The 5 Best Small Mercedes Models (2024 Ranking)
If you have a soft spot for small luxury cars, you’re in for a treat.
Now, you might ask, “Why small cars?”
Great question!
Picture this – you’re in a busy city, with narrow streets and parking spaces tighter than a pair of skinny jeans.
You don’t want to be wrestling a big car through all of this, do you?
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best small Mercedes models.
Let’s get started!
A brief history of small Mercedes models
Before we start, let’s take a quick look at the history of small Mercedes models.
Mercedes-Benz has been around for quite some time – over a century, to be exact.
However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that Mercedes thought, “Hey, why not make smaller cars?” And we are glad they did!
The first small Mercedes model was the Mercedes-Benz 190, also known as the “Baby Benz” (cute, right?).
It was the very first Mercedes in the C-Class. This car had all the elegance you’d expect from a Mercedes but in a more city-friendly package.
In the late ’90s, the A-Class was born, and it was quite a big change. It was more compact and affordable, which meant more people could afford a Mercedes.
Fast forward to today, and small Mercedes models are like tiny technological wonders on wheels.
The designs have evolved to be sleeker and more modern.
The same goes for the technology department. The engines are now powerful and fuel-efficient, and inside, you get fancy touchscreens, voice controls, and self-parking features.
In a nutshell, Mercedes has managed to pack all the big luxuries into some stunning small packages. It’s no wonder why their small cars sell so well!
The 5 best small Mercedes models
So, which small Mercedes models are the best? And more importantly, which is best for you?
Let’s take a look at the list!
1. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
First up, we have the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. In our opinion, it’s the best small Mercedes currently available!
The A-Class was introduced in the late 1990s. Initially, it was like the quirky kid on the block, with its tall height and unique design.
The goal was to create a practical compact car that didn’t compromise on the Mercedes-Benz class. Over the years, it went through a significant glow-up, and now, it’s a head-turner for sure.
All in all, the A-Class is like the gateway to luxury. It offers that Mercedes-Benz experience without the need to break the bank!
How small is it?
Okay, let’s talk numbers.
The A-Class has grown over the years but is still perfectly compact. The latest models are around 174 inches long, 71 inches wide, and 56 inches tall.
The trunk has a nice capacity of about 12.4 cubic feet. That’s enough to fit your luggage for a weekend getaway or, you know, a crazy shopping spree.
The A-Class is also a champ for making sure everyone inside is comfy. It can comfortably seat up to five people for shorter distances.
When you should buy one
Is the A-Class calling your name? Well, it might be the perfect match if you’re someone who:
- Lives in the city and needs a car that’s easy to maneuver and park.
- Wants luxury but is also keeping an eye on the budget.
- Appreciates the latest tech and cool features in cars, like ambient lighting.
Whether commuting to work, picking up your kids from school, or heading out for a night on the town, the A-Class has your back!
Learn more: Mercedes A-Class: Which Years To Avoid & Buy? (2024 Guide)
2. Mercedes-Benz CLA
Here’s another stunner from Mercedes – the CLA!
The CLA, introduced in 2013, is like that stylish cousin of the A-Class who loves to make an entrance.
The CLA is actually a compact four-door sedan but with a twist. It has the looks of a coupe, with its swooping roofline and frameless windows. It’s like getting the best of both worlds!
The CLA’s significance lies in its unique blend of style, sportiness, and luxury. It managed to create a niche of its own by offering something a little more daring and flamboyant compared to the more practical A-Class.
How small is it?
The Mercedes CLA is lean, mean, and eager to be seen.
It’s about 185 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 57 inches feet tall. So, it’s a tad larger than the A-Class, but still compact enough to perfectly handle driving in the city.
What about luggage? The trunk has got you covered with around 16.2 cubic feet of space. That’s enough for suitcases, groceries, or a couple of golf bags if you fancy hitting the greens.
