2019 Mercedes-Benz A-class Sedan: The First of a New Generation of Baby Benzes
It’s been two decades since Mercedes-Benz launched the A-class globally, but that model has never been sold here. Indeed, Americans have only had mass-market compact Mercedes models since 2013, in the forms of the CLA and the GLA crossover, which are both spun from A-class bones. Now in its fourth generation, the alpha baby Benz is arriving on our shores for the first time-and for the first time anywhere as a sedan-potential tariffs and the supposed death throes of sedans be damned.
The new A-class sedan will be positioned slightly below the CLA, which will get another generation next year and whose swoopy styling means it’s classified by Mercedes as a four-door coupe. While the new CLA is likely to be closer dimensionally, for comparison’s sake the current version of that car is 3.2 inches longer than the 2019 A-class sedan, yet the latter offers greater interior room. (There’s also a China-only L version of the A sedan that offers even more space.)
Stuttgart claims the A-class sedan is the world’s most aerodynamic production car-every manufacturer uses their own measuring criteria, mind you-just slightly better than the CLA. Aero-focused details include active grille shutters and extensive underbody paneling that includes a piece below the engine compartment incorporating NACA ducts. The design features a CLS-inspired nose and smooth surface detailing. It’s arguably prettier than the Euro-only hatch, but the featureless rear could just as easily say Kia Rio on its plain trunk rather than A220.
That’s the only A-class model we’ll see in the United States-at least until the inevitable AMG versions. Our A220 sedan peaks at 188 horses and 221 lb-ft from its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, versus 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft for today’s CLA250. The A250 hatch we drove in Europe had an uprated version of the 2.0-liter turbo four with 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque; that engine tune isn’t coming here. Europe also gets a gasoline-drinking A200, as well as a diesel-powered A180d.
A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic routes thrust to the front wheels, or all four when equipped with the optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. A four-wheel independent suspension is reserved for 4Matic models, while front-wheel-drive A220s get a torsion-beam rear axle. Wheel sizes start at 17 inches and max out at 19. Adaptive dampers are optional, as are bundles including the AMG Line (revised air intakes and fascias), a Night package (gloss-black exterior trim), and an Exterior Lighting package (upgraded LED headlights with adaptive beams).
MBUX Up
The A-class sedan debuts the new MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). We had limited time sampling a demo unit outside the car, but here are the basics: Scale down the double screens in the E- and S-class, add the capacitive thumb pads on the steering wheel, make the center screen touch-sensitive, scrap the clunky rotary dial/touchpad controller for one ultra-thin touchpad, reskin the interface, and you have MBUX. For now, the system is shared with no other Mercedes models, but that will change quickly.
Dual 7.0-inch TFT screens come standard-there’s no real needle in sight-while a pair of 10.3-inch screens are optional. No matter the size, MBUX is an evolution of the familiar COMAND software, and now there’s a voice-based assistant similar to Siri and Alexa that responds to anyone saying “Hey, Mercedes.” It’s too early to predict whether MBUX improves voice recognition to the point where we’d neglect the car’s buttons and knobs (they’re still there) or becomes an intrusive spy on our private communication by allowing automakers to collect and sell yet more data to third-party companies. Hey, Mercedes, can we speak to Dieter about that?
Besides MBUX, the little A’s decent list of standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, LED head- and taillights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, and Dynamic Select adjustable driving modes. A full roster of semi-autonomous driver aids are available, including Active Lane Change Assist and a Distronic adaptive cruise-control system that slows before turns, tolls, off-ramps, and intersections. Pedestrian and cyclist recognition, along with steering, blind-spot, cross-traffic, speed-limit, and lane-keeping assists are a part of the Driver Assistance package. The bougie interior shown here packs every option, including heated and cooled multicontour front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, a head-up display, Burmester audio, wireless device charging, and navigation with what Mercedes calls “Augmented Video.”
While we could only see and not touch the A-class sedan at its premiere in Brooklyn, Mercedes will unveil it a second time in October at the Paris auto show. Soon after, the A220 will reach U.S. dealers priced as close to the $30,000 threshold as company bosses can stomach. Mercedes doesn’t fear buyers fleeing sedans, because the company says it “has more premium sedan competence than most other manufacturers.” Okay, then.
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