For years, the name Mercedes-Benz conjured images of stately sedans and powerful coupes, the epitome of automotive luxury and performance. Models like the E-Class and the flagship S-Class were the benchmarks, often showcasing the brand’s latest innovations. The idea of a smaller Mercedes, especially one designated as an “entry-level” model, didn’t always spark the same level of excitement.
Mercedes-Benz itself seemed to reinforce this perception, with cutting-edge technology typically debuting in the S-Class and gradually making its way down the model range. This tradition set a certain expectation – the true Mercedes experience was found in the larger, more prestigious vehicles.
Therefore, when handed the keys to the Mercedes 220, the smallest sedan in the lineup, powered by its most compact engine, initial skepticism was understandable. Online forums and social media echoed this sentiment, with some dismissing it as a “Mercedes Corolla.” However, spending time with the Mercedes 220 revealed a surprisingly different reality – a “Baby Benz” that exceeded expectations and offered a genuine Mercedes experience in a more accessible package.
Unpacking the Mercedes 220: Size and Specifications
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 marks the entry of the A-Class sedan into the United States market, although the A-Class has been a familiar name in other regions for decades in hatchback form. For those envisioning a subcompact car, the Mercedes 220 is reassuringly substantial. It mirrors the dimensions of the mid-1990s “W202” C-Class and slightly surpasses the iconic 190E from the 1980s. In essence, it occupies the sweet spot in terms of size – perfectly proportioned for urban environments and comfortable for most needs, unless regularly transporting multiple passengers is a priority.
Every Mercedes 220 comes equipped with a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 188 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and a robust 221 lb-ft of torque available from a low 1,250 rpm. Power is channeled through a responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). While front-wheel drive is standard, the majority of Mercedes 220 models are expected to be sold with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions.
Image alt text: Front view of a Night Black Mercedes 220 sedan showcasing its modern grille and LED headlights.
Image alt text: Rear profile of the Mercedes 220 highlighting its sleek taillights and dual exhaust outlets, emphasizing the compact sedan’s sporty design.
The test Mercedes 220 featured a minimalist approach to options, a refreshing change from typically heavily-optioned press vehicles. Finished in classic Night Black with black “MB-Tex” heated vinyl seats, the notable upgrades included the adaptive suspension dampers and the dual 10.25-inch screens powered by Mercedes’ advanced MBUX infotainment system with augmented reality navigation. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of this well-configured Mercedes 220 test vehicle was approximately $41,000.
Behind the Wheel: Driving Dynamics of the Mercedes 220
Before delving into the driving characteristics of the Mercedes 220, it’s important to commend the standard seats. The basic, vinyl-covered seats in the test car proved to be exceptionally comfortable and supportive. They demonstrated that elaborate multi-contour or ventilated seat options are not essential for achieving excellent driving comfort in the Mercedes 220, allowing buyers to allocate their budget to other desirable features.
Speaking of optional features, the tested Mercedes 220 was equipped with the adjustable “Adaptive Damping” suspension. This system allows the driver to select between Comfort and Sport modes, altering the suspension firmness. Mercedes also offers standard “comfort” suspension and a lowered, fixed-damper sport suspension for different Mercedes 220 configurations. In Comfort mode, the Adaptive Damping suspension exhibited a slightly under-damped feel, struggling to effectively absorb bumps and imperfections on city roads. However, switching to Sport mode transformed the suspension, providing a noticeably more controlled and balanced ride. Body control improved significantly, especially when navigating challenging road surfaces and during spirited on-ramp maneuvers.
The 7G-DCT transmission, while generally competent, presented some quirks. Under gentle acceleration from a standstill, the transmission exhibited noticeable clutch slippage and a somewhat delayed engagement. Despite confirming that the transmission initiated in first gear, a perceptible hesitation in acceleration was evident. Aggressive starts could also feel somewhat jerky. Shift logic in urban driving scenarios could also be refined. While paddle shifters are provided for manual gear selection, their responsiveness was surprisingly slow. Engaging the paddles resulted in gear changes that felt delayed, hardly befitting a dual-clutch system designed for rapid shifts. The transmission also occasionally overrode manual selections, shifting up automatically even when the driver intended to hold a specific gear.
