Ready to fall in love with driving all over again? Small Mercedes cars offer a luxurious driving experience without the hefty price tag.

Whether you’re looking to easily navigate city streets or enjoy premium quality without overspending, this guide has you covered. Below, we’ll explore the top 8 smallest Mercedes models and why they’re popular with UK drivers.

What is a small Mercedes car?

Small Mercedes cars are typically A-Class, CLA, and GLA models. 

These options are more compact than other cars yet still offer the luxury Mercedes brand experience. 

Unlike other Mercedes models, these cars are designed with efficiency in mind. They’re built with high-end materials and advanced technology and have a smaller environmental footprint. You get green points for driving one of these!

The smallest Mercedes cars can be driven anywhere. However, they’re most popular for city driving or with drivers who want an easy-to-maneuver vehicle. They’re also excellent for a high-end feel without a premium price tag or poor fuel economy.

Unbeatable benefits of a small Mercedes car

Owning a small Mercedes car offers several inspiring benefits. Here are the key advantages:

• Affordable Luxury — A high-end feel without a high price is a crucial attraction of small Mercedes cars. Perfect if you’ve been eyeing up the brand for a while but don’t want to pay the cost of a larger car.
• Fuel Efficiency — These small cars are designed with fuel efficiency in mind. This means they’re cheaper to fill and better for the environment. 
• Practicality — Small Mercedes cars are perfect for zipping around cities and parking in those tight parking spaces. They’re also great if you’re not as confident driving big vehicles.
• Environmentally Friendly — We’ve already mentioned how eco-friendly these cars are, but it bears repeating! A small Mercedes car is better for the environment than a larger model.
• High-Quality & Longevity—Lastly, these Mercedes models are still built with the premium-quality materials and tech the brand is known for. So, you won’t have to worry about the car not standing the test of time.

The 8 best small Mercedes cars

From the iconic A-Class to the CLA, here are the 8 best small Mercedes cars you should consider. 

1. Mercedes-Benz A-Class - Available from £30,450

Are you a fan of the classics? The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a subcompact luxury car known for its sleek design, advanced technology, and refined interior. 

Since its 1997 debut, it has evolved from a compact MPV to a sporty hatchback and sedan.

Today, key features include:

• The intuitive MBUX infotainment system.
• High-quality interiors.
• A variety of engine options
• Balance power and efficiency. 

Safety is a top priority in the A-Class, featuring helpful systems like Collision Prevention Assist and Lane-Keeping Assist. These advanced technologies make it a smart choice for drivers who want a compact car that’s both stylish and secure. 

You can find new models starting at £30,450.

2. Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon - Available from £32,440

The Mercedes A-Class Saloon is a luxurious compact car that blends stylish design, advanced technology, and impressive performance. 

We know what you're thinking. What's the difference between the A-Class and A-Class Saloon? 

The Mercedes A-Class is typically a hatchback, offering a sportier, compact design, while the A-Class Saloon features a traditional sedan layout with a longer rear end. 

The A-Class Saloon is better if you're looking for a small Mercedes car but need a little more space or luxury associated with hatchbacks. 

As part of the A-Class lineup, the Saloon model provides an entry point into the world of Mercedes luxury. The sleek exterior features the iconic grille and striking LED headlights, while the interior boasts the latest infotainment and driver-assistance systems. With efficient turbocharged engines, it's perfect for small city streets and longer journeys. This model appeals to younger buyers and those looking to downsize without sacrificing elegance and comfort. 

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloons are available from £32,440.

3. Mercedes-Benz B-Class - Available from £35,000

Don’t leave the kids at home! The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a compact family car that perfectly balances luxury, comfort, and practicality. 

With a spacious interior and high-quality materials, it’s designed for modern families who need that extra space. And, yes, the B-Class is larger than the A-Class Saloon.

The B-Class is fitted with the typical stylish Mercedes design and tech. You can also choose from various engine options, including petrol, diesel, and electric, to fit your lifestyle. Plus, advanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keeping Assist ensure a secure drive. 

If you need a small car that caters to family life, the B-Class should be on your shopping list. New models start around £35,000. 

