Introduction

I recently made one of the most unusual automotive purchases—a 1998 Mercedes-Benz A140. You might be wondering why someone would import an old compact car to the U.S., especially one with only 80 horsepower. Well, I’ve always been drawn to quirky, unique cars, and this A-Class fits the bill perfectly. Originally never sold in North America, the A-Class has long been a dream of mine, and I suspect I own one of the few, if not the only, first-generation Mercedes A-Class in the U.S.
Today, I’ll walk you through its fascinating quirks and features, explain why I bought it, and give you a sense of what it’s like to drive this oddball little car. Let’s dive into the world of this diminutive yet intriguing Mercedes.

Overview of the Original Mercedes A-Class

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class made its debut in 1997 as a compact, front-wheel-drive hatchback. It marked a significant departure for Mercedes, a brand typically known for luxury sedans and high-end vehicles. The A-Class aimed to capture a younger, more budget-conscious audience, and it was met with plenty of skepticism. After all, this was a Mercedes trying to compete with small, affordable city cars.
The first generation A-Class was short—142 inches long—making it even smaller than a two-door Mini Cooper. However, it stood seven inches taller than the Mini, giving it a quirky, tall-hatchback appearance. This combination of short length and tall height turned out to be problematic early on. During a Swedish “moose test” (an evasive maneuver test), the A-Class infamously rolled over. Mercedes quickly addressed the issue by adding stability control to all models, but the controversy lingered.
Despite its initial troubles, the A-Class became a success, selling over a million units. It opened the door for Mercedes to explore the compact car market, eventually leading to models like the CLA and the modern A-Class.

Under the Hood: A Unique Powertrain

My A-Class, the base model A140, comes with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 80 horsepower. It’s not fast by any stretch of the imagination, but that’s part of the charm. There was also a slightly more powerful version, the A160, which offered 100 horsepower. Later in the production run, Mercedes offered additional engine options, including diesel variants.
What’s interesting about the A140’s engine is its “sandwich” design. The engine is mounted at a 60-degree angle, allowing it to slide under the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision. This design was intended to improve safety, given the car’s short front end. It’s an unusual setup that adds to the car’s quirky personality.

Controversial Styling, But Distinctive

The design of the original A-Class was both controversial and ahead of its time. It was designed by Steve Mattin, who also had a hand in designing the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren—quite the contrast! The A-Class’s tall, narrow shape gave it a unique look, but it also contributed to its early handling problems.
One of my favorite design features is the triangular rear window. Instead of the usual rectangular windows you see on most hatchbacks, the A-Class has a pair of triangles on either side of the rear window, adding a funky touch. The sloped front end and wraparound rear glass give the A-Class a distinctively European look, one that wasn’t common in North America.

Inside the A-Class: Fun and Functional

Step inside the A-Class, and you’re greeted by an interior full of quirky features. One of the first things you notice is the patterned cloth upholstery—a funky design choice that screams the 1990s. Mercedes was clearly trying to appeal to a younger audience, and this fun, colorful fabric was part of that effort.
Even the climate control buttons are laid out in a wavy pattern on the center console, adding to the playful feel of the car. It’s a subtle but unique way of showing that this wasn’t your typical Mercedes.
Interestingly, while some parts of the interior feel cheap, others are surprisingly high-end. The turn signal stalk, for example, is the same one used in the S-Class, and the gauge cluster has a premium look, complete with clear needles that let you see through to the odometer.
However, there are some budget touches. For instance, the steering wheel is made of vinyl, not leather, and the rear windows are manually operated—no power windows for backseat passengers in this entry-level model.

Quirks Galore: From the Key to the Dash

The A-Class is packed with quirky details that make it stand out. Even the key is unique, featuring a side profile of the car as part of the design. When you insert the key into the ignition, it’s like you’re inserting it into a miniature version of the car itself.
One of the strangest features inside is the wavy dashboard design, which doesn’t quite match up with the door panels. It’s as if two separate design teams worked on the car without ever talking to each other. There’s also a manual switch to open and close the climate vents, located at the far ends of the dashboard—a quirky touch that feels old-school in the best way possible.

Driving the A-Class: A Fun but Basic Experience

Driving the Mercedes A140 is a unique experience, especially in the U.S. where you’re unlikely to see another one on the road. With just 80 horsepower, it’s not fast, but it’s perfectly suited for city driving. The manual transmission adds a layer of engagement, though the gear shifts are soft and vague—more about efficiency than driving enjoyment.
One thing you quickly realize is that the A-Class is a car for quirky car lovers, not performance enthusiasts. It’s not going to impress you with its speed or handling, but it makes up for it with its charm and character.
The tall, upright seating position gives you great visibility, and despite its small size, the car feels roomy inside. The suspension is surprisingly comfortable, and the ride is smoother than I expected for a compact car from the late ‘90s.

Conclusion: Why I Bought It

So, why did I buy this little Mercedes A-Class? After owning serious performance cars like the Porsche Carrera GT, I wanted something different—something weird, quirky, and fun. The A-Class is all of those things, and owning one in the U.S. is even more special because of how rare it is here.
I love the fact that this car doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of vehicle that makes you smile every time you drive it. While it’s not fast or luxurious, it has character in spades, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.
If you’re curious to learn more about my A-Class and why I find it so fascinating, check out this video: I Bought a Ridiculous Mercedes A-Class From Europe.