For many, the name Mercedes-Benz conjures images of stately sedans and luxurious cruisers, the kind that glide effortlessly and command presence. The smaller end of their lineup? Not always the first thing that comes to mind. Traditionally, Mercedes’ innovations debuted in flagship models like the S-Class, trickling down to the rest of the range later. So, when the keys to a Mercedes A220 landed in my hands, the brand’s most compact sedan with its most modest engine, skepticism was understandable. Online forums buzzed with comments echoing, “a Mercedes Corolla?”, setting expectations low. However, spending time with the “baby Benz” revealed a surprisingly positive experience.
What Exactly is the Benz A220?
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 marks the entry point to the sedan lineup for the marque in the United States. While the A-Class has a longer history in other markets, it’s a relatively new offering stateside. If “smallest Mercedes sedan” conjures images of a subcompact, think again. The A220’s dimensions are remarkably similar to the mid-1990s W202 C-Class, and only a touch larger than the iconic 190E from the 80s. It occupies a sweet spot in terms of size – perfectly manageable for city driving yet offering ample space for most needs, unless regularly tasked with carrying multiple passengers.
Under the hood, every Benz A220 houses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 188 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque from just 1,250 rpm. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) is the sole gearbox option. While front-wheel drive is standard, the majority of A220s are equipped with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and all-weather capability.
Image alt text: Front view of a Night Black Mercedes Benz A220 showcasing its sleek headlights and Mercedes grille, emphasizing its compact luxury sedan design.
My test A220 was refreshingly restrained in its options, a departure from the often heavily-loaded press vehicles. Finished in basic Night Black over black MB-Tex vinyl heated seats, the notable additions were the adjustable suspension dampers and the dual 10.25-inch screens running Mercedes’ cutting-edge MBUX infotainment system with augmented reality navigation. The total MSRP for this configuration hovered around $41,000.
Behind the Wheel: Driving the 2020 Benz A220
Before diving into the A220’s driving dynamics, a word on the seats: the standard, vinyl-clad seats in my test car were surprisingly excellent. Comfortable and supportive without needing elaborate adjustments or ventilation, they demonstrate that sometimes less is indeed more.
Speaking of options, the “Adaptive Damping” suspension fitted to my A220 allows for adjustable firmness, switching between a softer Comfort mode and a firmer Sport setting. Mercedes also offers standard “comfort” suspension and a lowered variant, both with fixed dampers, across the A220 range. In Comfort mode, I found the Adaptive Damping slightly under-damped, feeling somewhat unsettled over city bumps. However, Sport mode transformed the experience, providing noticeably improved body control and composure through corners and over uneven surfaces.
The 7G-DCT transmission presented a mixed bag. Under gentle acceleration, clutch engagement felt somewhat slow and deliberate from a standstill. There was a noticeable hesitation before forward momentum built, almost suggesting it wasn’t starting in first gear (it was). Aggressive starts could be jerky. City driving shift logic could also be more refined. Engaging the paddle shifters, expecting rapid gear changes typical of a dual-clutch system, yielded surprisingly leisurely responses, almost defying the point of having paddles in the first place. The gearbox seemed to hold gears longer than expected and occasionally second-guessed driver input, opting for upshifts seemingly against driver command.
Image alt text: Rear three-quarter view of a Mercedes Benz A220 highlighting its taillights, rear bumper, and compact sedan proportions, parked on an asphalt surface.
However, once out of the stop-and-go city environment and onto open roads in Sport mode, the Benz A220 truly shines. It becomes a relaxed and capable highway cruiser, feeling remarkably planted and confident on winding back roads. The DCT transmission’s behavior improves significantly at higher speeds, intelligently selecting gears to keep the turbocharged engine within its optimal power band. While some might criticize the front-wheel-drive bias of the standard A220, most buyers opting for the 4Matic all-wheel-drive version will likely not perceive this, especially as the system can direct up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. Mercedes claims a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds for the A220 4Matic, which feels realistically quick enough for everyday driving.
So, while the A220 might not be the most polished city car in terms of transmission refinement, it excels as a comfortable and engaging companion for longer journeys, regardless of the road type.
Image alt text: Close-up of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in a Mercedes Benz A220, showcasing the engine cover and surrounding components in the engine bay.
The Essence of Mercedes in a Compact Package
My A220 came equipped with Mercedes’ augmented reality navigation, powered by the MBUX system. This advanced technology, which historically would have debuted in the flagship S-Class, is now available in models like the A-Class, demonstrating Mercedes’ commitment to innovation across its range. The AR navigation uses a front-facing camera to overlay real-time video with directional arrows, street names, and building numbers directly onto the navigation display, providing intuitive and visually clear guidance. It’s a genuinely impressive feature and functions seamlessly.
Image alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes Benz A220’s MBUX augmented reality navigation system displaying directional arrows overlaid on a live camera feed of the road.
Beyond the flashy technology, the overall “Mercedes-ness” of this smallest sedan is striking. Everything feels substantial and well-assembled, embodying the premium quality expected from the brand. Personally, I might forgo the adjustable suspension in favor of the captivating ambient lighting and the exceptional Burmester sound system, options that would further elevate the A220’s luxurious feel while keeping the price point comparable to my test car.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the A220 is its size. It evokes memories of the compact sedans of the 1990s, offering effortless maneuverability, easy parking, and a nimble feel that larger sedans simply cannot replicate. Visibility is excellent, and the low dashboard contributes to an airy and spacious cabin feel, avoiding any sense of confinement.
While it’s possible to option an A220 to exceed $52,000, my test car struck a “Goldilocks” balance. It wasn’t overly basic nor excessively loaded, but just right. Mercedes has successfully recognized the demand for a smaller, more manageable luxury sedan and delivered a compact offering that retains the premium essence of its larger siblings.
Reliability and Maintenance Considerations for Benz A220 Owners
As a modern luxury vehicle, the Benz A220 incorporates sophisticated technology and engineering. Prospective owners should be mindful of potential maintenance aspects typical of turbocharged, dual-clutch transmission vehicles. While Mercedes-Benz generally holds a reputation for reliability, regular and preventative maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the A220. This includes timely fluid changes, diligent monitoring of engine and transmission health, and adherence to Mercedes-Benz recommended service intervals.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz A220 effectively dispels any preconceived notions about entry-level luxury being a compromise. It’s a surprisingly well-rounded and genuinely premium compact sedan that delivers on core Mercedes-Benz values. While the DCT transmission exhibits some quirks at lower speeds, the A220 excels in overall driving dynamics, technology integration, and that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz feel. For those seeking a smaller luxury sedan without sacrificing premium features and driving enjoyment, the Benz A220 is a compelling option worth serious consideration.
