History/Overview
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class was a new entry-level model introduced in 2019. It's a subcompact car offered as a sedan and hatchback.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
It's only the A-Class's second year in Canada, but there are significant changes to talk about.
Mercedes-Benz has dropped the car's FWD variants, making all A-Class models standard with AWD.
An AMG-tuned version of the 2.0L turbo engine is available in a new A 35 trim, offering 302 hp/295 lb-ft of torque.
A newly option Intelligent Drive Package enhances the A-Class's active safety assists. Most notably, a map-based speed adaptation feature uses in-car navigation info to adjust the car's speed according to upcoming road conditions before they're visible to the driver.
Finally, ventilated seats are an option in all A-Class models.
Available Trims
The A-Class sedan comes in A 220 and AMG A 35 trims; the hatchback is available as the A 250 and A35. All use a 2.0L turbo engine with trim-specific tunings and power outputs, AWD, and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Standard Features
A 220 sedan and A 250 hatchback models come standard with a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, piano black and aluminum dash trim, a power driver's seat with memory, dynamic select drive modes, the MBUX infotainment system, a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, a six-speaker stereo, and forward collision warning with automatic braking.
AMG A35 models add a trim-specific grille and body kit, 18-inch wheels, high-performance brakes, a flat-bottom steering wheel, AMG-specific infotainment and media displays, sport-tuned 4Matic AWD, MBUX with voice and artificial intelligence, a 10.25-inch digital gauge display and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and ambient interior lighting.
Key Options
The A-Class's options list focuses on high-tech extras, including augmented reality navigation, wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto device integration, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Burmester sound system.
Ventilated front seats are optional in all A-Class models, and A 220 and A250 can be optioned with ambient cabin lighting.
All trims offer multi-beam LED headlights with 18 individual light elements in each housing, and automatic cornering lights.
Safety extras include blind spot monitoring, the Intelligent Drive package, and Sport and Night cosmetic upgrade packages. A 35 models offer an aerodynamics package Mercedes says was wind-tunnel tested.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, Mercedes-Benz had not published Canadian fuel consumption estimates for the A-Class. Ratings for A 220 and A 250 should match 2019's figures of 9.6/7.1 and 9.9/7.0 L/100 km (city/highway), respectively. We expect estimates for the more potent AMG A 35 to be close to 10.5/8.0 L/100 km.
Competition
Mercedes-Benz A-Class competitors include the Audi A3, BMW's 2 Series, the Mini Cooper S five-door, the Acura ILX, Cadillac's CT4, the Volkswagen GTI and GLI, and the Subaru WRX.
