Mercedes-Benz A-Class

You'd think Mercedes-Benz, of any carmaker, would be immune to the pressures of driving down the cost of entry. The three-pointed star is synonymous with a luxury standard revered by middle managers and heads of state the world over. A compact sedan like the A-Class, priced in the low $30,000s to start and seemingly aimed at vibrant young bon vivants, feels out of character for the historically orthodox brand.

But the A-Class is actually a shrewd move. It distills Mercedes' traditional focus on comfort, quality and technology into a more affordable package, setting the hook for long-term ownership. You don't quite get the gravity of, say, the S-Class here, but there is a playful interior, lively handling and class-leading infotainment. The A-Class isn't perfect, but as a representative of pint-sized Mercedes refinement, it's a great choice. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating to learn more about the 2021 A-Class.

What's it like to live with?

We've tested out an A 220 for more than a year, and it's largely delivered on the promise it showed after our first tests. The interior feels stitched together like a proper Mercedes, the engine has decent power, and cargo space is impressive given the car's size. Check out our A-Class long-term test to learn what it's like living with every day.

Of the two A-Class trim levels, the AMG A 35 is the more thrilling to drive. But considering its significant price increase, we think the standard A 220 will satisfy most buyers. While its considerable options list won't get you more speed, it offers plenty of comfort, safety, style and tech upgrades. The Premium package's keyless entry and upgraded display screens make it a top choice, and the advanced driving aids in the Driver Assistance package are ideal for reducing fatigue and enhancing safety.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact entry-level luxury car available in two trim levels: A 220 and AMG A 35. The A 220 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (188 horsepower, 221 lb-ft of torque) paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive (Mercedes calls it 4Matic) is optional.

The AMG A 35 uses a similar setup, but engine power rises to 302 hp and 295 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is standard here.

A 220 The base trim A 220 comes nicely equipped with standard features that include:

• LED headlights
• 18-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Heated side mirrors
• Push-start ignition

Interior features include:

• Simulated leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats with memory function
• Dual-zone climate control
• Customizable ambient cabin lighting

Standard technology and safety features include:

• 7-inch touchscreen display
• Touchpad controller
• Digital gauge cluster display
• Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Blind-spot monitor (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)

AMG A 35 Besides a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, the AMG A 35 adds:

• 18-inch AMG wheels
• Sport suspension
• 10.25-inch infotainment display
• Bigger driver information display

The A 220 and AMG A 35 offer abundant options, both à la carte and bundled in packages. Highlights include:

• Driver Assistance package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the A-Class and the car in front
• Lane keeping assist (steers the A-Class back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Enhanced blind-spot monitoring (can steer the A-Class to help avoid a collision with a vehicle in your blind spot)

• Parking Assistance package
• 360-degree surround-view system (uses cameras in all four directions to compose a single image of the car's surroundings)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Automated self-parking system (can self-park in, and leave, parallel and perpendicular parking spaces)

• Premium package
• 10.25-inch infotainment display and bigger driver information display (A 220)
• Auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Keyless entry

• Multimedia package
• Navigation system
• MBUX Interior Assistant (controls various menu functions with touchless hand and arm gestures performed near the display)

• Multicontour front seats with adjustable lumbar, side and shoulder support
• Sport front seats (AMG A 35)
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Wireless charging pad
• Head-up display
• Upgraded Burmester sound system