The A-Class started life as a rather ugly MPV-esque hatch in 1997 and sold about as well as ice cubes in the Arctic, but recent generations have transformed it into a sporty, tech-packed premium offering.

Specific models from the W176 (2012-2018) and current W177 (2018-present) generations are prime candidates for future classic status. Here's why:

The AMG Treatment

What better way to spice up the A-Class than AMG's engineering wizardry? The W176 welcomed Mercedes-AMG's first transverse 4-cylinder in the A45.

Mercedes managed to throw out 360 hp from just 2.0 litres of displacement with an enormous turbo, and the facelifted model in 2015 bumped that to a whopping 381 hp, becoming the hottest hatch around. All-wheel drive is added to the recipe, providing excellent grip in all weathers.

For the W177, Mercedes-AMG turned things up to 11 with the A 45 S. Its M139 turbo-four, the world's most powerful production 4-cylinder, churns out 416 hp—an incredible 208 hp/L. 0-62 mph happens in just 3.9 seconds. The tamer A 35 is no slouch either, with 306 hp. These are the kinds of headline figures that make enthusiasts take notice.

Accessible Performance

Part of the A-Class AMGs' appeal is that they pack a serious punch in a compact, relatively affordable package. You get supercar-baiting performance without the hefty price tag and impracticality of an exotic.

The smaller footprint also makes them highly chuckable and engaging to drive - the short wheelbase, all-wheel-drive, and clever differentials mean they corner like they're on rails. It's this combination of blistering pace, agility and accessibility that makes them so desirable.

Tricked-Out Tech

Even regular A-Class models have had big upgrades with the latest generations. The W176 debuted Mercedes' slick iPad-style infotainment screen and banished the dowdy MPV look in favour of a sleek hatchback aesthetic.

Mercedes A-Class bumpers and headlights received LED technology and radar cruise control cut-outs to increase safety on motorways.

The W177 took things further with the revolutionary MBUX system, featuring a highly customisable UI, natural speech recognition and AR navigation. Paired with the widescreen digital cockpit, ambient lighting, and upscale materials, it gave the A-Class a properly premium feel.

AMGs traded on raw performance, but even the humbler models offered a compelling blend of tech and luxury that raised the bar for the segment and provided an alternative to the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.

As features like MBUX become retro cool in the future, tech-savvy enthusiasts will seek out well-equipped models.

Rarity and Significance

The 381hp A 45 from 2015 and the ultimate A 45 S pushed engineering boundaries and other low-volume, high-performance variants will always attract collectors.

But even mainstream models mark important milestones for the brand, like the W176 establishing the A-Class as a credible premium hatch or the W177 debuting an all-new generation of infotainment. Well-preserved, nicely spec’d examples will gain classic cred as time passes, providing they have a low mileage.

While only a select few A-Classes will achieve bona-fide classic status, the W176 and W177 generations are a big step in the right direction with AMG segment-defining performance and the range's cutting-edge tech – look to these models if you want a future classic in your garage. Standard A Class models will merely be popular used cars.