2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

　　

2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　It's easy to think that Mercedes-Benz's most affordable model lacks the polish, luxury and tech found in the brand's larger and more expensive models, but that's not the case with the A-Class. This highly rated small luxury sedan offers everything you'd expect a Mercedes to, but in a smaller package. It rides comfortably, handles well, and offers impressive build quality and many driver aids. Plenty of luxury is on hand, along with a modern-looking interior and one of the best infotainment systems in the business. The A-Class is a fantastic choice if you're looking for an entry-level luxury sedan without many of the sacrifices normally found at this price point.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 220 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$158/mo  for A-Class A 220

　　A-Class A 220

　　A 220 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $33,950 MSRPA 220 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $35,950 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class enters the new model year without the AMG A 35 performance model. AMG's most affordable offering was discontinued for 2022. Its discontinuation is a sign of things to come for the A-Class because Mercedes doesn't plan on bringing back the last remaining A 220 model to the U.S. for 2023. There won't be a replacement, but Mercedes will still offer the comparable CLA-Class sedan and the little GLA SUV.

　　We think the A-Class is a compelling choice and have few gripes about it, but it competes with certain rivals that shouldn't be overlooked. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A3 and Cadillac CT4 are other small entry-level luxury sedans worth considering. For a thorough review done by our test team, check out the zzdcar Expert Rating.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Short-term tests will give you a good idea of what a car is like, but long-term tests tend to show a vehicle's true colors once the miles are tacked on. We drove a 2019 A 220 for almost 20,000 miles and filled its logbook with lots of useful information and opinions from our staffers. Check out our A-Class long-term test to find out its real-world fuel economy, what maintenance and upkeep are like, and what we think of the A-Class' comfort, tech, performance and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the A-Class drive? We tested the A 220 and found it surprisingly entertaining to drive. It pulls away from stop signs smoothly and silently with almost no delay. It's not as quick as the Audi A3, but overall the Mercedes is punchy. In zzdcar' testing, it covered 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The dual-clutch transmission is one of the better examples but still exhibits clunky action in traffic.

　　The feel of the brake pedal is immediately intuitive. It's easy to stop smoothly and with confidence from any speed. We also like the A 220's handling. There's more than enough grip thanks to the optional summer tires, and the available all-wheel-drive system can also help get the power down quickly when exiting a turn. Overall composure is excellent.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the A-Class? Mercedes is out to prove that compact luxury cars can be just as comfortable as their bigger, more expensive siblings. The A-Class leads the charge with a compliant suspension that absorbs most bumps at high or low speeds with ease.

　　The A 220's cabin is thoroughly comfortable as well. There's very little road or ambient noise. The seats are well contoured and agreeable to many body types, though taller drivers might wish for more upper-back support. The system provides plenty of airflow from the fancy-looking turbine-style air vents.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below