The 2020 A-Class is the smallest and cheapest Mercedes-Benz and is the entry-level offering from the German automaker. But it’s still a Mercedes through and through with its classy cabin, lively performance, cushy ride and long list of standard and available features and tech. With a starting price below 35-grand, it offers good value in the subcompact luxury class.
Base Price: $34,800
As Tested: $46,100
Horsepower: 188
Mileage: 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined
The five-passenger A-class was introduced for the 2019 model year and sees no major changes for 2020 except for the addition of a new performance-oriented trim, the AMG A 35. The main competitor is the Audi A3 for the A220 and the Audi S3 for the AMG A 35.
There are two trims: A220 and the AMG A 35. The A220 starts at $32,800 and the A220 4Matic with all-wheel-drive starts at $34,800. The AMG A 35 starts at $44,950.
The A220 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The AMG A 35 gets an AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 302 horses and 295 pound-feet.
The A220 is peppy and fun to drive. While acceleration isn’t as quick as some competitors, it still has get-up-and-go off the line with very little turbo lag. Brakes and steering are responsive, and the A220 stays planted when cornering. The transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. The ride is composed even on rougher roads.
Fuel economy is good for a small luxury car. EPA ratings for my AWD tester are 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with a combined rating of 28. I got 30 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. Premium fuel is required.
Even though this is the least expensive Mercedes-Benz, there’s no skimping in the cabin. It’s well designed with high-end materials that have a premium look and feel. My tester has the snazzy two-tone MB Tex upholstery (vinyl that looks like leather) and it’s not only attractive but easy to clean. Front passengers enjoy a surprising amount of leg- and headroom. Passengers in the second row have decent headroom, but taller passengers will want more legroom. Seats are comfortable and supportive.
Standard features include keyless start, rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, seven-inch digital instrument cluster, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with seven-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, HD Radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, five USB ports, panoramic roof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive headlights and automatic high-beam headlights.
There aren’t a lot of standard driver assistance features, just cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
Available features include proximity keyless entry, surround-view parking camera system, real leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, multicontour front seats, heated steering wheel, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, satellite radio, wireless device charging, 12-speaker Burmester surround-sound stereo, interior ambient lighting, and a head-up display.
Available driver assistance features include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with route-based speed adaptation, active steering assist with active emergency stop assist and active lane change assist, front cross traffic emergency braking, speed limit recognition, traffic sign recognition and automatic parking assist.
It’s easy to get the hang of the MBUX infotainment system. You can control it via the touchscreen that has swipe and pinch functionality, a touchpad in the center console between the two front seats, by voice, or by using some redundant physical controls for common functions. The system responds quickly to commands no matter the input. Graphics are crisp and modern with stunning colors.
The A220 doesn’t have much trunk space with just 8.6 cubic feet. The rear seats fold 40/20/40 providing flexibility in hauling passengers and cargo. A hands-free trunk lid is available.
The good:
Lively acceleration
Comfortable, cushy ride
Classy, upscale cabin
Excellent infotainment system
Good value for the money
The not-so-good:
Less trunk space than rivals
Few standard driver assistance technologies
Price can quickly climb with packages and options
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $34,800. Mojave silver metallic paint is $720. Natural grain black Linden wood trim is $325. L5C AMG Line Sport steering wheel is $360. RVK 19-inch black AMG multi-spoke wheels are $800. Blind Spot Assist is $550. Dynamic Body Control is $850. SiriusXM radio is $460. Heated front seats are $580. 64-color interior ambient lighting is $310. Wireless charging is $200. DA5 Multimedia Package is $1,150 and adds MB Navigation, Navigation Services, MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation and Traffic Sign Assist. DC1 Night Package is $400 and adds high-gloss black elements including grille trim, exterior mirror overs and window rim. DG3 AMG Line is $1,950 and adds AMG body styling, perforated front discs and MB lettering, and AMG Diamond-block grille. DP1 Premium Package is $1,650 and adds a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch media display with touchscreen, KEYLESS-GO Package, and Mirror Package. Destination fee is $995 bringing the grand total to $46,100.
Bottom line:
If you’re hankering for an entry-level luxury sedan that provides a high-end experience, you should check out this Mercedes. There’s a lot of luxury and tech stuffed into the A220.
