Upscale styling inside and out, agile handling, surprisingly - 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review
4Overview
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-class is a small car with the heart of an S-class luxury sedan. The expensive-looking façade helps it look right at home among the rest of the Benz lineup, and its modern, tech-filled cabin delivers much the same experience as pricier models. A turbocharged four-cylinder drives either the front or all four wheels, and the A-class's handling is fairly spry. We'll admit that it's not as quick as the related AMG-tuned CLA35, but it's still engaging to drive. Compared to rivals such as the BMW 2-series Gran Coupe and the Cadillac CT4, the A-class offers a more cohesive package and is more desirable than either of those entry-level luxury compact cars.
What's New for 2022?
Only one change is in store for the A-class this year: The optional Premium package now includes SiriusXM satellite radio. Mercedes has also confirmed that 2022 will be the last model year for the A-class, as it will be discontinued for the U.S. market after that.
The A220 comes with a full selection of standard equipment, and we think this version of the A-class will be a great match for most buyers who are interested in this sedan. Connecting the car to the pavement are 17-inch rims, and the list of exterior features includes automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals. All models come with a panoramic sunroof that lets natural light into the cabin. Passengers enjoy standard features such as eight-way power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control. You'll probably want to add the Premium package ($1750), which adds upscale amenities such as a 10.3-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power-folding side mirrors.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
With the 2022 A-class, the sole engine choice is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard with the A220, while the A220 4Matic has all-wheel drive. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handles gearchanges. The A220 4Matic we tested hustled from to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. That's a bit slower than the last A3 we tested, which made the sprint in 5.5 seconds when equipped with its most powerful engine. We noticed that the front-drive A-class sedan traveled with less impact harshness than the heavier all-wheel-drive model. Still, both deliver a ride quality that's reasonably comfortable and poised. Steering is precise, throttle response is superb, and there's almost no turbo lag.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A220 will achieve fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. That's less fuel efficient than the Audi A3 (29/38 mpg), but it gets better mileage than the Acura ILX (24/34 mpg). With the A220 4Matic, mileage dips to 24/35 mpg. For more information about the A-class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
With entry-level luxury models, the cabin design can sometimes be heavy on the entry-level and light on the luxury. That isn't the case with the A-class. This sedan has an interior with a premium look that lives up to Mercedes-Benz standards. A trio of circular air vents adds decorative flair to the center stack, and the cabin can be upgraded with upscale options such as leather upholstery, heated front seats and LED interior lighting. The front seats deliver memorable comfort, and that helps make the A-class a great car for those who face long commutes. A standard folding back seat with a 40/20/40 split allows you to accommodate items too large to fit in the trunk. Speaking of the trunk, the A-class has one significant weakness: It's light on cargo capacity. The car's trunk provides just 9 cubic feet of room for your belongings.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2022 A-class comes with standard infotainment features such as Bluetooth phone and music streaming, HD radio and a 7-inch touchscreen. Base models also come with an eight-speaker sound system, five USB-C ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. A larger 10.3-inch touchscreen is offered as part of the available Premium package. The range of optional equipment also includes SiriusXM satellite radio and a Burmester stereo.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Though it's light on standard driver-assistance features, a broad range of these amenities is offered as optional equipment on the A220. For more information about the A-class's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard blind-spot monitoring
Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage