Mercedes-Benz, a name synonymous with automotive luxury and prestige, might seem an unlikely contender in the entry-level sedan market. Yet, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, particularly the A220 model, emerges as a compelling option, ingeniously blending the brand’s hallmark sophistication with an accessible price point. The A220 isn’t just an affordable Mercedes; it’s a gateway to the luxury experience, tailored for a modern audience that values both quality and practicality.
Mercedes-Benz A220: Bridging Luxury and Affordability
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 cleverly distills the essence of Mercedes-Benz into a compact, more approachable package. It’s a strategic move by the German automaker to capture a new generation of drivers without compromising on the core values of comfort, quality, and cutting-edge technology. While it may not possess the stately gravitas of an S-Class, the A220 carves its own niche with a playful yet refined interior, agile handling, and a class-leading infotainment system. It’s an intelligent blend of youthful spirit and mature luxury, making it a standout choice in the entry-level luxury segment.
Living with the 2021 A220: Everyday Excellence
Long-term ownership of the 2021 A220 reveals its consistent delivery on initial promises. The cabin exudes a genuine Mercedes-Benz feel, meticulously crafted and robust. The engine provides ample power for daily driving, and the cargo space is surprisingly generous for a vehicle in this class. For a deeper dive into the day-to-day ownership experience, resources like long-term road tests offer invaluable insights.
Edmunds Expert Rating: A Testament to the A220’s Allure
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team’s rigorous evaluation process, combining track tests with real-world driving assessments, culminates in expert ratings that are highly respected in the automotive industry. The 2021 A-Class, and specifically the A220, earns a ‘Great’ rating of 8.4 out of 10, a strong endorsement of its overall quality and appeal.
This rating underscores that the 2021 A220 isn’t merely a budget-friendly Mercedes; it’s a smaller iteration that retains the brand’s core strengths. It’s a testament to the fact that luxury and sophistication can be accessible in a more compact form.
Performance of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220: Punchy and Poised
Rating: 8.5/10
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220’s performance is surprisingly spirited. Its turbocharged engine delivers smooth and almost instantaneous power from a standstill. While it might not match the outright acceleration of competitors like the Audi A3, the A220 offers a punchy and responsive driving experience. Edmunds testing recorded a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, highlighting its brisk acceleration. The dual-clutch transmission, though occasionally exhibiting minor clunkiness in heavy traffic, is generally responsive and refined. Braking is intuitive and confidence-inspiring, allowing for smooth and controlled stops in various driving conditions.
Handling is another strong suit of the A220. With available summer tires and optional all-wheel drive (4Matic), the car exhibits impressive grip and composure, especially when cornering. Overall, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 offers a balanced and engaging driving dynamic that exceeds expectations for an entry-level luxury sedan.
Comfort in the 2021 A220: Luxury Redefined in Compact Dimensions
Rating: 8.5/10
Mercedes-Benz aimed to prove that compact luxury cars can offer comfort levels comparable to their larger, more expensive counterparts, and the 2021 A220 delivers admirably on this promise. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride at both city and highway speeds. The cabin of the A220 is remarkably quiet, minimizing road and wind noise intrusion, creating a serene and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers.
The seats in the 2021 A220 are well-contoured, offering excellent support for a variety of body types. While taller drivers might desire additional upper-back support, the seats are generally comfortable for long journeys. The turbine-style air vents are not only visually appealing but also provide ample airflow, contributing to the overall comfort of the cabin.
Interior Design and Quality of the 2021 A220: Premium Feel, Smart Packaging
Rating: 8.5/10
The interior of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 belies its compact size, offering generous headroom and shoulder room for front occupants. Rear passenger space, while adequate for headroom, is a bit tighter in terms of legroom. However, the sculpted front seatbacks cleverly maximize knee room for rear occupants. Visibility is generally good, though the thick rear roof pillars and smaller rearview mirrors slightly restrict the rearward view.
Mercedes-Benz has equipped the A220 with a suite of luxury and technology features, all thoughtfully integrated and user-friendly. The controls are intuitively laid out, offering multiple ways to access and manage vehicle functions. The overall interior ambiance of the 2021 A220 is undeniably premium, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality and refinement, even in their entry-level models.
Technology in the 2021 A220: Leading-Edge and Feature-Rich
Rating: 8/10
The 2021 A-Class stands out as a technology leader in its segment, and the A220 trim is no exception. The high-resolution center display is responsive and intuitive, offering touchscreen, button, and touchpad controls. The optional Burmester audio system is a standout feature, delivering exceptional sound quality for its class. The MBUX voice recognition system is sophisticated, understanding natural speech commands and controlling various vehicle functions. However, its sensitivity can sometimes lead to inadvertent activation.