4. Mercedes-Benz CLA - Available from £32,290

Buying your first luxury car is a memorable moment, especially when it’s the Mercedes-Benz CLA. This stylish subcompact coupe is perfect for those seeking performance on the road and lots of style while doing so. 

Launched in 2013, the CLA offers luxury and practicality, featuring high-tech infotainment and safety systems. With a range of efficient engines, this car delivers an enjoyable driving experience, making it an attractive entry point into the world of luxury automobiles.

Notable features include a classic Mercedes design, premium materials, and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.

All of this is without the big price tag found on alternative Mercedes models. New models start at £32,290. 

5. Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake - Available from £35,750

Next up is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, a luxury compact estate that yet again combines stylish aesthetics with practical functionality. 

But what’s the difference between the Mercedes CLA and the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake?

The Mercedes CLA is a sleek four-door coupe, while the CLA Shooting Brake offers a more practical station wagon design with increased cargo space. Both models maintain luxury and performance, but the Shooting Brake is better for those needing extra room for passengers or luggage.

As such, this car is perfect for those needing extra boot space for hobbies or weekend getaways. It features a sleek roofline, spacious cargo area, and a range of engines, from fuel-efficient options to powerful turbocharged variants. 

On the inside, you’ll find premium materials and innovative tech, including the MBUX infotainment system. Nothing to complain about here!

The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is available for £35,750. 

6. Mercedes-Benz GLA - Available from £35,600

Need a compact car but dream about the ruggedness of an SUV? Meet the Mercedes GLA.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a compact luxury SUV that blends performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, ideal for discerning drivers. Launched in 2014, it features a sleek design that balances SUV practicality with sporty coupe aesthetics. 

The cabin is plush with high-quality materials and advanced tech, including safety systems and infotainment options. The essentials for modern driving. Other notable features include off-road capabilities and a versatile cargo space of 435 to 1,430 litres.

With various engine choices and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the GLA caters to adventure-seekers who want a robust yet compact vehicle. You can purchase a new model for £35,600.

7. Mercedes-Benz GLB - Available from £39,150

Similarly to the GLA, the Mercedes GLB proves SUVs can come in compact sizes. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is another compact luxury SUV that sits between the GLA and GLC models. A key attraction to the GLB is its optional third-row seating, a feature you don’t see in many compact models. Seven seats? No problem here.

Like most Mercedes cars it caters to buyers seeking both luxury and practicality with a rugged yet stylish look and spacious interior.

The GLB also offers a range of efficient turbocharged engines for a smooth driving experience. It boasts high-quality materials and advanced technology throughout its cabin, notably advanced driver assistance features.

The Mercedes GLB is available for £39,150, depending on the version you choose. The most expensive models sit over £50,000.

8. Mercedes-Benz EQA (Electric) - Available from £49,750

Ready to make the switch? The Mercedes EQA (Electric) is here to prove the power of electricity without taking up too much space. 

Prepare to blend sustainability and that all-luxury Mercedes feel with the EQA. This small Mercedes car features a sophisticated interior, advanced driver-assistance systems, and an electric powertrain with a competitive range for city commuting and longer journeys. 

Other highlights include the interactive MBUX infotainment system, zero-emission driving, and fast charging capabilities. You won’t have to wait around with this speedy engineering. 

Overall, the EQA provides an excellent entry point into electric vehicles while maintaining Mercedes-Benz's reputation for comfort and quality. 

However, this is the most expensive small Mercedes on the list, with prices starting at £49,750. 

Small Mercedes Cars - The Takeaway

Small Mercedes cars are an excellent way to downsize without sacrificing quality or power. Plus, there’s a vehicle for every need. 

Whether you want space for the little ones, your golf clubs, or a robust SUV feel, you’ll find something to admire. So, which caught your eye?

How Bumper can help

Bumper offers zero-interest financing on car repairs — including for the smallest Mercedes cars!

We work with many nationwide partners who provide small Mercedes car repairs to get you back on the road quickly. Not a minute is wasted.

Or keep exploring the latest news and other car guides. Visit the Bumper blog now.

References - We used Auto Trader for the most up-to-date prices, this article was last updated on November 11, 2024.