Image alt text: Close-up view of the Mercedes 220’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, showcasing its compact design and Mercedes-Benz branding.
Image alt text: Detailed shot of the turbocharger unit in the Mercedes 220 engine, highlighting the technology responsible for the engine’s responsive power delivery.
Image alt text: Control interface for the Mercedes 220’s Adaptive Damping suspension, illustrating the option to adjust ride firmness between Comfort and Sport modes.
However, once the Mercedes 220 is on the open road, particularly in Sport mode and away from stop-and-go city traffic, its strengths become apparent. It transforms into a refined and comfortable highway cruiser, feeling confident and composed on both straight stretches and winding back roads. The DCT transmission’s responsiveness improves significantly at higher speeds and under more dynamic driving conditions, effectively selecting gears to keep the turbocharged engine within its optimal power band. While some purists might criticize the front-wheel-drive bias of the base Mercedes 220, the available 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which can send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels, largely negates any perceived limitations for most drivers. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.7 seconds for the Mercedes 220 4Matic, which feels realistically brisk and more than adequate for everyday driving.
In summary, while the Mercedes 220 might not be the most polished performer in dense urban environments, it excels as a comfortable and engaging car for longer journeys and open roads, regardless of whether the route is straight or winding.
The Essence of Mercedes-Benz in the 220 Model
The test Mercedes 220 was equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s augmented reality navigation, powered by the innovative MBUX software. This advanced technology exemplifies how features traditionally reserved for flagship models like the S-Class are now finding their way into more accessible vehicles. Interestingly, MBUX debuted not in a flagship sedan, but in the Sprinter van and the A-Class, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to a broader range of vehicles. The augmented reality navigation system utilizes a front-facing camera to overlay real-time video with directional arrows, street signs, and building numbers, providing intuitive and visually clear guidance. It’s a genuinely impressive feature that functions effectively and enhances the navigation experience.
Image alt text: Display of the Mercedes 220’s MBUX augmented reality navigation system, showing overlaid directional arrows on a live camera feed of the road ahead.
Beyond the sophisticated navigation system, the overall “Mercedes-ness” of the smallest sedan is striking. The build quality feels substantial and refined, consistent with the brand’s established reputation. While the adaptive suspension might be considered dispensable, opting for Mercedes-Benz’s ambient lighting and the premium Burmester sound system would further elevate the interior ambiance and entertainment experience, while keeping the Mercedes 220 within a similar price range to the test vehicle.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the Mercedes 220 is its size. It evokes the charm and maneuverability of compact sedans from the 1990s, offering a refreshing alternative to the ever-increasing dimensions of modern vehicles. Parking and navigating tight spaces are effortless, and the car feels agile and responsive in a way that larger sedans often cannot. The visibility is excellent, and the low dashboard contributes to an open and airy cabin feel, avoiding any sense of confinement.
While it is possible to configure a Mercedes 220 with a plethora of options, pushing the MSRP beyond $52,000, the tested vehicle struck an ideal balance. It was neither overly basic nor excessively equipped, but “just right.” Mercedes-Benz has successfully recognized the demand for a compact luxury sedan and delivered a vehicle that embodies the brand’s premium qualities in a smaller, more accessible format.
Image alt text: Interior detail of the Mercedes 220 showcasing the air vent design and material quality, emphasizing the premium cabin environment.
Image alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes 220’s door panel, highlighting the MB-Tex upholstery, speaker grille, and controls, demonstrating attention to detail in the interior.
Image alt text: Dashboard and steering wheel of the Mercedes 220, focusing on the dual-screen MBUX system and driver controls, illustrating the modern and technology-forward cockpit.
Image alt text: Side view of the Mercedes 220’s seat, showcasing the minimalist design and black MB-Tex upholstery, highlighting the comfortable and supportive standard seating.
Image alt text: Detailed view of the Mercedes 220’s wheel and tire, showing the alloy wheel design and tire profile, emphasizing the sporty and refined exterior styling.
