School's out! 2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class price and specs push it further upmarket against Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series

Mercedes’ refreshed A-Class will hit local showrooms this month with a hefty price increase, but also a longer list of equipment to justify the rise in cost of the premium small car.

The biggest price jump is for the top-spec AMG A45 S, which moves up $13,000 to $119,900 before on-road costs.

As the most potent A-Class, the A45 sports a 310kW/500Nm 2.0-litre engine – still the most powerful production four-cylinder even four years after its initial reveal.

However, opening the range is now the return of the A200 hatch and sedan, which replaces the outgoing entry-level A180.

Priced at $61,900 (hatch) and $63,400 (sedan), the new base A-Class is respectively $10,500 and $10,200 pricier than last year’s A180.

Buyers are compensated with a new powertrain though, a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology that delivers 120kW/270Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The top-spec AMG A45 S wears a price tag of $119,900 before on-road costs.

Also justifying the price increase is the standard fitment of Mercedes’ AMG Line pack that includes a sporty bodykit, blacked-out wheels, sports front seats, red contrast stitching and aluminium interior trim.

The standard equipment list is now also bolstered by a panoramic sunroof, metallic paint, power-adjustable front seats, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, LED tail-lights, Nappa leather steering wheel and a surround-view monitor.

Inside, you'll find the latest MBUX system, which includes dual 10.25-inch screens for the multimedia touchscreen and all-digital instrument cluster.

The A200 sedan is priced at $63,400.

The former features satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control.

Stepping up to the A250 nets buyers a more potent 165kW/350Nm engine, all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, but pricing moves to $71,900 (+$5000) and $73,400 (+$5500) for the hatch and sedan respectively.

The next rung up the A-Class ladder is the AMG-tuned A35, which serves up 225kW/400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, as well as AMG-specific components such as red-painted brake callipers, an active exhaust and adaptive suspension.

Up front of the AMG A45 S are dual 10.25-inch screens for the multimedia touchscreen and all-digital instrument cluster.

Pricing for the A35 moves up $5900 and $6000 to $87,900 (hatch) and $89,400 (sedan), but the new AMG entry-level model should yield a better fuel economy figure thanks to the inclusion of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system this time around.

2023 Mercedes-Benz A-Class pricing before on-road costs