The second-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, internal designation W169, entered production in late 2004, continuing the innovative double-floor Sandwich safety architecture while significantly improving overall build quality. The W169 was offered in both a conventional five-door hatchback format and a sportier three-door body variant (C169) featuring a sleeker profile. Dimensions grew in length and track width, yielding expanded passenger shoulder room and cargo capacity. Exterior styling adopted a more assertive stance with bold character lines along the flanks, a redesigned front grille, and updated headlight clusters.

Engine offerings included revised M266 naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engines (1.5, 1.7, and 2.0 liters) topped by a turbocharged 2.0-liter producing 193 horsepower in the A 200 Turbo. Turbo-diesel options centered around the 2.0-liter OM640 unit tuned for various output levels. Transmissions featured five-speed or six-speed manuals as well as an optional Autotronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). A 2008 facelift introduced revised front and rear aprons, modernized interior fabrics, and ECO start/stop technology before production ended in 2012.