The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has consistently challenged the notion that entry-level luxury means compromise. For the 2022 model year, while the AMG A 35 variant was discontinued, the remaining 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC stands out as a compelling option, especially for those seeking all-weather capability without sacrificing premium features. This review delves into why the 2022 A 220 4MATIC is more than just an affordable Mercedes; it’s a well-rounded luxury sedan that delivers comfort, technology, and confident performance, no matter the road conditions.
Cost to Drive: Efficient Luxury with All-Wheel Drive
Understanding the running costs is crucial when considering a new vehicle. For the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC, fuel efficiency remains a strong point despite the inclusion of all-wheel drive. Based on estimations for North Dakota, with premium unleaded at $3.85 per gallon, the monthly fuel cost for the A 220 is around $161, assuming 15,000 miles driven annually with a 55% city and 45% highway split. This figure is comparable to the average midsize car, highlighting the A 220 4MATIC’s economical operation within its luxury segment.
While the 2022 model year marked the end of the AMG A 35, and subsequently, the A-Class itself for the US market in 2023, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC remains a relevant choice. It offers a similar experience to the CLA-Class sedan and GLA SUV, but in a more traditional sedan form factor. Competing against rivals like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A3, and Cadillac CT4, the 2022 A 220 4MATIC distinguishes itself with its blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury and the added security of 4MATIC all-wheel drive, making it an attractive option for drivers in regions experiencing varied weather conditions.
Living with the 2022 A 220 4MATIC: Real-World Experience
To truly grasp the ownership experience, long-term testing provides invaluable insights. While this review focuses on the 2022 model, examining the long-term test of the 2019 A 220 offers a glimpse into the durability, reliability, and everyday practicality of the A-Class platform. The A-Class long-term test details real-world fuel economy, maintenance needs, and long-term impressions of comfort, technology, and performance. This information is highly relevant for prospective buyers of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC as it shares the same fundamental underpinnings and powertrain.
Edmunds Expert Rating: A Smaller Mercedes, Not a Lesser One
Edmunds’ expert testing team rigorously evaluates vehicles, combining track tests with real-world driving assessments. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC earns a “Great” rating of 8.4 out of 10, emphasizing its strengths. The review highlights that the A-Class, especially in its A 220 4MATIC configuration, is not a diluted Mercedes experience. Instead, it’s a compact sedan that retains the brand’s hallmarks of excellent driving dynamics, robust build quality, and a cutting-edge interior. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system further enhances its appeal by providing added confidence in various driving conditions.
Performance: Punchy and Agile with 4MATIC Grip
8.5/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC proves to be surprisingly engaging to drive. The turbocharged engine delivers smooth and responsive acceleration from a standstill. While not the quickest in its class, it offers ample power for daily driving and spirited runs. Edmunds testing recorded a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds for the A 220, showcasing its respectable performance. The dual-clutch transmission, while generally refined, can exhibit minor clunkiness in stop-and-go traffic, a common trait of this transmission type. However, the brake pedal feel is praised for its intuitiveness and confidence-inspiring stopping power.
The Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC offers a blend of performance and all-weather capability, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.
Handling is a key strength of the 2022 A 220 4MATIC. The optional summer tires and the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system contribute to impressive grip and confident cornering. The AWD system ensures power is effectively distributed, enhancing traction when accelerating out of turns, particularly beneficial in wet or slippery conditions. Overall, the A 220 4MATIC exhibits excellent composure, providing a balanced and enjoyable driving experience.
Comfort: Luxury-Grade Ride Quality in a Compact Form
8.5/10
Mercedes-Benz aimed to deliver flagship-level comfort in a smaller package, and the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC largely succeeds. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride at both city and highway speeds. The cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, further enhancing the serene driving experience. Seats are well-shaped and supportive, accommodating various body types, although taller drivers might desire more upper back support. The turbine-style air vents not only look stylish but also provide ample airflow, contributing to overall passenger comfort.
Interior: Spacious Front Cabin, Tech-Forward Design
8.5/10
The interior of the 2022 A 220 4MATIC is a highlight, particularly for front occupants. Ample headroom, shoulder room, and elbow room create a spacious feel unexpected in a compact sedan. Rear passenger space is more limited, with decent headroom but tighter legroom. However, sculpted front seatbacks help maximize knee room for rear occupants. Visibility is adequate, though the thick rear roof pillars and smaller rearview mirrors slightly restrict the rearward view.
The tech-forward interior of the Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC features the MBUX infotainment system and high-quality materials.
Mercedes-Benz has equipped the A 220 4MATIC with a generous array of luxury and technology features that are generally user-friendly. Redundant controls provide multiple ways to operate systems, catering to different driver preferences. The overall interior design is modern and upscale, reflecting the brand’s luxury heritage.
