2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is offered in two trim levels – A220 and A220 4MATIC, with the major difference being the addition of 4MATIC all-wheel drive on the latter. The regular model starts at $32,800 and the 4MATIC will cost $34,800. The base model A220 also has an interesting and long list of standard features ranging from Mercedes’ special safety features, standard infotainment features, dual-zone climate control, and so on. The 4MATIC adds more features to enhance the luxury. As always, you can upgrade your experience with additional packages. 

Which trim should you buy?

There is not a lot of options to choose from, since there is only one main trim. We would suggest going with the AWD, that is, the 4MATIC version, as it adds Merc’s famed AWD system for better grip and stability. Also, it adds a little extra luxury. You must also get the Driver Assistance Package for a completely worry-free and safe riding experience. The Driver Assistance package will include Active Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist w/ Cross-Traffic Function, active emergency stop assist, active speed limit assist, active blind spot assist, etc. 

The Merc is actually a pretty frugal and efficient car. The EPA-estimated figures are around 24 MPG for the city, 35 MPG for the highway, and 28 MPG for combined; for the FWD variant. The AWD just takes a little off the highway, settling for 34 MPG. The total AWD fuel economy stands at 24/34/28 MPG for city/highway/combined driving. So, you can count on your car for a family trip. The gas tank is 13.5-gallons, which allows for a total range of 324/472/369 miles for FWD, and for the AWD, the highway range is 448 miles; while the rest remains the same.

The Sonata offers the best fuel economy and offers a massive range, nearing the 500-mile mark. However, this comes at the cost of performance. The CT4 is also pretty impressive with its big fuel tank. Despite being the least efficient, it makes up in terms of range with its fuel tank. The Merc has the lowest range, while the A3 does only slightly better. 

The A-Class has an amazing interior. High-quality materials are found in abundance, and also featuring a huge list of standard features, the German sedan offers almost everything. The dashboard also sports a unique design, which uses layers or contours to its advantage. Beautiful 64-color ambient lighting can be found to illuminate the gorgeous interior. Three round-shaped AC vents at the center present an unorthodox look. MB-Tex leatherette is the standard choice, but you also choose Dinamica from the AMG Line Package alongside wood interior trim options.

There are 8-way power-adjustable front seats with 3-position memory and lumbar support that are standard. Seats can be equipped as heated or ventilated as an extra option, alongside multi-contour front seats. The front row is absolutely roomy and spacious. The rear row is a little more cramped with less legroom and headroom, and can only fit average-sized adults for a short trip. Tall people wouldn’t enjoy sitting in the rear row. However, an 8.6 cubic feet cargo space probably will not do justice to the word ‘sedan’.

The front row is obviously quite spacious in all the sedans, but when it comes to the rear row, the A3 has the best legroom. None of the sedans are particularly friendly with adults in the rear row. The Sonata clearly wins the practicality race with the largest trunk, while the Merc can be laughed at due to its particularly tiny cargo capacity. 

Some interior features include:

• MB-Tex leather upholstery
• 8-way power-adjustable front seats w/ power lumbar and 3-position memory
• Front heated and ventilated seats (option)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Optional interior wood trim
• 64-color LED ambient lighting with illuminated vents

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Merc comes equipped with a 7” infotainment touchscreen that runs on MBUX Multimedia System. With the optional Premium Package, you get a 10.25” infotainment and instrument cluster display that are gracefully connected to the dashboard.

The system is very intuitive and works very well with natural language processing. The “Hey Mercedes” keyword will activate the infotainment system and listen to all your commands. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, Bluetooth, 5 USB Type-C ports, Mercedes Me Connect Services, and HERMES Communications Module LTE. An 8-speaker sound system is standard, but you can upgrade to a 590W Burmester premium surround system with 12-speakers.

Highlights of the infotainment system:

• HD Radio
• Bluetooth
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.25” screen (optional)
• Voice activation
• Optional Burmester 12-speaker sound system
• USB Type-C ports

Yes, indeed. One of the key selling points of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the look. In modern times, you cannot attract buyers if your car doesn’t invoke interest at first glance. You could easily mistake this sedan for a coupe with its sloping roofline and compact body design. The front fascia sees two angry and aggressive headlights, which look calm when turned off. They are angled and sharp and of course, they are LED daytime running lights. The classic Mercedes grille at the front with the big three point star logo enhances the look even further.

From the side, the car looks sleek and stately. The gently sloping roofline gives it a very distinctive look. The taillights are also pretty stylish and with the dual exhaust tips, you cannot take your eyes off the car. Power-folding heated mirrors are an optional extra along with the AMG exterior body kit for more sporty and aggressive cosmetic upgrades. The sedan rides on 17” wheels as standard, but 18” wheels are an option too.

The Sonata has the longest wheelbase, and that’s why it is the most practical in terms of its interior space. The A3 comes with the shortest wheelbase, while its dimensions are pretty much similar to the Merc. One of the weakest points of the Mercedes is that it has extremely low ground clearance which might be a problem for people who live in areas with rough roads.

Some exterior highlights include:

• 17” alloy wheels
• Chrome side windows trim
• Optional power-folding heated side mirrors
• Light tinted glass
• Rain detecting wipers
• Chrome bar grille
• LED DRLs
• LED brake lights

Mercedes never take safety slightly and they have some of the most innovative and futuristic safety features on the market. Also, they build some of the safest cars with strong chassis and safety systems. Unfortunately, NHTSA has not yet tested the 2020 A-Class. But IIHS has, and they have nothing but praises about it. With a “Good” rating on all the categories, it easily bags the “2020 Top Safety Pick+” award which is the organization’s highest honour.

Some of the safety features include:

• Active Brake Assist w/ Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Attention Assist
• Crosswind Assist
• Blind Spot Assist (optional)
• Active Lane Change assist (optional)
• Surround View System (optional)
• Active Steering Assist (optional)

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan vs 2020 Audi A3

The Audi A3 is an excellent sedan from the German manufacturer. When it comes to raw performance, the A3 beats the A-Class. It also is a great handler, just like the Merc. The range is also better in the A3 and practicality takes priority too. Alongside that, the A3 also has a pretty gorgeous interior with luxurious materials all around and a long list of standard safety features. It just seems that the Audi is better in almost every aspect. Exterior styling is a personal choice, but we would give A3 the edge.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan vs 2020 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac costs the same as the A-Class, but right off the bat, it leaves the A-Class in the dirt with its performance. It delivers one of the best power figures in this segment and should be chosen if you prioritize performance over anything else. However, the German sedan is more fun to drive. The American also has a very unique and outlandish style contrasting to the German’s stately looks. We would let you decide.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan vs 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited

The top-end trim of the Sonata, the Limited, can be compared with the A-Class in terms of pricing. The Sonata was never meant to be as agile as the Merc, so the A-Class clearly gets the bonus point there. Also, it offers much better driving dynamics. However, if you are looking for something practical, then hands down, the Sonata is a better choice. It is more reliable; it has excellent fuel economy and is the most practical on the list. 

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is aimed at those who want to introduce themselves into the Mercedes ethos without having to spend a ton of cash. The sedan is affordable. It has a very nimble ride and is an excellent handler, though the engine is slightly sluggish. The interior and infotainment are also excellent. The only issue is the practicality and fuel economy. We’d recommend looking at the A3 before pulling the trigger. But you cannot go wrong with the A-Class either.