Qualifying as a sub-compact car, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the company’s smallest sedan, but that in no way diminishes its stature. Stylish, fun-to-drive, and affordable, the baby Benz offers many features found on larger MB sedans, making it ideal for budget-minded luxury buyers who like gadgets but don’t need a big back seat or a monstrously powerful engine.
Usually pulled by its front wheels, the A 220 sedan also offers the option of all-wheel drive. Regardless of drivetrain, power comes from the same 188-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 (Starting at $33,950)
The A 220 is a Mercedes-Benz through and through, meaning although it’s inexpensive, it still fills all the requirements for performance, safety, and high-tech goodies.
Along with its 2.0-liter engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), the front-drive A 220 includes Mercedes’ Dynamic Select. This system allows the driver to vary throttle input, shift points, and steering effort, with Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Individual modes.
A 4-link suspension helps return a comfortable ride on straight highway stretches and a thrilling ride when carving up corners. The A 220 rides on 18-inch wheels and features heated power side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights and taillights, plus LED daytime running lights. A large panoramic sunroof fills the roof section and can be vented or opened fully. A smart key fob allows for a push-button starter.
On the safety front, the A 220 includes a complete set of airbags, brake drying that helps keep the brakes dry in wet weather, and crosswind assist in helping keep the car stable in high crosswind situations. A blind-spot monitor comes standard, as does a rear backup camera.
Inside the A 220’s cabin, you’ll find the usual luxury suspects, including power windows and door locks, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with touch controls for audio and Bluetooth, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control.
The A 220’s driver and passenger enjoy 12-way power-adjustable seats, including 4-way power lumbar support, with memory for both. The front seats also feature adjustable lower seat cushions for better thigh support on long drives. The A 220’s rear seat is a 40/20/40 split-folding design, allowing two passengers to occupy the back seat while objects too long for the trunk can pass through the folded center section. Trunk-mounted release levers make it easy to fold any or all of the rear seat sections. MB-Tex faux leather is standard, so the only reason to upgrade would be the optional features and colors.
The driver enjoys a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, with a matching 7-inch infotainment display featured prominently atop the dash. The infotainment system includes voice activation for various functions using natural language recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, five USB-C ports (three up front and two in the rear seat area), and HD radio. Controlling the touch screen is accomplished via a console-mounted touchpad controller, using a button on the steering wheel, or simply touching the screen directly.
64-color LED ambient lighting fills the air vents, floor wells, dash, door panels, and door pockets. The system allows for multiple colors at one time, allowing you to create your own interior design in light.
The A 220 offers several options and packages, allowing further personalization.
Individual exterior options include various paint and wheel upgrades, a lighted Mercedes-Benz grille star, and a rear spoiler done in black, faux carbon fiber, or body color.
Cabin upgrades include a choice of leather seat colors, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and illuminated front door sills.
The Premium Package includes an upgraded 10.25-inch cluster and infotainment screens, Keyless Go with proximity key, a hands-free gesture activated power trunk opener, SiriusXM satellite radio, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, and power-folding side mirrors.
The Multimedia Package brings navigation, augmented video for navigation (uses a front camera to superimpose street names and addresses overtop features on your selected route), and speed limit assist that shows the posted speed limit on a screen inside the instrument cluster.
Standalone interior options include Keyless Go, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, the MBUX assistant, and a 590-watt 12-speaker Burmester audio upgrade.
Finally, you can improve the safety and driver-assist system with two highly advisable packages. The Driver Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control (Distronic), lane-centering (Active Steering Assist), automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active braking with front and rear cross-traffic detection, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and active lane change assist.
The Parking Assistance Package adds a 360-degree surround-view camera and parallel parking assist.
Other safety and security options include rear-seat side-impact airbags, a dashcam system, and anti-theft wheel locking bolts.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 sells for $35,000. On a 60-month loan at 3% with no money down, the monthly payment comes to $629. See 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 includes:
- 12-way power front seats – for the ultimate in comfort, each seat also has separate memory settings and extendable seat cushions.
- Panoramic sunroof – this massive sunroof covers both rows, allowing everyone to enjoy copious amounts of fresh air and sunlight.
- 64-color ambient lighting – allows you to brighten the interior with numerous color choices.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – gives the driver and front passenger complete autonomy over their temperature settings.
