Abarth 500e vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Abarth 500e starts from $60,500 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class opens at $48,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz A-Class the more affordable entry point by $11,600.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $66,550 and $53,790 respectively.
The Abarth 500e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and JBL audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 500e uses a Electric producing 113kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class responds with a Petrol making 100kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Abarth 500e has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 500e is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 500e measures 3,673mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 746mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class at 4,419mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 500e and 370L in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz A-Class a 185L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 11.0m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz A-Class). The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz A-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has a clear edge. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Abarth 500e and Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the cheapest at $48,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Abarth 500e by $11,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Abarth 500e all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the largest boot at 370L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Abarth 500e makes the most power at 113kW. The Abarth 500e is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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