Introduction

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan is good-looking, athletic, and seats four, with a snug back seat. The best thing about the A-Class sedan might be the new AMG A35 302-horsepower version that has just arrived for 2020 in dealers' showrooms. 

The base A220 shares its underpinnings with the GLA crossover and CLA four-door coupe. It's powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 188 horsepower; it's front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive. It provides a smooth ride on its four-wheel independent suspension. 

For 2020 the A-Class gets automatic emergency braking, and 7.0-inch screens with smartphone software. 

The EPA rates its gas mileage at 24 mpg city, 35 highway, 28 combined. 

The A-Class hasn't been crash tested. The automatic emergency braking might be standard, but more safety features are optional, including adaptive cruise control, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, automatic parking assistance, a surround-view camera system, and LED headlights that help see around corners. 

Lineup

The A220 sedan costs $33,795, including destination. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option. Standard equipment includes synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, keyless ignition, a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch wheels, and a pair of 7.0-inch screens-a driver information display and an infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. 

A $1,650 premium package upgrades those 7.0-inch screens to a pair of 10.3-inch screens and adds blind-spot monitors. Heated seats are a standalone $550 option, a Burmester sound system $850, and adaptive dampers are $850. More options include cooled front seats, exterior accents, a lowered suspension, driver-assistance features,, satellite radio, a wireless smartphone charger, summer tires, 19-inch wheels, and ambient lighting. It's not hard to run the price beyond $50,000. 

The warranty is 4 years and 50,000 miles. 

Walkaround

With its short overhangs and long, low hood framed by slim headlamps, the A220 looks athletic. A strong line down the sides helps trim away some heft. On the nose, a three-pointed star makes it clear this is a Mercedes; in the rear, there's a lip spoiler on the decklid and twin exhaust tips that suggest power. 

The wheel arches hang over wheels that can be 17, 18 or 19 inches. The 19-inchers look best but don't offer the best ride. 

AMG trim packages add bits of chrome and some sportiness. 

Interior

The modern cabin features two standard 7.0-inch screens that are usually upgraded to 10.3 inches. There are no less than seven turbine-shaped climate vents on the instrument panel, like the expensive S-Class. The wood accents on the dash are great, as is the optional ambient lighting. 

The front seats are not particularly supportive. The synthetic leather is soft but not grained like real leather, which is optional. 

In the rear, the seat bottoms are low and lack thigh support, and there's just 33.9 inches of leg room. 

The trunk is big for a small sedan, at 14.8 cubic feet. 

The A220 comes with Mercedes' infotainment system, called MBUX, and is controlled via the touchscreen, steering wheel-mounted buttons, a trackpad, or voice commands. It can provide web-based information such as the location of restaurants, service stations, or shops. 

Driving Impression

The 2020 A220 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 188 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and powers the front or all four wheels. The powertrain is smooth and efficient, and can accelerate the A220 from a standing start to 60 mph in about seven seconds, which is about average for a small sedan. 

We look forward to testing the new AMG A35, with its 302 horsepower and anticipated time from 0-60 mph of 4.6 seconds. 

The smooth ride of the A-Class might be its best feature. Optional adaptive dampers are able to make the suspension firmer, for sportier handling. We got seat time in an A220 with those dampers, and the rear wheels bounced a bit over bumps. 

Most of our seat time in the A220 has been with 18-inch wheels and with its lowered suspension. We like the heft in the steering wheel-something luxury brands have given up-and it rides and steers well. 

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class offers a low price-low for Mercedes-with a formal roofline. It's sporty and refined, though the small back seat makes it more a luxury vehicle for two plus two than for four full-sized passengers. The new AMG A35 edition sizzles. 

 

-by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection.