The 2022 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. Mercedes is not changing anything on the normal A-Class for the 2022 model year. The AMG models receive some minor spec tweaks and new paint color, but the A220s soldier on as per 2021, with the sole exception of SiriusXM now being added as one of the features in the optional Premium Package. Both trims’ MSRPs increase by $300.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
With the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the sole engine choice is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard with the A220, while the A220 4Matic has all-wheel drive. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handles gearchanges. The A220 4Matic we tested hustled from to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. That’s a bit slower than the last A3 we tested, which made the sprint in 5.5 seconds when equipped with its most powerful engine.
ENERGY AND REAL WORLD-MPG
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.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
With entry-level luxury models, the cabin design can sometimes be heavy on the entry-level and light on the luxury. That isn’t the case with the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. This sedan has an interior with a premium look that lives up to Mercedes-Benz standards. A trio of circular air vents adds decorative flair to the center stack, and the cabin can be upgraded with upscale options such as leather upholstery, heated front seats and LED interior lighting.
The front seats deliver memorable comfort, and that helps make the A-class a great car for those who face long commutes. A standard folding back seat with a 40/20/40 split allows you to accommodate items too large to fit in the trunk. Speaking of the trunk, the A-class has one significant weakness: It’s light on cargo capacity. The car’s trunk provides just 9 cubic feet of room for your belongings.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
With entry-level luxury models, the cabin design can sometimes be heavy on the entry-level and light on the luxury. That isn’t the case with the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. This sedan has an interior with a premium look that lives up to Mercedes-Benz standards. A trio of circular air vents adds decorative flair to the center stack, and the cabin can be upgraded with upscale options such as leather upholstery, heated front seats and LED interior lighting. The front seats deliver memorable comfort, and that helps make the A-class a great car for those who face long commutes. A standard folding back seat with a 40/20/40 split allows you to accommodate items too large to fit in the trunk. Speaking of the trunk, the A-class has one significant weakness: It’s light on cargo capacity. The car’s trunk provides just 9 cubic feet of room for your belongings.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
Though it’s light on standard driver-assistance features, a broad range of these amenities is offered as optional equipment on the A220. For more information about the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ESTIMATED PRICE AS TESTED: $50,000 (estimated base price: $37,000)
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 121 cu in, 1989 cc
Power: 188 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 221 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.6-in vented disc/11.6-in disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, 225/40R-19 93W Extra Load MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.4 in
Length: 179.1 in
Width: 70.7 in
Height: 56.9 in
Passenger volume: 93 cu ft
Curb weight: 3465 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 6.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.9 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 35.8 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.8 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.7 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 132 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.95 g*
*Stability-control inhibited
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 24 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/city/highway: 28–30/25/33–38 mpg
