Introduction: My Unusual Automotive Purchase

Today, I’m sharing my latest automotive purchase, and it’s unlike anything I’ve owned before—a 1998 Mercedes-Benz A140. This car is unique not only because it’s rare in North America, but also because it represents a time when Mercedes took a bold step into the compact car segment. In this review, I’ll take you through the quirks and features of this interesting little vehicle, explain why I bought it, and, of course, give you my driving impressions. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to own a compact Mercedes hatchback that was never sold in the U.S., this one’s for you.
Let’s explore what makes the A-Class a fascinating piece of automotive history and why I decided to import one.

The Original Mercedes A-Class: A Controversial Start

The first-generation Mercedes A-Class made its debut in the summer of 1997, and it was a radical departure for the brand. Known for their luxurious, high-end sedans and coupes, Mercedes shocked the automotive world by releasing a small, front-wheel-drive compact car. People couldn’t believe that Mercedes, a symbol of luxury, had entered the economy car segment.
The original A-Class was offered with two engine options at launch: the A140, powered by a 1.4-liter, 80-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and the A160, which had a slightly more powerful 1.6-liter engine producing 100 horsepower. My A140 is the base model with the smaller engine, but throughout the A-Class production run, Mercedes expanded the range to include more gasoline and diesel options.

Unique Safety Features: The “Sandwich” Engine Design

One of the most interesting aspects of the A-Class is its engine design. Mercedes mounted the engine at a 60-degree angle in the engine bay, which they called the “sandwich” design. This layout wasn’t just for efficiency—it was for safety. In the event of a frontal crash, the engine would slide underneath the passenger compartment rather than intrude into it, protecting the occupants. This was a clever engineering solution for a car with such a short front end.
However, despite this innovative safety feature, the A-Class became infamous for its poor handling. During a Swedish car magazine’s “moose test,” which simulates swerving to avoid an obstacle, the A-Class rolled over, sparking a wave of controversy. Mercedes initially dismissed the test results but eventually recalled the cars and added stability control to every model. After this fix, the A-Class became much safer to drive, though its reputation was forever tied to the moose test incident.

Design and Proportions: Compact but Tall

The A-Class is an odd-looking vehicle by modern standards, and even at the time, it sparked debate over its proportions. The car is only 142 inches long—eight inches shorter than a Mini Cooper—but it’s seven inches taller. This combination of short length and tall height gave it a boxy appearance, which some people found unattractive. Personally, I’ve always loved this quirky design, especially the rear windows, which feature a unique triangular shape that sets it apart from other hatchbacks.
The front of the car has a long, flat, sloping design, which was common in European hatchbacks of the era but rarely seen in North America. Overall, the A-Class looks like a mix between a mini MPV and a hatchback, and its unusual styling has always appealed to me.

The Quirks and Features Inside

Once you step inside the A-Class, the quirkiness continues. Starting with the key itself, which features a side profile of the A-Class as the keyring slot—a fun and clever touch that hints at the car’s playful nature. The interior upholstery is a wild, patterned cloth that screams 1990s. Mercedes clearly aimed this car at younger buyers, and the colorful fabric and unconventional design choices reflect that.
Another playful feature can be seen in the climate controls. Instead of the typical horizontal arrangement of buttons, Mercedes gave the A-Class a wavy line of buttons in the center stack, just to show that they could have fun too. And the recirculation button even features a silhouette of the A-Class—a small but charming detail.
The interior is a mix of high-end Mercedes components and more budget-conscious parts. For instance, the turn signal stalk feels weighty and upscale, the same as you’d find in larger Mercedes models, while the steering wheel is made of cheap vinyl with no controls. It’s a strange combination of luxury and economy, but it adds to the character of the car.

Surprising Practicality and Safety Features

For a compact car from the late 1990s, the A-Class has some surprisingly advanced features. Power locks and side airbags were standard, and the car even has power mirrors—though the controls are in the center of the dash rather than on the door, making them accessible to both the driver and the passenger.
One of the more notable features is the button labeled “ASR,” which stands for Acceleration Skid Control. This is the stability control system Mercedes added after the moose test debacle, and it became a critical part of the car’s safety package. You also get power front windows, though Mercedes kept costs down by fitting the rear windows with manual cranks.

Why I Bought the Mercedes A-Class

Now you might be wondering why I, someone with a collection that includes performance cars like the Carrera GT, would buy a low-powered, quirky European hatchback. The answer is simple: I love weird cars. After purchasing a few very serious, high-performance vehicles, I wanted something fun, strange, and affordable—a car that aligns with my passion for oddball vehicles.
I originally wanted an Audi A2 or a Fiat Multipla, but those models weren’t yet old enough to import under the 25-year rule. So, I turned my attention to the A-Class, which has always fascinated me. I found this specific A140 through a friend who runs an import company, and after looking at several poor-condition models, we finally found this one-owner, low-mileage gem in Germany. It had all the features I wanted, including a manual transmission, air conditioning, and the funky patterned cloth interior.

Driving Impressions: Not Fast, But Fun

Let’s be clear—the Mercedes A140 is not a performance car. With just 80 horsepower, it’s slow, and the driving experience is pretty basic. The manual transmission feels soft and vague, and the car is underpowered by any standard. However, driving this car isn’t about speed; it’s about enjoying the quirky design and the novelty of owning something so rare in North America.
The suspension is soft, the steering is light, and the ride is smooth, making it a perfectly comfortable city car. It may not be exciting to drive, but it’s fun in its own way, especially knowing that I’m likely the only person in the U.S. driving an original A-Class.

Conclusion: A Fun, Quirky Addition to My Collection

The Mercedes A140 is far from the fastest or most luxurious car I’ve owned, but it’s definitely one of the quirkiest. I’ve always been drawn to unusual vehicles, and the A-Class fits that bill perfectly. While it’s not a thrilling car to drive, it’s fun to own and brings a smile to my face every time I get behind the wheel.
I recently came across someone who shares a similar love for quirky cars, and their experience with the A-Class inspired me to take the plunge. If you’re curious to learn more about their take on this unique Mercedes, check out their video at this YouTube link.