For years, the name Mercedes-Benz conjured images of stately sedans like the E-Class and the opulent S-Class. These were the vehicles that defined Mercedes for many, especially when amplified by the roar and performance of AMG. Mercedes themselves seemed to reinforce this image, often debuting groundbreaking technologies in their flagship S-Class before they trickled down to other models. So, when handed the keys to the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220, the smallest sedan in their lineup, powered by their smallest engine, skepticism was understandable. Even comments from our Instagram followers echoed this sentiment, playfully dismissing it as a “Mercedes Corolla.” However, spending time with the A220 revealed a different story, one of pleasant surprises from this compact Mercedes.
What Exactly is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 marks the introduction of the A-Class sedan to the United States market, although it has been available in other regions for quite some time in different body styles. Dismiss any notions of a subcompact car; the A220’s dimensions are surprisingly comparable to the mid-1990s “W202” C-Class, and it even slightly surpasses the iconic 1980s 190E in size. This makes the 2020 A220 ideally sized for most drivers, unless regularly transporting multiple passengers is a primary need.
Under the hood, every 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 houses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 188 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at a readily accessible 1,250 rpm. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) is the sole gearbox option. While front-wheel drive is standard on the base model, the majority of 2020 A220 models are expected to be sold with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and all-weather capability.
Image alt text: Front view of a Night Black 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 showcasing its sleek headlights and sporty grille.
Image alt text: Rear profile of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 highlighting its stylish taillights and compact sedan proportions.
Our test 2020 A220 was configured with a focus on essential features, a refreshing change from often over-optioned press cars. Finished in classic Night Black over black MB-Tex vinyl heated seats, the notable additions included the adjustable suspension dampers and the impressive dual 10.25-inch screens powered by Mercedes’ advanced MBUX infotainment system with augmented reality navigation. This configuration brought the MSRP to approximately $41,000, representing a compelling entry point into the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Behind the Wheel: Driving Dynamics of the 2020 A220
Before delving into the overall driving experience, the standard seats in this 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 deserve immediate praise. These no-frills, vinyl-covered seats were remarkably comfortable and supportive. They prove that you don’t necessarily need elaborate multi-contour or ventilated seats to achieve excellent comfort; the money could be better allocated to other desirable options.
Speaking of options, our test 2020 A220 was equipped with the Adaptive Damping suspension. This system allows drivers to adjust the ride firmness, becoming stiffer in Sport mode and more compliant in Comfort mode. Mercedes also offers standard “comfort” suspension and a lowered suspension variant, both with fixed dampers, on other A220 configurations. In Comfort mode, the Adaptive Damping suspension felt somewhat under-damped, particularly in urban environments. The ride could become unsettled over bumps, with less-than-ideal control over compression and rebound. However, switching to Sport mode transformed the suspension, providing a noticeably more balanced feel with improved body control, especially when navigating challenging road surfaces or sweeping highway on-ramps at speed.
The 7G-DCT transmission, while generally competent, presented some quirks. In gentle driving conditions, the clutch engagement felt somewhat slow and deliberate from a standstill. It required a double-check to confirm that the car was indeed starting in first gear due to a perceptible delay in acceleration during initial engagement. Aggressive starts could also be jerky at times. Furthermore, the shift logic in city driving could be refined for smoother transitions. While paddle shifters are included for manual control, their responsiveness was surprisingly sluggish. Gear changes initiated via the paddles were executed at a leisurely pace, almost defying the expectation of quick shifts in a dual-clutch gearbox. The transmission would hold the requested gear for a period before sometimes overriding the driver’s selection and shifting to a higher gear.
Image alt text: Engine bay of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 showcasing the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Image alt text: Close-up view of the turbocharger unit in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 engine, highlighting its forced induction system.
Image alt text: Detail of the Adaptive Damping suspension component on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220, illustrating the adjustable damper technology.
However, once the 2020 A220 is out of the stop-and-go city traffic and onto open roads, it truly shines. It transforms into a comfortable and composed highway cruiser, feeling remarkably planted and confident even on winding back roads. The DCT transmission’s responsiveness improves significantly in more dynamic driving scenarios, intelligently selecting gears to keep the turbocharged engine within its optimal power band. While some purists might lament the front-wheel-drive bias of the standard 2020 A220, opting for the 4Matic all-wheel-drive variant largely mitigates this concern. The 4Matic system can send up to 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, providing enhanced traction and stability. Mercedes-Benz estimates a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds for the 2020 A220 4Matic, which feels realistically brisk and more than adequate for everyday driving.
In summary, while the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 might not be the most polished vehicle for exclusively city driving, it excels as a comfortable and capable companion for longer journeys on various road types, from straight highways to twisty backroads.
The Essence of Mercedes-Benz in a Compact Package
Our 2020 A220 test car featured Mercedes-Benz’s augmented reality navigation, a component of the MBUX infotainment system. This advanced technology, which historically would have debuted in the flagship S-Class, highlights Mercedes’ commitment to innovation across its model range. Interestingly, MBUX first appeared in the Sprinter van and the A-Class, demonstrating a shift from the traditional top-down technology deployment. The augmented reality navigation system uses a front-facing camera to overlay real-time video of the road ahead with directional arrows, street signs, and building numbers, directly onto the central display. This system provides intuitive and highly effective turn-by-turn guidance, proving to be both impressive and genuinely useful.
Image alt text: Display of the MBUX augmented reality navigation in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220, showing overlaid directions on a live video feed.
Beyond the sophisticated navigation, the overall “Mercedes-ness” of this smallest sedan was genuinely surprising. The interior materials and build quality felt solid and premium, embodying the hallmarks of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Personalizing the 2020 A220, one might consider forgoing the adjustable suspension in favor of Mercedes’ ambient lighting system and the exceptional Burmester sound system. These options would further enhance the luxury and refinement of the A220 without significantly pushing the price beyond our test car’s MSRP.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the 2020 A220 was its size. It evoked memories of the compact sedans of the 1990s, offering a refreshing sense of maneuverability and ease of parking that is often absent in larger modern sedans. The A220 feels nimble and tossable, with good visibility and a low dashboard contributing to a spacious and airy cabin feel, avoiding any sense of confinement.
While it is possible to configure a 2020 A220 with a plethora of options, pushing the MSRP beyond $52,000, our test vehicle struck a near-perfect balance. It was neither overly basic nor excessively loaded, representing a “Goldilocks” configuration. Mercedes-Benz has successfully recognized the demand for a compact sedan that retains the premium feel and quality associated with their larger models. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 delivers on this promise, offering a compelling entry point into the luxury brand without compromising on essential Mercedes-Benz qualities.
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 cabin, showcasing the dashboard layout and steering wheel design.
Image alt text: Close-up of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 dashboard, focusing on the air vents and trim details.
Image alt text: Detail of the door panel in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220, showing the window controls and material finish.
Image alt text: Side view of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 seat, highlighting its design and MB-Tex upholstery.
Image alt text: Steering wheel and instrument cluster of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220, emphasizing the driver-centric cockpit design.
