2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Performance

Mercedes-Benz has been delivering some incredibly impressive performance models as of late, especially those wearing the AMG badge, but how do its more humble offerings perform? In the case of the 2022 A-Class sedan, performance is not a real strong point. On paper, the A-Class comes packed with an industry-standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. That sounds like enough power to scoot around the 3,300 lbs A-Class, but in reality, it struggles and leaves one wanting a bit more. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0 to 60 sprint time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed limited to 130 mph. Compare that to the Audi A3 sedan's sprint time of 6.6 seconds, and you start to get an idea of the level of performance on offer in the segment. Thankfully, a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission makes the most of the power available, and while it might not keep up with the competition or have a massive top speed, it still feels fast enough for the daily grind and won't leave you stuck in the slow lane on the highway. Mercedes-Benz gives buyers the option of going for either FWD or AWD.

The industry has adopted the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across numerous body styles and configurations. Its ability to produce decent power and keep the fuel costs low is an attractive prospect, and Mercedes-Benz has put this engine format to great use in its AMG models where 300 hp is easily attainable. Still, the 2022 A-Class sedan keeps things more sedate with a power output of only 188 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery from this engine is a bit hit and miss, and power can surge when you want it to be smooth. It's also not the best-sounding engine out there, but its mostly quiet operation does add to the refinement of the overall driving experience. In town, there's enough low down surge to get you in and out of tight spots in traffic, and on the highway, you won't be stuck in the slow lane, but you won't be bothering anyone in the fast lane either. The fact that the 188-hp A-Class is considered relatively slow for its class shows how far we've come in terms of engine development. Power is sent to either the front or all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which delivers crisp gear changes.

Turbocharged 2.0-liter engines usually offer good to middling fuel economy, depending on their state of tune. The engine in the A-Class produces mild power figures that help keep fuel consumption down, yet it can't match some of the other competitors fitted with the same kind of powertrain. The EPA rates that the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan will manage 25/35/28 mpg city/highway/combined in FWD configuration, while the AWD version will see that number drop to 24/35/28 mpg. The FWD Audi A3 sedan, by comparison, will manage an impressive 29/38/32 mpg according to the latest available figures - or 28/36/31 with quattro AWD. Fitted with a 13.5-gallon fuel tank, the A-Class sedan will be able to travel for up to 391 miles before needing to refuel.