Mercedes-Benz introduced the second generation of its small-sized minivan A-Class in 2004.
It was an important step above its predecessor but still wasn’t a big hit on the market.

The German carmaker considered that the market needed a premium product in the small segment and offered the A-Class as a unique solution. Neither BMW, Audi, or Volvo had anything to offer here. But still, maybe they had a good reason for that.

Even though the MPV segment was going down un customers’ preferences, the A-Class offered more than anyone expected. It wasn’t much taller than a Golf, but it was shorter. At the front, the car sported a classic Mercedes-Benz grille with three horizontal slats that supported the three-pointed-star badge in the middle. Its swept-back headlights, with sharp endings, resembled those installed on the S-Class flagship model. The windshield followed almost the same line as the hood. Just behind the roof, the carmaker made a vertical, slightly arched drop for the tailgate.

Inside, thanks to the tall cabin, Mercedes-Benz was able to create a roomy interior. The high-mounted seats and the big window area led to an airy feeling for the passengers. Despite the unusual look for the brand, the dashboard and the upholstery was Mercedes-Benz level. Even the center stack and the instrument cluster sported a similar design language with the rest of the carmaker’s stable.

The 2004 A-Class offered a wide engine choice, either gasoline or turbodiesel. They were paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission, while a CVT was available as an option for specific powerplants.