Inside, the CLA can seat up to five people. One downside is that the swooping roof might make the headspace a little snug for tall people in the back.
When you should buy one
Wondering if the CLA is the one for you? It could be your perfect match if:
- You’re a style maven who loves to make a statement.
- You appreciate sportiness blended with luxury.
- You don’t mind trading a bit of rear headroom for that sloping roofline.
- You’re a tech lover, and the thought of cool gadgets excites you.
Whether darting around the city or cruising on the highway, the CLA is a showstopper that promises thrilling drives and envious glances!
3. Mercedes-Benz SLK
The Mercedes-Benz SLK first roared to life in 1996 and was an instant hit.
SLK stands for ‘Sportlich’ (sporty), ‘Leicht’ (light), and ‘Kurz’ (compact) in German, which pretty much sums up what this beauty is all about.
But here’s the real showstopper – the SLK features a hardtop roof that folds into the trunk.
Yes, you heard it right!
With the push of a button, the SLK transforms from a cozy coupe into an open-air roadster. It’s like having two cars for the price of one!
The SLK’s significance lies in its innovative design and the fact that it brought the joy of open-top driving to a more accessible segment. It’s been a trendsetter, making convertible dreams come true for many.
How small is it?
The SLK is all about being compact and nimble.
It’s approximately 163 inches long, 71 inches wide, and 51 inches tall.
Now, the trunk capacity in the SLK is a bit of a magic act. With the roof up, you have around 10.1 cubic feet of space. But when you fold the roof down into the trunk, it shrinks to about 6.4 cubic feet.
Still, that’s enough for some overnight bags or a cheeky shopping trip.
The SLK is a two-seater, so it’s perfect for you and a special someone. There’s plenty of room to stretch out, and with the roof down, the sky is the limit!
When you should buy one
So, the SLK might be the car of your dreams if:
- You adore the thrill of open-top driving.
- You’re looking for a car that’s perfect for weekend adventures.
- You love sporty performance with a touch of luxury.
- You’re usually driving solo or with one passenger.
The SLK is the ultimate partner for those sunny days when all you want to do is feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. It’s great for scenic drives, a jaunt to the beach, or turning heads in the city!
4. Mercedes-Benz GLA
Let’s take a different route now and venture into the land of SUVs with the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
The GLA made its debut in 2013 and is like the adventurous sibling that loves to explore. It blends the compactness of a small car with the ruggedness of an SUV.
It’s one of the more affordable SUVs from Mercedes, which makes it a popular choice among those who seek both practicality and luxury.
How small is it?
The GLA is compact for an SUV but still has that muscular presence. It’s about 174 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 63 inches tall.
It offers around 15.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up. Need more? Fold those seats down, and you have an enormous 50.5 cubic feet! That’s a whole lot of room for camping gear, sports equipment, or a mountain of shopping bags.
Inside, the GLA can comfortably seat five people. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom, so you’ll travel comfortably whether you’re upfront or in the back.
When you should buy one
Curious if the GLA is your perfect automotive match? It could be if:
- You crave adventures and often find yourself off the beaten path.
- You need extra space for gear or luggage.
- You’re a city dweller who appreciates a higher driving position for a better view.
- You want a car that’s equally at home in the city and the great outdoors.
Ultimately, the GLA is as happy scaling mountain roads as navigating crowded city streets!
5. Mercedes-Benz GLB
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is a relative newcomer that joined the Mercedes family in 2019.
It’s like the Swiss Army knife of SUVs – super practical and ready for any adventure. The GLB sits between the GLA and the GLC in the Mercedes lineup, and it offers something quite unique – a third row of seats!
Yes, that’s right! The GLB is a compact SUV that can seat up to seven people, which is pretty impressive.
It’s designed for those who need extra space but don’t want to commit to a full SUV.
How small is it?
The GLB is bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside.
It measures around 182 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 65 inches tall. The boxy shape is not just for looks – it makes for an incredibly spacious interior.
Now, the trunk capacity varies depending on how many seats are up.
With all seven seats in place, you’ve got around 12 cubic feet. Fold down the third row, and you have a generous 24 cubic feet. Need even more space? Fold down the second row too, and behold a whopping 62 cubic feet of cargo space!
As for passenger capacity, the GLB offers seating for up to seven people, thanks to that third row. It’s a bit tight in the back but perfect for kids or shorter journeys.
When you should buy one
The Mercedes GLB might be your perfect choice if:
- You have a growing family and need that extra seating without going for a full-size SUV.
- You love the outdoors and need plenty of space for gear.
- You appreciate a higher driving position and a roomy interior.
- You’re looking for a car that’s rugged, practical, and still oozes luxury.
The GLB is ideal for family road trips, outdoor adventures, or just making sure everyone gets to soccer practice on time!
Which Mercedes model is the smallest?
Alright, you’re probably wondering, out of all these Mercedes models, which is the tiniest of them all?
Let’s line them up for a quick comparison:
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Approximately 174 inches long, 71 inches wide, and 56 inches tall.
- Mercedes-Benz CLA: Approximately 185 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 57 inches tall.
- Mercedes-Benz SLK: Approximately 163 inches long, 71 inches wide, and 51 inches tall.
- Mercedes-Benz GLA: Approximately 174 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 63 inches tall.
- Mercedes-Benz GLB: Approximately 182 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 65 inches tall.
Bingo!
The Mercedes-Benz SLK is the smallest Mercedes model, with a length of 162.76 inches, a width of 71.26 inches, and a height of 51.22 inches.
Why might you opt for the SLK, the smallest Mercedes? Here are some compelling reasons:
- Maneuverability: Its compact size makes it a dream to handle, especially in tight spaces or bustling city streets.
- Fun factor: The convertible roof means you can soak in the sun or the stars at your leisure. It’s a driving experience that just screams freedom and fun.
- Performance: If you love a car with a sporty edge, the SLK delivers in spades. It’s built for driving pleasure.
- Luxury in a compact package: You don’t have to sacrifice luxury just because you’re going small. The SLK is like a first-class experience on wheels.
The SLK is perfect for those who value the driving experience above all else. Whether you’re cruising along coastal roads, zipping through winding country lanes, or just popping to the shops, the SLK turns every journey into a joyride!
FAQs about small Mercedes models
If you’ve any more questions about small Mercedes models, one of the FAQs below might answer them:
Which is smaller, the Mercedes GLC or GLA?
The Mercedes GLA is smaller than the Mercedes GLC. The main difference between a Mercedes GLA and GLC is that the GLA is more compact, while the GLC is more grown-up and larger.
Is a Mercedes GLA or BMW X1 bigger?
In terms of size, the Mercedes GLA and BMW X1 are quite similar, but the BMW X1 is slightly bigger. The X1 is just a smidge longer and offers a bit more cargo space.
Is an Audi Q3 bigger than a Mercedes GLA?
The Audi Q3 is slightly bigger than a Mercedes GLA, particularly in height and cargo space.
Conclusion
From the classy A-Class to the adventurous GLA, and not forgetting the convertible SLK – there’s a small Mercedes model for everyone.
So, take a moment to think about what really matters to you, whether it’s style, space, performance, or just the sheer joy of driving.
Ready to grab the keys to your next adventure? We wish you safe and happy travels!
More Mercedes-Benz model lists
If you’re interested in more fascinating lists of Mercedes models, you can find them here:
- Best Electric Mercedes-Benz SUVs Of 2024
- The 6 Best Used Mercedes Models To Buy In 2024
- The 5 Best Mercedes 4MATIC Models (All-Wheel-Drive)
- The 8 Best Mercedes AMG SUVs To Buy In 2024 (Ranked)
- The 4 Best Value Mercedes Models For Your Money (2024)
- Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Cars – Which Models Are Best? (2024)