Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz A-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 E-Class and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
When we compare the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. 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. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Pricing: A used 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ranges from $40,885 to $69,987 while a used 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is priced between $27,894 to $36,922.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses 51.9 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class loses 40 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz A-Class retains 12 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class base engine makes 188 horsepower. The E-Class is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 539 miles. The A-Class is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 473 miles.This gives the Mercedes-Benz A-Class the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more 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 areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$54,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$68,982
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$37,295 - $130,000
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
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$50,697
Price Range:
$40,885 - $69,987
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$62,214
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$35,530 - $113,808
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
396
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
29,140
# Good or Great Deals:
112
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:
155
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
28,041
# Good or Great Deals:
37
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
6 - 12.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13.3%
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:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
1 - 29.5
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
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29Mercedes-Benz A-Class Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
36 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Trim Levels
E 350, E 350 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain, AMG E 53, E 450
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Trim Levels
A 220, A 220 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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
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:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 31 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
400 / 539 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
13.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.0 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3781 lbs
Width:
81.3 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
194.3 inches
Wheelbase:
115.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
3.8 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Selenite Grey Magno Matte / Selenite Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Cardinal Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Diamond White Metallic / Polar White
Gold
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
Denim Blue Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Red
Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Iridium Silver Metallic
White
Digital White Metallic / Polar White
Gold
Rose Gold Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Black / Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey / MANUFAKTUR Macchiato Beige/Saddle Brown
Black
Black
Brown
Nut Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey/Magma Grey
Red
Not available
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
