2001 Mercedes-Benz A-class (W168, facelift 2001) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Mercedes-Benz A-class W168 facelift ranges from 1080 kg to 1090 kg (approximately 2381 to 2403 lbs), making it relatively lightweight and efficient for its class. The maximum permissible weight — often referred to as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) — is between 1540 kg and 1550 kg (approximately 3395 to 3417 lbs). This weight margin includes passengers and cargo, ensuring safe operation without compromising performance or comfort. Such weight specifications enable good fuel efficiency and agile handling typical for compact hatchbacks.

The Mercedes-Benz A-class W168 facelift provides a practical luggage capacity of 390 liters (approximately 13.8 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage space expands significantly to 1740 liters (around 61.5 cubic feet). This flexible cargo volume makes the A-class versatile for daily city commuting, running errands, and accommodating larger items or longer trips where extra storage is essential.

The A-class W168 facelift comes equipped with a variety of rim sizes, including 5.5J x 15, 7J x 15, and 7J x 17 inches options depending on the trim or model variant. Correspondingly, tire sizes commonly mounted are 195/50 R15 and 205/40 R17. These sizes balance sporty driving dynamics with comfort and efficiency. The tires provide ample road grip, while the rim sizes contribute to the vehicle’s agile and responsive handling. This mix is typical for compact hatchbacks aiming at combining style with practicality.

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz A-class W168 facelift fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Typical garages are around 2400 mm (7 ft 10 in) wide and 4800 mm (15 ft 9 in) deep—this hatchback's width of 1719 mm (67.7 inches) without mirrors ensures ample space on either side. Even with mirrors opened (1950 mm or 76.8 inches), it generally fits well with cautious parking. Its length between 3606 mm to 3640 mm (approx. 141.9 to 143.3 inches) provides enough clearance, making the W168 facelift ideal for urban households with average garage dimensions.

The A-class W168 facelift boasts a height range of 1575 mm to 1587 mm (62.0 to 62.5 inches), which translates to a reasonably spacious cabin in the compact hatchback segment. Compared to similar competitors like the Volkswagen Polo or Ford Fiesta from the same era, the W168 provides slightly more headroom, contributing to an airy feel inside despite its compact exterior. This advantage supports better passenger comfort on longer journeys, typical of Mercedes-Benz's focus on a premium in-car experience even in smaller models.

The facelifted W168 (2001-2004) is very similar dimensionally to the original W168 produced from 1997 to 2001. Length increased modestly, ranging from 3606 mm to 3640 mm (141.9 to 143.3 inches), compared to the pre-facelift’s approximately 3610 mm (142.1 inches). Width and height saw minimal changes, maintaining around 1719 mm (67.7 inches) width and roughly 1575-1587 mm (62-62.5 inches) height. The facelift aimed more at minor styling tweaks, improved safety, and equipment upgrades rather than major dimensional changes, preserving the compact small-car footprint.

In comparison to other compact hatchbacks from the early 2000s, such as the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series predecessors, the Mercedes-Benz A-class W168 facelift offers competitive yet slightly more compact exterior dimensions. While its length and width are marginally smaller, it excels with a taller cabin height and impressive maximum luggage capacity of 1740 liters (61.5 cubic feet) when rear seats are folded, surpassing several rivals in cargo versatility. This balance of compact outside dimensions with practical space inside often made it a preferred choice for urban drivers seeking German engineering and efficiency.

The Mercedes-Benz A-class W168 facelift has a roof load capacity of 50 kg (approximately 110 lbs). This means it can accommodate roof-mounted cargo such as bike racks, rooftop boxes, or small cargo carriers, making it quite practical for weekend trips or active lifestyles. However, this weight limit should be carefully observed to maintain vehicle stability and safety. Given its compact size and relatively light curb weight, the 50 kg roof load is sufficient to enhance versatility without compromising handling or aerodynamic efficiency.

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-class W168, produced between 2001 and 2004, featured several important upgrades over the original model. These included refined exterior styling such as revised headlights and bumpers, enhanced interior materials, and updated technology for comfort and safety. Notably, safety improvements like enhanced airbag systems and optional ABS became more accessible across trims. The facelift also introduced minor suspension tuning for improved ride comfort and handling dynamics. Overall, this generation maintained the compact luxury feel while aligning with the evolving automotive standards of the early 2000s.