Mercedes has done something unusual with their new entry-level offering: They’ve loaded it up with their latest most innovative technology yet. That’s right. What usually finds its way into the most expensive flagship car first, is included in the luxury brand’s most attainable car.
What Mercedes has done is bring their “A-Game” with the new A-Class and in no uncertain terms, it will be very popular. Luxury carmakers realise that, however important their full-size high-end cars might be, the volume and the market share lies in the more affordable nameplates. The new A-Class is here to conquer.
It might seem obvious now but could we be saying to put your Audi A3 order on hold and wait for the new A-Class? Read on.
2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan | Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Why you should buy a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 sedan
1. The new A-Class, especially the tested car, is every bit a Mercedes, both inside and out
2. The level of technology, the menus, the options, the variety of functions, is mid-boggling
3. The 188-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is powerful and reasonably frugal. The standard 7-speed ducal-clutch transmission is sharp
4. The A220 drives bigger than it is. It feels safe, planted and extremely competent
5. The cabin’s design, especially with the optional twin-10.25-inch screens, looks like what other OEMs were preparing for their 2022 model year products
2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan | Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Why you should not buy a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 sedan
1. While the base A220 should be affordable, it will likely look less premium. With 17-inch wheels and fewer physical highlights, it’ll probably pale in comparison to a Premium/AMG-packaged unit. Having said that, what’s an extra $50+ per month on a lease?
2. The back seat is snug, much like the immediate competition
3. As mentioned, this car sports a big huge pile of new technology. System reliability could be an issue
4. If you’re searching for an agile, nimble and sporty small Mercedes, you’ll have to wait for the 2020 AMG A35
2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan | Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Conclusion:
Days later, I’m still thinking of this car. While I spent nearly eight hours with the car, it was nowhere near enough time to fully explore the depth of the infotainment system, to truly appreciate the Nvidia graphics, and get better acquainted with the Voice Assistant.
Over the 500 km drive, I did however become familiar with the A220’s on-road behaviour. This car feels every bit as luxurious and safe as an E- or S-Class. Its all-new chassis is responsive, solid and permissive. There’s little true driver involvement to report but the heavy isolated sentiment it transmits is completely flagship Mercedes.
As it stands, the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series don’t stand a chance, with only one element in the Bimmer’s favor: it’s a better driver’s car. In every other respect, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class takes it.
To conclude this story, simply head to your local M-Benz dealer, in the fall for the A250 hatchback, or next spring for the A220 sedan, and sit in it. Most certainly, the showroom demo will have the Premium package and once aboard, you’ll be sold. We are.
No pricing info yet but we figure the base FWD A220 will go for roughly $34k and change while a well-equipped A220 4MATIC with options will hover just above the $40k mark.
Any chance the AMG version is offered in the sedan?
So far we’ve only got confirmation for the A 35 hatch, but we’d say most likely