For years, the name Mercedes-Benz conjured images of stately sedans and luxurious cruisers, particularly the prestigious E-Class and flagship S-Class. The smaller end of their lineup? Less so. It seemed Mercedes themselves prioritized their cutting-edge technology for the top-tier models, with innovations gradually filtering down. So, when the keys to an A220 Mercedes landed in my hand – their most compact sedan, powered by their smallest engine – skepticism was natural. Social media comments echoed this sentiment, with some playfully dubbing it a “Mercedes Corolla.” However, spending time with the a220 Mercedes proved to be a genuinely pleasant surprise.
Decoding the Mercedes A220
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 represents the brand’s entry into the compact sedan segment in the United States. While the A-Class has a longer history in other markets, it’s a relatively new offering stateside. For those picturing something akin to a subcompact, rest assured. The a220 Mercedes is dimensionally comparable to the mid-1990s C-Class (W202) and only marginally larger than the iconic 190E from the 1980s. In essence, it strikes an ideal balance in size, perfectly suited for most needs unless regularly transporting multiple passengers.
Under the hood, every a220 Mercedes houses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 188 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque from a low 1,250 rpm. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) transmission is the exclusive gearbox option. While front-wheel drive is standard, the majority of a220 Mercedes models are expected to feature the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
My test a220 Mercedes was refreshingly lightly optioned, a welcome change from often overly-equipped press vehicles. Finished in basic Night Black with black “MB-Tex” heated vinyl seats, its noteworthy features included adjustable suspension dampers and dual 10.25″ screens running Mercedes’ advanced MBUX infotainment system with augmented reality navigation. The MSRP as tested hovered around $41,000.
Behind the Wheel of the A220 Mercedes
Before delving into the driving dynamics of the a220 Mercedes, the seats deserve praise. The standard, vinyl-clad seats in my test car were remarkably comfortable and supportive. Forget about complex multi-contour or ventilated seats – these base seats are excellent, allowing you to allocate your budget to other desirable options.
Speaking of options, my a220 Mercedes came equipped with the “Adaptive Damping” suspension. This system adjusts damper firmness based on the selected driving mode, stiffening in Sport and softening in Comfort. Mercedes also offers a standard “comfort” suspension and a lowered variant, both with fixed dampers, on other a220 Mercedes configurations. In Comfort mode, I found the Adaptive Damping suspension somewhat under-damped. Body control felt lacking, and the car reacted harshly to city road imperfections. However, switching to Sport mode dramatically improved the suspension’s composure, delivering commendable body control over uneven surfaces and during spirited driving on highway on-ramps.
The 7G-DCT transmission presented a mixed experience. Under gentle acceleration, clutch engagement felt sluggish. Despite confirming it started in first gear, there was a noticeable delay in acceleration from a standstill. Aggressive starts could be jerky. Shift logic in urban driving could also be more refined. While paddle shifters are present, their responsiveness was disappointing. Gear changes initiated via the paddles were far from snappy, almost leisurely. The requested gear would be held for an extended period before the transmission might decide a different gear was more appropriate.
However, once out of the city and onto open roads, the a220 Mercedes truly shines. It transforms into a poised highway cruiser and feels surprisingly capable on winding back roads. Here, the DCT transmission’s intelligence seems to awaken, effectively selecting gears to keep the turbocharged engine within its optimal power band. Some purists might criticize the front-drive bias of the standard a220 Mercedes, but most buyers opting for the 4Matic all-wheel-drive version will likely be unconcerned with such nuances, especially since the system can direct up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds for the a220 Mercedes 4Matic, which feels realistically accurate and sufficiently brisk in everyday driving.
In summary, while not the most polished city car, the a220 Mercedes excels as a comfortable and engaging companion for longer journeys, whether on straight highways or winding roads.
The Quintessential Mercedes Character of the A220
My a220 Mercedes featured Mercedes’ augmented reality navigation, powered by the MBUX system. This technology, historically reserved for flagship models like the S-Class, highlights a shift in strategy. MBUX debuted in the Sprinter van and the A-Class, demonstrating Mercedes’ commitment to bringing innovation to a broader range of vehicles. The augmented reality navigation uses a front-facing camera to overlay real-time video with directional arrows, street signs, and building numbers, providing intuitive guidance. It’s remarkably impressive and functions seamlessly.
Beyond the advanced navigation, I was struck by the overall “Mercedes-ness” of this entry-level model. Everything exhibits a sense of solidity and quality, befitting the Mercedes-Benz name. Personally, I might forgo the adjustable suspension in favor of Mercedes’ ambient lighting and the exceptional Burmester sound system. These additions would further elevate the a220 Mercedes experience while keeping the price in a similar range to my test car.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the a220 Mercedes is its size. It evoked memories of the compact sedans of the 1990s – easy to maneuver, park, and surprisingly nimble in a way larger sedans can’t match. Visibility is good, and the low dashboard contributes to an airy and spacious feel.
While it’s possible to equip an a220 Mercedes with a plethora of options, pushing the MSRP upwards, my test car struck a near-perfect balance. Not overly basic, nor excessively loaded, it felt just right. Mercedes has clearly recognized the demand for a smaller premium sedan and successfully delivered a compact a220 Mercedes that retains the brand’s hallmark qualities.
