Mercedes A-Class interior with ambient lighting

Which Mercedes A-Class Has Ambient Lighting? (Full Guide)

If you’re in the market for a new Mercedes A-Class, you might wonder which model has ambient lighting.

The following Mercedes A-Class models can have ambient lighting:

  • Mercedes A-Class W176 Facelift (2016 – 2018) | 12-color ambient lighting
  • Mercedes A-Class W177 (2018 – 2022) | 64-color ambient lighting
  • Mercedes A-Class W177 Facelift (2022 – 2025) | 64-color ambient lighting

However, ambient lighting on the A-Class is not a standard feature. It’s an optional (paid) extra that not all models are equipped with.

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between an A-Class with and without ambient lighting!

3 Mercedes A-Class models with ambient lighting

Ambient lighting was first introduced on the Mercedes A-Class in 2016.

However, this ambient lighting system is nothing like today’s systems.

Let’s check out how it all evolved!

1. Mercedes A-Class W176 Facelift (2016 – 2018)

The W176 Mercedes A-Class featured several significant changes over its predecessor, including an all-new design, improved interior quality, and a range of new engines.

However, one thing it lacked was ambient lighting in the interior.

In 2016, Mercedes released a facelift of the W176 A-Class.

The exterior of the A-Class saw little changes, but on the interior, Mercedes introduced a slightly bigger screen and the option to add ambient lighting!

Configuring the ambient lighting color on a 2016 Mercedes A-Class A220d Premium
Configuring the ambient lighting color on a 2016 Mercedes A-Class A220d Premium

Unfortunately, the ambient lighting feature on the W176 A-Class doesn’t look as sophisticated as the lighting systems we are used to in 2025.

You would have ‘just’ 12 colors to choose from, and the ambient lighting system could display only one of those colors at a time.

The ambient lighting was also very subtle compared to today’s systems, with the amber appearing mainly in the door handles and knobs, footwells, and headrests:

Ambient lighting in the door knobs of a 2016 Mercedes A-Class A220d Premium
Ambient lighting in the door knobs of a 2016 Mercedes A-Class A220d Premium

2. Mercedes A-Class W177 (2018 – 2022)

The fourth-generation Mercedes A-Class, codenamed W177, was launched in 2018.

It significantly differed from its predecessor, emphasizing style and a more premium interior.

Exterior changes include a new grille, revised headlamps, and larger wheels.

The cabin featured a large center display, upgraded materials, and an option to add ambient lighting!

The ambient lighting on the W177 A-Class significantly improved over the previous generation.

The new ambient lighting strips could display up to 64 colors. It also had ten pre-programmed color combinations:

Ambient lighting settings on Mercedes A-Class W177

As a result, the ambient lighting system was a lot more customizable and could look like this:

Ambient lighting on a 2019 Mercedes A220d AMG-Line Premium Plus
Ambient lighting on a 2019 Mercedes A220d AMG Line Premium Plus

As you can see, the LED strips were placed in many different places, including the air vents and door trim:

Mercedes A-Class W177 ambient lighting on door trim

However, remember that the ambient lighting on the W177 Mercedes A-Class is not always a standard feature.

Some W177 A-Class models aren’t equipped with ambient lighting, resulting in the following look:

Interior of a 2018 A180d Sport Executive without ambient lighting
Interior of a 2018 A180d Sport Executive without ambient lighting

Fun fact: Did you know that some models of the Mercedes A-Class are equipped with Renault engines? Read this article to learn which ones!

3. Mercedes A-Class W177 Facelift (2023 – onwards)

The A-Class W177 Facelift has various minor changes, including flatter headlights, a new front bumper design, and various software changes.

It is also available with ambient lighting, although it’s not standard.

For those curious, here is how the interior looks:

Mercedes A-Class W177 Facelift interior

Learn more: All Mercedes-Benz Models With Ambient Lighting (2025 List)

How do you know if a Mercedes A-Class has ambient lighting?

If you want a new or used Mercedes A-Class, you may wonder how you can determine whether or not it has ambient lighting.

Unfortunately, the answer to this question strongly depends on your country, as the standard features and optional extras of Mercedes A-Class models vary based on the country they’re sold in.

For example, in the UK, you could add three optional trim packages to your A-Class: Executive, Premium, and Premium Plus.

Ambient lighting was only included as part of the Premium and Premium Plus packages.

So, the best way to determine whether or not a Mercedes A-Class has ambient lighting is by asking the seller, trying it out yourself, or contacting the Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Mercedes A-Class W177 ambient lighting top view

FAQs about Mercedes’ ambient lighting

If you have any more questions about ambient lighting in a Mercedes-Benz, check out these FAQs below:

Does the Mercedes A-Class have ambient lighting?

The Mercedes A-Class models sold from 2016 onwards can have ambient lighting. Starting with the W177 A-Class produced from 2018 onwards, the ambient lighting was upgraded to a 64-color system.

Which Mercedes class has interior lights?

In 2025, almost all models produced by Mercedes-Benz have the option to add interior lights or ambient lighting.

How do you turn on the ambient lighting in a Mercedes A-Class?

You can turn on and adjust the brightness of the ambient lighting in a Mercedes A-Class by accessing the ‘Settings’ menu, selecting ‘Light,’ and adjusting the ‘Ambient Lighting’ settings.

What year did Mercedes start with ambient lighting?

Mercedes started implementing ambient lighting systems in the A-, E-, and S-Class from 2016 onwards.

Why does my Mercedes not have ambient lighting?

If your Mercedes does not have ambient lighting, the model is either too old and ambient lighting was not available yet, or the first buyer of the car did not select ambient lighting as an optional extra.

Does the Mercedes A-Class AMG Line have ambient lighting?

A Mercedes A-Class AMG Line can have ambient lighting, but it’s not always a standard feature.

Conclusion

The A-Class’s ambient lighting system is one of its most impressive features.

The LED lights create a warm, inviting atmosphere inside the cabin, and the ability to customize the light color and intensity means that drivers can create their perfect environment.

The ambient lighting also offers many practical benefits, such as helping to illuminate the door handles and center console.

Overall, the ambient lighting system is a welcome addition to the A-Class and helps set the car apart from its rivals!

Reader tip: Another amazing feature that only some Mercedes A-Class models are equipped with is Apple CarPlay. So, read this article to learn which A-Class has Apple CarPlay!

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