Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Looking to attract a younger demographic, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 is the all-new entry-level model for the German luxury carmaker and slots just beneath the previous least expensive Mercedes, the coupe-inspired CLA sedan. The more conventional-looking A-Class sedan, however, has an evolved version of the front-drive platform that underpins both. It is handsome with sharply defined character lines and a look that ties it to the rest of the Mercedes sedan lineup. In addition to offering affordable access to a vehicle carrying the 3-pointed star, the new Mercedes A220 also introduces buyers to the company’s new user interface, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User eXperience) that incorporates advanced voice recognition that responds to the call, “Hey, Mercedes.”

The 2019 Mercedes A220 is evidence that the German automaker took criticisms of the CLA’s lackluster dynamics to heart on this go-around. This latest effort is tight, well-mannered and fun to drive whether you opt for the front- or all-wheel-drive (FWD, AWD) version. The fully independent suspension is tuned as you’d expect in a European sports sedan, taut, but not punishingly so. The steering is direct, turn-in crisp and power from the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sufficient enough to make the vehicle feel light on its feet. While the 188 horsepower may not seem like a lot these days, the 221 lb-ft of torque is the hero here, giving the vehicle snappy response from the get-go. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic provides timely and nearly seamless shifts, and a sequential manual-shift mode is available if you’re feeling a bit racy. With its compact dimensions and good sightlines, the A220 is an easy and enjoyable car to drive.

The layout of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 is clean and contemporary, with a dash sporting twin 7-inch screens in lower-trim models. The MB-Tex-clad seats are comfortable and there’s a choice of accent trim ranging from aluminum to natural grain walnut, a reminder of the car’s luxury status. The center of the dash is dominated by three rather large circular vents, with two additional vents on either side. If you’re not familiar with Mercedes vehicles, the gear selector is a column-mounted stalk and the center console has a touch pad to operate the infotainment system. There’s also a thin row of switches on the dash for heat/vent/air conditioning as well as redundant steering-wheel controls and door-mounted buttons to control the power driver’s seat.

This new A-Class is the next evolution in Mercedes’ sedan design philosophy with crisp lines and sculpted body panels. The grille has a slight shark-nose rake to it, while the greenhouse itself is more formal and upright than the swoopy coupe-inspired roofline of the CLA. While not as slick-looking, the roofline makes getting in and out of the rear seat a lot easier. If you spec the AMG Line package, you’ll get a chrome diamond-block grille treatment, larger 18-inch wheels and a lower ride height. An AMG Line Night Package brings blacked-out exterior accents for a racier look.

TWIN-SCREEN INSTRUMENT PANEL
It’s optional, but worth the extra money to get the larger twin 10.25-inch screens for the gauge cluster in front of the driver and the center touch screen for infotainment. The high-definition screens are easy to read, and the instrument display can be configured to match your personal tastes.

BURMESTER PREMIUM AUDIO
Available as an $850 option (you also have to spec the Premium package), the Burmester audio system boasts nine speakers and has an amp rated at 590 watts of power. For such a compact car, the Burmester delivers a big, clear audio experience you’d expect to find in luxury cars costing thousands more.

Base Mercedes-Benz A220 and A220 4Matic models come with the MBUX system with its “Hey, Mercedes” control system similar to Alexa or Siri. While the intelligent voice control is an improvement in picking up natural speech, there still is some learning to be had. When the system is on, if you mention Mercedes in your conversation, MBUX will chime in with a “How can I help you,” even if you don’t want or need the system’s help. Other standard features include the touch-pad center control, five USB ports and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

A good get is the $1,550 Premium Package that includes the larger 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment screens along with Keyless Go, Hands Free Access and Blind Spot Assist. A Multimedia package priced at $1,150 includes navigation, which has a neat augmented-reality feature where the forward-looking camera shows the scene out front with directional callouts. The system also includes traffic-sign recognition. A $2,250 Driver Assist option includes active cruise control and steering, automatic emergency braking and brake assist, lane-keeping, lane-change and blind-spot assists. The $2,600 AMG Line package adds larger 18-inch wheels, lower ride height, brushed aluminum pedals, vented front disc brakes with painted calipers, direct steering and a sport steering wheel.

Power for the A220 comes from a transversely mounted 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It’s mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission driving the front wheels. In A220 4Matic guise, the output is delivered to all four corners.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
188 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
221 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 mpg (FWD), 25/33 mpg (AWD)