Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Volvo V40
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The fourth-generation A-Class on the MFA2 platform.
Volvo V40
Volvo’s premium compact hatchback.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Pick the A-Class for MBUX technology, a refined platform and efficient engines in a premium compact hatchback.
Volvo V40
Pick the V40 for a stylish, safe premium hatchback that shines in presentation and everyday comfort — with the D4 diesel as the best choice.
Performance
M282 A 200 · Petrol vs D4 2.0 190 · Diesel
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Volvo V40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
163 hp
|
190 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
250 Nm
|
400 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,0 s
|
7,6 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
230 km/h
Winner
|
220 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
112,8 hp/t
|
126,7 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
138 g/km
|
118 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,0 L/100km
|
4,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Volvo V40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
370 L
Winner
|
335 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.210 L
Winner
|
1.032 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,73 m
Winner
|
2,65 m
|
| Length |
4,42 m
|
4,37 m
|
| Width |
1,80 m
|
1,80 m
|
| Height |
1,44 m
|
1,42 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Volvo V40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the B-Class W247, CLA C118 and GLA H247) | P1 (shared with the Ford Focus) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.5 T2/T3 · 2.0 T4/T5 petrol · 1.6/2.0 D2/D3/D4 diesel |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel |
| Transmission | 7G-DCT / 8G-DCT dual-clutch (no manual) | 6-speed manual · 6/8-speed automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 5 (early) · Euro 6 (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- M282: thermostat/cooling issues and elevated oil consumption reported
- M260 (A 250): cylinder-head valve seat wear reported
- Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
- DCT fluid service recommended early; MBUX software updates
- Check oil use on early petrols
- Diesels need interval servicing (DPF/EGR, belt)
- Electronics can glitch
Pros
- MBUX dual-screen infotainment
- Efficient OM654 diesels
- Refined MFA2 platform
- Mature premium feel in the C-segment
- Strong safety kit for its class
- Economical, smooth D4 diesel
Cons
- Rear torsion beam on base models
- Smaller boot than a typical C-segment hatchback
- PHEV shrinks boot space
- Boot space is a weak point (335 litres)
- Limited rear legroom
- Chassis more comfort- than sport-focused
Driving experience
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
—
Volvo V40
As a model line, the V40 is a comfortable, mature hatchback. The steering is light and the chassis filters out imperfections neatly, making it calm on motorway and in town. It feels solid and stable without becoming truly sharp. The petrols are smooth and the D4 diesel pairs pulling power with low consumption. Expect no sports car, but a safe, predictable and relaxed drive that suits the daily commute.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
