 - $108,733
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
282
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
25,453
# Good or Great Deals:
150
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
9.1 - 11
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
8.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
5.7 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
2.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
1.6 - 11
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
1.1 - 22.3
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
36 out of / 36Mercedes-Benz S-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 24Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
3 out of / 24Ranking
3 out of / 24Ranking
6 out of / 24Ranking
7 out of / 8Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
11 out of / 24Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Trim Levels
A 220, A 220 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trim Levels
Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC, Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
188 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
429 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
384 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.091 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 35 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
324 / 473 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 30 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
466 / 666 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
8.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
43.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Cargo Space:
12.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
112.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3285 lbs
Width:
78.4 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
179.1 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4740 lbs
Width:
83 inches
Height:
59.2 inches
Length:
208.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
Denim Blue Metallic
Gold
Rose Gold Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Red
Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Iridium Silver Metallic
White
Digital White Metallic / Polar White
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic / Onyx Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gold
MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Selenite Grey Metallic / Selenite Grey Metallic
Red
Rubellite Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Cashmere White Magno Matte / MANUFAKTUR Diamond White Metallic
Green
Emerald Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Bahia Brown
Gray
Neva Grey/Black / Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
Silver
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey
Black
Black
Brown
Sienna Brown/Black
Gray
Not available
Red
Carmine Red/Black
Silver
Silver Grey/Black