Standard tech features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-C ports. While the advanced electronic driver aids are generally sophisticated, they can occasionally be oversensitive, producing false alarms, particularly with speed limit information. Despite these minor quirks, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 is undeniably a tech-forward vehicle, offering a compelling blend of innovation and functionality.
Storage and Practicality of the 2021 A220: Surprisingly Versatile
Rating: 8/10
Despite its compact dimensions, the 2021 A220 is surprisingly practical. The trunk, while slightly narrow, offers decent cargo capacity, and the split-folding rear seats enhance versatility for carrying larger items. Interior storage is well-considered, with ample door pockets and a deep center console bin for front passengers. Rear passengers have access to door pockets, but storage is more limited in the back.
The A220 can handle family duties, though it’s not ideally suited for it. Child safety seat anchors are easily accessible, but rear-facing child seats can make the already limited rear space feel cramped. Overall, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 balances luxury with practicality, offering surprising versatility in a compact sedan.
Fuel Economy of the 2021 A220: Efficient Performance
Rating: 8/10
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 28 mpg, which is competitive for an entry-level luxury sedan. Real-world testing, such as Edmunds’ mixed-driving evaluation route, has shown the A220 to perform even slightly better, achieving over 29 mpg in some tests. This demonstrates a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making the A220 a sensible choice for daily driving.
Value Proposition of the 2021 A220: Luxury Within Reach
Rating: 8.5/10
The 2021 A220 offers a strong value proposition in the entry-level luxury segment. It comes well-equipped even in its base trim, providing a compelling entry point to the Mercedes-Benz brand. While option packages can increase the price, as is typical with European luxury vehicles, the level of luxury, technology, and overall competence justifies the investment.
Mercedes-Benz’s standard warranty of four years/50,000 miles for both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage aligns with its German competitors. Roadside assistance is also included for the warranty period. Prepaid maintenance plans are available, offering potential cost savings for scheduled servicing. The 2021 A220 delivers a genuine Mercedes-Benz experience at a competitive price, making luxury ownership more attainable.
The Wildcard Factor of the 2021 A220: Exceeding Expectations
Rating: 8.5/10
The 2021 A-Class, especially the A220, excels at encapsulating the modern Mercedes-Benz experience in a smaller form factor. It’s packed with technology, premium features, and a luxurious ambiance, while also being enjoyable to drive and aesthetically upscale. The A220 elevates the standard for the entry-level luxury sedan class, offering a compelling blend of desirability and value that often surpasses expectations.
Edmunds Recommendation: The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 as the Sweet Spot
While the AMG A 35 offers a more exhilarating driving experience, the standard A 220 is the recommended choice for most buyers. Its balance of performance, luxury, and value is compelling. The extensive options list allows for personalization, focusing on comfort, safety, style, and technology enhancements. The Premium Package, with its keyless entry and upgraded displays, is a highly recommended option, and the Driver Assistance Package adds valuable safety and convenience features for a more relaxed and secure driving experience.
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Models: A220 and AMG A 35
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class lineup includes two distinct trim levels: the A 220 and the performance-oriented AMG A 35.
The A 220 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with optional all-wheel drive (4Matic).
The AMG A 35 utilizes a similar engine setup but significantly boosts power to 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard on the AMG A 35.
A 220 Key Standard Features:
- LED headlights
- 18-inch wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Heated side mirrors
- Push-button start
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory
- Dual-zone climate control
- Customizable ambient lighting
- 7-inch touchscreen display
- Touchpad controller
- Digital gauge cluster display
- MBUX infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
AMG A 35 Key Upgrades:
- More powerful engine
- Standard all-wheel drive
- 18-inch AMG wheels
- Sport suspension
- 10.25-inch infotainment display
- Larger driver information display
Available Option Packages for A 220 and AMG A 35:
- Driver Assistance Package: Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane keeping system, enhanced blind-spot monitoring.
- Parking Assistance Package: 360-degree surround-view system, front and rear parking sensors, automated self-parking system.
- Premium Package: 10.25-inch infotainment display and driver information display (for A 220), auto-dimming mirrors, power-folding side mirrors, keyless entry.
- Multimedia Package: Navigation system, MBUX Interior Assistant (gesture control).
- Individual Options: Multicontour front seats, sport front seats (AMG A 35), leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad, head-up display, Burmester sound system.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A220 stands as a remarkable entry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz, offering a compelling blend of luxury, technology, and driving enjoyment in a compact and accessible package. It’s a smart choice for those seeking a premium sedan experience without the premium price tag of larger models.
