Mercedes-Benz A 140 (W168)
Mercedes-Benz’s first tiny front-drive production car used a tall double floor to fit family space into a body shorter than many superminis.
1997 Mercedes-Benz W168 A 140 Grey (1).jpg · Damian B Oh · CC BY-SA 4.0
Research pending
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More than a set of wheels.
The W168 A-Class moved Mercedes-Benz into a new part of the market in 1997. Its engine leaned forward ahead of a double ‘sandwich’ floor so, in a severe frontal crash, the power unit was intended to slide under the cabin rather than into it. The original car’s 1997 emergency-lane-change failure led Mercedes-Benz to halt deliveries and retrofit suspension, tyres and electronic stability control—a crucial part of the model’s history that should not be hidden or confused with its launch specification.
Look a little closer.
At only about 3.58 metres long, the first A-Class was shorter than many city cars but its upright seating made much of the cabin feel one class larger.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
The sandwich floor was more than a nickname
Longitudinal and cross members formed a double-layer floor. The unusual engine angle and inclined firewall were part of the same idea: combine a very short nose with more protected passenger space, while leaving room for experimental battery or fuel-cell hardware in alternative-power versions.
Source: Mercedes-Benz A-Class historical concept summary ↗A public test changed every car
A Swedish magazine rolled an early A-Class during a rapid lane-change test. Mercedes-Benz stopped deliveries, changed suspension and tyres, and made ESP standard, including retrofits. This profile keeps the launch hardware distinct while explaining why surviving cars were subsequently modified.
Source: Driven to Write · Roll of Shame (documented W168 response) ↗Where these facts come from
- Mercedes-Benz Media · A-Class history note
- Mercedes-Benz 1997 A-Class brochure record
- AA · Mercedes-Benz A 140 full test (September 1999)
- Automobile-Catalog · 1997 Mercedes-Benz A 140 data
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 2, 2026.