Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168 refers to the first generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which was produced from 1997 to 2004. The W168 designation is used to identify the specific chassis code for this particular generation of the A-Class.
The first-generation A-Class, the W168, was a compact car designed to offer a combination of practicality, safety, and Mercedes-Benz luxury in a smaller package. Some key characteristics and features of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168 include:
- Design: The W168 A-Class had a distinctive tall and compact design, which allowed for a spacious interior despite its small footprint. It featured a unique sandwich floor construction, designed to enhance safety by providing improved crash protection.
- Engine Options: The W168 A-Class offered a range of gasoline and diesel engine options, including various displacement and power outputs. The specific engine options varied depending on the model year and market.
- Interior Comfort: Despite its compact dimensions, the A-Class W168 offered a comfortable interior with seating for up to five passengers. The cabin featured materials and finishes typical of Mercedes-Benz vehicles of that era, providing an upscale feel.
- Safety Features: The W168 A-Class was known for its advanced safety features, which were a significant focus for Mercedes-Benz during its development. It introduced features such as electronic stability control (ESP), traction control, and multiple airbags as standard or optional equipment.
- Practicality: The A-Class W168 offered practicality in terms of its versatile seating and cargo space. The rear seats could be folded to create a larger cargo area, providing flexibility for carrying larger items.
- Technology: The W168 A-Class incorporated technology for its time, including features such as power windows, central locking, and air conditioning. However, it may not have the same level of advanced technology and connectivity features found in more recent Mercedes-Benz models.
It’s important to note that the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168 is an older model, and some technology and features that are common in modern vehicles may not be present in this generation. Additionally, specific features and options can vary depending on the trim level and model year.
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Mercedes Benz A-Class W168 Price
The pricing for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168 can vary depending on several factors, including the model year, condition, mileage, optional features, and market conditions. Since the A-Class W168 is an older model that was produced from 1997 to 2004, the prices can fluctuate significantly based on these factors and can vary from one region to another.
W168 could be found in the used car market with prices typically ranging from around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the condition and specifications of the individual vehicle.
It’s important to note that these price ranges are approximate and can vary based on factors such as location, vehicle condition, and the overall demand for the model in the used car market. To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for a specific Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168, it is recommended to check local listings, online marketplaces, or contact local dealerships or used car sellers in your area.

Mercedes Benz A-Class W168 interior
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168 was designed to provide a comfortable and functional space for occupants. Here are some key features and highlights of the A-Class W168 interior:
- Seating and Space: The A-Class W168 offered seating for up to five passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats. The seating position was relatively high, giving the driver and passengers a commanding view of the road. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the A-Class W168 provided a surprisingly spacious cabin, especially in terms of headroom and legroom for the front occupants.
- Dashboard and Controls: The dashboard layout of the A-Class W168 was designed to be user-friendly and ergonomic. The controls and switches were logically placed and easily accessible to the driver. The materials used in the interior were of decent quality, with plastic and cloth upholstery being common in the base models.
- Instrument Cluster: The A-Class W168 typically featured a traditional analog instrument cluster with clear and easy-to-read gauges for speed, fuel level, and engine temperature. Depending on the trim level and optional features, some models also offered additional information displays or digital displays within the instrument cluster.
- Infotainment and Technology: The infotainment system in the A-Class W168 varied depending on the model year and optional features. It typically included a radio and CD player, with some models offering additional features such as a cassette player or a CD changer. However, compared to more modern vehicles, the infotainment and technology offerings in the A-Class W168 may be relatively basic.
- Storage and Cargo Space: The A-Class W168 provided decent storage options throughout the cabin, including door pockets, cup holders, and storage compartments. The rear seats could be folded down to increase the cargo space, providing flexibility for carrying larger items.
- Safety Features: The A-Class W168 was designed with a strong focus on safety. It introduced several safety features that were innovative for its time, including the revolutionary “sandwich” floor construction that created a protective space for occupants during a collision. Additionally, the A-Class W168 offered standard safety features such as airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and traction control.
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Mercedes Benz A-Class W168 engine
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168 offered a range of engine options, providing a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The specific engine options available for the W168 varied depending on the model year and market. Here are some of the engine choices that were available for the A-Class W168:
- Petrol Engines:
- A140: This model featured a 1.4-liter inline-4 engine, producing approximately 82 horsepower.
- A160: The A160 variant typically came with a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine, which produced around 101 to 102 horsepower.
- A170: The A170 model was equipped with a 1.7-liter inline-4 engine, delivering approximately 114 to 125 horsepower.
- Diesel Engines:
- A160 CDI: This variant featured a 1.7-liter inline-4 diesel engine, producing approximately 60 to 75 horsepower.
- A170 CDI: The A170 CDI model typically came with a 1.7-liter inline-4 diesel engine, delivering around 89 to 95 horsepower.
The power outputs mentioned above are approximate and can vary depending on the specific model year, engine variant, and market. Additionally, the availability of specific engines can change over time and may vary depending on the region.

Mercedes Benz A-Class W168 Cons
While the Mercedes-Benz A-Class W168 offered many positive attributes, there are a few potential drawbacks or considerations to keep in mind. Here are some cons of the A-Class W168:
- Interior Space: While the A-Class W168 provided a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size, it may still feel relatively compact compared to larger vehicles. Rear-seat passengers, in particular, may find the legroom and headroom to be somewhat limited.
- Ride Quality: The A-Class W168 had a relatively firm suspension setup, which could result in a stiffer ride quality and less comfort compared to some other vehicles in its class. The ride may be more noticeable on rough or uneven road surfaces.
- Noise and Vibration: Due to the compact size and design of the A-Class W168, there might be increased noise and vibration in the cabin, especially at higher speeds or during highway driving. This could be a result of engine noise, road noise, or wind noise.
- Aging Technology: As the A-Class W168 is an older model, the technology and features may not be as advanced or up-to-date compared to more recent vehicles. The infotainment system and connectivity options may be relatively basic, lacking some of the modern amenities found in newer cars.
- Reliability: While Mercedes-Benz generally has a reputation for quality and reliability, the A-Class W168, being an older model, may have some reliability concerns or require more frequent maintenance. It’s important to consider the vehicle’s maintenance history and potentially budget for any potential repairs or maintenance needs.
- Limited Cargo Space: While the A-Class W168 offered versatility with its folding rear seats, the overall cargo space may be limited compared to larger hatchbacks or compact SUVs. If you require significant cargo-carrying capacity, you may find the available space to be somewhat restrictive.
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