The A-Class launches with just one engine option, though an AMG-tuned version is coming hot on its heels and will be available later in the model year. The base A220 uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine aided by a turbocharger making 188 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. According to Mercedes, the A-class can reach 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds with this engine, in both front-wheel drive form or in the $2000 more expensive 4MATIC all-wheel drive version. The A35 AMG also uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder, but it's tuned for far more power, making a full 302 horsepower, sent to all-four wheels through a dual-clutch transmission. This combination is enough to get the A35 AMG to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Standard exterior features on the A 220 sedan include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, taillamps and running lights, rain sensing wipers and a rearview camera. Inside, the A220 comes standard with cruise control, powered front seats, a see-through panoramic roof, heated outside mirrors, dual-zone climate control, steering wheel mounted touch panels to control the infotainment system, a 7-inch touchscreen between the seats, a 7-inch digital instrument display, Bluetooth audio streaming with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, a touchpad controller between the front seats and five USB-C ports.
Though there is essentially just one trim level for the A220, there are several option packages and standalone features that can really push the car into true luxury car territory. A Premium Package includes a blind spot monitoring system, a larger 10" digital instrument cluster as well as a second 10" infotainment display, auto-dimming inside and driver's side mirrors, power folding mirrors, keyless go and hands-free access. Meanwhile, a Multimedia package adds navigation, traffic sign assist and an augmented reality mode for that navigation, which uses the car's forward-facing camera with overlaid directions to help drivers navigate. A heads-up display, wireless inductive charging and a Burmester sound system are all also available as stand-alone options.
An AMG Line Package adds aluminum shift paddles, brushed aluminum pedals, a sportier steering wheel, nicer front brakes, a slightly lowered and re-tuned suspension and 18" wheels. Gloss black exterior accents are also available with the AMG Line package. Finally, a Driver's Assistance Package offers just that: active steering assist, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist and active speed limit assist systems are included with this package, allowing the A220 to shoulder a lot more of the work when cruising on the highway.
Sleek Exterior
Smooth Ride And Handling
Torquey Engine
Mercedes-Benz Quality
Compact Dimensions
Surprisingly Low Base Price
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a brand-new model for 2019, slotting in just below the CLA coupe at the bottom of Mercedes' lineup for this year. While the CLA rides on an older platform and has its interior space is slightly compromised by the swoopy roofline and coupe-like proportions, the A-Class sedan rides on a new platform and is a true sedan with plenty of space in the back seats. Despite this, Mercedes-Benz has done some spectacular work on the new A-Class styling; it's presents as both stylish and sporty and aimed right at younger buyers looking to make their first foray into the luxury sedan market.
The Mercedes A-Class has a base price of $32,500, which undercuts the price of an Audi A3 by around a thousand dollars, all while offering a more relaxed and luxurious demeanor. The BMW 2-Series comes only as a coupe and also costs considerably more. Some higher-end Volkswagen Golf models have prices approaching the A-Class, but they can't match the luxury of the Mercedes, despite offering good amounts of practicality. The Mercedes-Benz name also offers a fair amount of value on its own as most casual observers would likely guess that the A-Class is a far more expensive car than any of its rivals, despite that not being the case.