Technology: Leading-Edge Infotainment and Driver Aids
8/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC stands out as a technology leader in its class. The high-resolution center display is responsive and can be controlled via touchscreen, buttons, or touchpad. The optional Burmester audio system delivers exceptional sound quality for this vehicle segment. The MBUX voice recognition system is a standout feature, understanding natural speech and controlling various vehicle functions. However, its sensitivity can lead to occasional inadvertent activations.
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with multiple USB-C ports, ensure seamless smartphone connectivity. While the driver-assistance features are generally sophisticated, some can be overly sensitive, occasionally triggering false alarms, particularly with speed limit information. These instances might require driver intervention to deactivate the overbearing systems.
Storage: Practicality Exceeds Expectations
8/10
Despite its compact size, the 2022 A 220 4MATIC offers surprising practicality. The trunk, while slightly narrow, benefits from split-folding rear seats that expand cargo capacity when needed. Interior storage is well-considered, with ample door pockets and a deep center console bin for front occupants. Rear passengers have access to door pockets for storage. While suitable for occasional family duties, the rear seat space might be tight when installing rear-facing child seats, although child safety seat anchors are easily accessible.
Fuel Economy: Competitive Efficiency
8/10
The 2022 A 220 4MATIC achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined city/highway, which is typical for an entry-level luxury sedan with all-wheel drive. In Edmunds’ real-world testing on a 115-mile mixed-driving route, the all-wheel-drive A 220 test car slightly exceeded expectations, returning just over 29 mpg. This demonstrates the A 220 4MATIC’s competitive fuel efficiency in its class.
Value: Luxury Features at a Competitive Price
8.5/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC presents a strong value proposition. It comes well-equipped in its base form, offering a substantial level of luxury and technology for its price point. While option packages can significantly increase the price, as is common with European luxury vehicles, the overall package feels worth the investment. The standard Mercedes-Benz warranty of four years/50,000 miles for both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain is in line with its German competitors. Roadside assistance is also provided for the warranty period. Prepaid maintenance plans are available at a discounted rate, adding to long-term value.
Wildcard: Elevating the Entry-Level Luxury Sedan
8.5/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC excels in delivering a genuine Mercedes-Benz experience in a more accessible package. It’s packed with technology, luxury features, and offers an enjoyable driving experience, all while maintaining an upscale aesthetic. The A-Class, particularly with the added confidence of 4MATIC, sets a high standard for the entry-level luxury sedan segment, proving that smaller can still be exceptional.
Edmunds Recommendation: The A 220 4MATIC with Premium and Driver Assistance Packages
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is exclusively offered in the A 220 trim. Choosing the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC configuration adds all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability, especially beneficial in regions with inclement weather. Edmunds recommends opting for the Premium package to upgrade to larger digital instrument panel and touchscreen displays, enhancing the modern interior ambiance and user experience. For increased safety and driver assistance features, the Driver Assistance package is highly recommended, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids.
Compare 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class trim levels
2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC Models and Features
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class simplifies choices by offering only the A 220 trim. The key decision point is between the standard front-wheel-drive A 220 and the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC, which adds all-wheel drive. Both models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
A 220 4MATIC includes all standard A 220 features, along with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Standard features for the A 220 include:
- LED headlights
- 18-inch wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Heated side mirrors
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory function
- Dual-zone climate control
- Customizable ambient cabin lighting
Standard technology and safety features are also comprehensive:
- 7-inch touchscreen display
- Touchpad controller
- Digital instrument panel display
- Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment interface
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Five USB-C ports
- Driver attention warning
- Safe-exit system
- Blind-spot monitor
- Automatic emergency braking
Numerous options and packages are available to personalize the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC. Key package highlights include:
- Driver Assistance package (Adaptive cruise control, Lane keeping assist, Lane keeping system, Blind-spot intervention)
- Parking Assistance package (Surround-view camera system, Front and rear parking sensors, Automated self-parking system)
- Premium package (10.25-inch infotainment display, Larger digital instrument panel display, Auto-dimming mirrors, Power-folding side mirrors)
- AMG Line package (Lowered ride height, Sportier exterior styling, 18-inch AMG wheels, Sport front seats, Sport steering wheel, Aluminum paddle shifters, Alloy pedals)
Stand-alone options allow for further customization:
- Sport front seats
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- MBUX Interior Assistant
- Adaptive headlights
Choosing the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A 220 4MATIC means opting for a compact luxury sedan that doesn’t compromise on features or driving confidence, especially in varied weather conditions. It represents a smart entry point into the Mercedes-Benz brand, offering a blend of luxury, technology, and all-weather capability.
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