2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Review: More Flash, Less Go

Humanity might be turning towards a greener, more sustainable, and less ego-centric worldview, but capitalism is still the main driving force behind everything we do. For that reason, cars such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan exist. This flashy subcompact luxury sedan speaks volumes about its owners, who are most likely young professionals on the up. It has a handsome face and stunning interior, but there's not much go to match the show, thanks to an underpowered 2.0-liter turbo four-pot delivering 188 horsepower. But on the road, the A-Class Sedan is a treat, and there are lots of standard features to play with. As is the norm in this class, there is very little cargo space on offer, but when you're a young paralegal, that won't matter. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan competes with the Audi A3 Sedan and its own sibling, the CLA. Let's look at how it compares against these two competent vehicles.

What's the Price of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan?

The price of a new Mercedes A-Class sedan in FWD guise is $33,950, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,050. The FWD BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, by comparison, goes for an MSRP of $35,700 in base trim. The 4MATIC AWD A-Class sedan will set you back $35,950. Fully loaded, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan can cost over $50k, putting it well in the sights of an optioned-out and more powerful CLA.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The modern subcompact executive sedan is expected to deliver impressive performance, luxury, practicality, and fun, which places some serious pressure on manufacturers. With cars such as the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series battling it out in the same class, the Mercedes-Benz has to be pretty good in the bends. The good news is that this little sedan rides beautifully and will appeal to both the relaxed suburban cruiser and the fast-paced executive who likes to tailgate and cross red traffic lights. At lower speed in the city, the A-Class soaks up bumps without hesitation. The ride is not too stiff, but it doesn't feel wallowy either. It must be said that the FWD car feels better over rough surfaces than the heavier AWD variant. At higher speeds, the A-Class shows its true capabilities by offering a composed driving experience that instills confidence. There is minimal body roll, and the steering is responsive and precise. Lowered AMG Line suspension is an optional extra, but we would give it a skip. As with most modern luxury sedans, the driving experience could be a bit more engaging, but for its target market, the A-Class offers the perfect driving experience.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan A Good car?

By just looking at it, most prospective buyers will fall in love with the 2022 A-Class sedan. It is a beautiful car, perhaps the best looking in its class, and in this segment, that counts for a lot, especially with young professionals who want to show off a badge instead of actual practicality or performance. Where the A-Class fails to impress is in the engine department. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine offers enough power for the daily commute, but rivals such as the Audi A3 sedan feel so much more alive and are quicker too, despite similar power outputs. The A-Class gains back a bit of ground in terms of handling, where it shines with a refined driving experience and sharp steering response. The interior is on par with what we've come to expect from Mercedes-Benz cars; it's both opulent and beautifully designed. Standard tech levels are good, and there are lots of safety systems on board. Priced competitively, the Mercedes A-Class sedan definitely deserves a look.

What Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Model Should I Buy?

Mercedes-Benz has made the choice relatively straightforward for new buyers. Both the A220 and A220 4Matic share precisely the same features and powertrain, but the 4MATIC gains an AWD system. Under the hood of the A-Class sedan is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that puts out enough power to get you around town, and the interior features and safety tech are up to class standards. If we were to buy a 2022 A-Class sedan, we would go with the AWD version and opt for the Premium Package, along with the Burmester surround sound system.

2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Comparisons

2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is yet another sleek "four-door coupe" from the German manufacturer and sits above the A-Class sedan in Merc's lineup. Having gone through a complete redesign in 2020, the CLA is fresh-faced and ready to impress. Under the hood lies a similar 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but in this case, it produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which makes the CLA feel much faster and inspires more confidence from behind the steering wheel. A 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds is also significantly quicker than that of the A-Class. The CLA will return 25/36/29 mpg city/highway/combined in FWD guise, making it slightly more economical than the A-Class on average, despite the extra power. On the road, the CLA feels more sporty, but handles bumps and undulations with ease. Inside, the CLA also feels more grown-up than the A-Class, and there's a tangible difference in comfort and overall experience. You also get more trunk space. These cars share most of the same features and safety tech, but at a starting price of $38,200, the CLA looks like the better bet.

2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan vs Audi A3 Sedan

The battle between the A-Class and A3 continues unabated, with both companies delivering some excellent products. The A3 sedan might be Audi's cheapest offering in the US, but it's far from feeling cheap. This subcompact executive brings the heat with several impressive features. Under the hood, the A3 delivers 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter engine and is faster and more responsive than the A-Class, with a zero to sixty time of between 6.3 and 6.6 seconds. The 2022 A3 beats the Merc with a fuel economy rating of 29/38/32 mpg on the city/highway/combined in FWD guise. Riding on the MQB platform means the A3 feels refined and athletic, but not quite as sharp as the Mercedes-Benz. The interior of the A3 is not as impressive as the A-Class Sedan and is tight, especially in the rear, but on the other side, it offers more trunk space at 12.3 cubic feet. The A3 doesn't offer as many standard features, and its infotainment is not up to the A-Class' standards. If you want a quicker car, get the Audi. For everything else, get the Merc.