2020 Mercedes Benz A Class Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Mercedes-Benz is known as one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world. In exchange for this German automaker’s engineering excellence, buyers typically must spend a lot of money. Fortunately, that’s not the case for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Not only does this compact luxury sedan offer an affordable entry-level trim, but it also delivers segment-leading quality. Standout fuel economy also helps make the new A-Class an attractive option.

What’s New for 2020?

This year, you have an opportunity to enjoy more driving excitement. Mercedes-Benz welcomes a high-performance AMG A 35 model into the lineup.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Mercedes Benz A Class – The Pros

1. More Affordable Than the Typical European Luxury Sedan

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is thousands of dollars cheaper than most high-end luxury sedans. However, its quality still meets the brand’s high standards. You’ll love the cabin’s fine craftsmanship. Not only are the interior materials nice, but passengers can also look forward to enjoying a relatively quiet ride. This car is a great alternative to the C-Class, which is roughly $6,500 more expensive. You’ll save a lot of money by choosing the A-Class.

2. Efficient, Fun Standard Powertrain

While you can upgrade to the high-performance AMG model, most drivers will ultimately choose the standard powertrain. Motivating the A 220 model is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which generates a total of 188 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. A lack of turbo lag allows you to reach 60 mph in a competitive 6.1 seconds. You can also expect the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class to be good on gas. Fuel economy stands at 24 mpg in city traffic and 35 mpg on the freeway.

3. 4MATIC AWD System

The sedan’s standard front-wheel-drive system works well for most people. However, some folks will need Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC AWD system. When there’s snow in the forecast, they will appreciate the enhanced traction. This AWD system is engineered to offer sporty, yet predictable handling in bad weather. While the AWD-equipped sedan feels quite similar on dry pavement, you’ll quickly notice a difference on slippery pavement. The fuel economy rating for the 4MATIC A-Class is also only slightly lower.

4. High-Performance AMG Model

If you crave a sportier driving experience, check out the high-performance AMG model. Although it features a similar engine, special modifications increase production to 302 horsepower. Upon stepping on the accelerator, the AMG model immediately showcases its extra muscle. Automotive journalists have clocked this car with a speedy 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. Mercedes-Benz also equips the AMG model with a track-tuned suspension for better control. Meanwhile, larger brakes help give drivers complete confidence.

5. Energetic Exterior Styling

In comparison to previous Mercedes-Benz models, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class looks a bit more exciting. A massive Mercedes-Benz emblem gives its front fascia a bold appearance. However, clean lines also give the new A-Class a sense of refinement. Buyers can give the sedan an even sportier character with the optional AMG Line appearance package. It adds special bodywork and upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels. A black-accented Night Package is also offered, which gives the sedan a meaner attitude.

6. Comfy Daily-Driver

Many people who buy a new 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will commuting regularly. This car is definitely up for the task. Upon taking the new A-Class for a drive down the interstate, you’ll immediately appreciate its supportive front seats. Good bolstering helps these seats to hug you comfortably for hours at a time. Although the upgraded Multicontour seats are extra, the massaging functions will help you to further relax. Available as an option, Mercedes-Benz’s adaptive suspension makes the A-Class even more suitable for traveling.

7. High-Tech Infotainment System

If you’re a big fan of modern technology, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will leave you impressed. It comes standard with the automaker’s latest MBUX infotainment system. Not only does this interface feature a virtual dashboard, but it also provides a 7.0-inch touchscreen. While the standard unit is nice enough for most people, an upgraded version of the system is available. Aside from a larger 10.25 display, users will also enjoy the system’s voice-controlled personal assistant.

8. Burmester Surround-Sound System

For some people, a lifeless sound system takes away from their driving experience. Folks who are unimpressed by the standard stereo have a great option to consider. The available Burmester surround-sound system is among the best you’ll find in the segment. A 590-watt amplifier enables this unit to offer a rich and natural sound. To ensure powerful bass, Burmester equips the system with a dual-coil subwoofer. After hearing the system, you won’t mind spending the extra money.

9. Great Safety Technologies

Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA have evaluated the sedan’s crash protection. Nevertheless, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class does come standard with forward collision intervention. You also have some other innovative driving aids to choose from. Smart cruise control makes stop-and-go driving less hectic. Meanwhile, evasive steering assist helps you to dodge unforeseen obstacles. There’s also an available system that changes lanes for you.

10. Advanced Voice Control System

The optional MBUX voice control system is a major perk. It makes daily commutes more fulfilling. By simply making a verbal command, the system can automatically adjust the interior climate to your liking. When traveling, you can also request directions to a specific point of interest. This virtual assistant can also perform a number of other functions.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Mercedes Benz A Class – The Cons

1. Could Be Too Small for Your Family

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Spec is listed to seat up to five people. Unfortunately, there’s a limited amount of rear-seat legroom for tall passengers. Meanwhile, some drivers may need more headroom when sitting upright. You also need to consider the sedan’s small trunk, which only offers less than 9.0 cubic feet of space. When taking weekend trips, families will need to leave some of their luggage at home.

2. Warranty Could Be Longer

You’ll appreciate the car’s above-average reliability. Nevertheless, nothing beats the security of a long warranty. Mercedes-Benz’s warranty comes up a bit short. Its powertrain is covered for 50,000 miles. By comparison, the new Genesis G70 boasts a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

3. No Manual Transmission

Like so many other car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz is starting to do it away with traditional manual transmissions. You can only get the new 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Although this transmission doesn’t give up any performance in the real world, some drivers will still prefer the fun of changing gears. In the eyes of some driving enthusiasts, the sedan’s manual paddle shifters don’t offer the excitement of the real thing.

4. May Look Too Edgy for Some

If you prefer the look of a classic Mercedes-Benz car, the new A-Class may not be your exact taste. This sedan’s slightly edgier styling make be a bit too much. Its sleek profile and bolder front fascia tend to attract a lot of buyers under the age of 40. Older Mercedes-Benz fans may be more interesting in a car that gets less attention on the road.

5. Expensive Safety Options

Every new 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class comes standard with pre-collision braking, which is a feature that can save lives. However, you’ll have to spend extra for Mercedes-Benz’s other accident-avoidance technologies. For instance, the Driver Assistance Package costs more than $2,200. You’ll have to fork over even more cash for the Parking Assistance Package, which adds a 360-degree camera and automatic-parking technology.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

2020 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series has always been a popular choice in the small luxury car segment. While the new 3 Series continues to impress, it costs more than the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Expect the new A-Class to offer more luxury for the money.

2020 Lexus IS

Automotive reviewers applaud the Lexus IS for its long-term reliability. However, its interior is a step behind. Many people find Lexus’ Remote Touch infotainment system to be more of a distraction. So-so handling also puts the Lexus IS at a disadvantage against the new A-Class.

2020 Audi A3

The 2020 Audi A3 has a lot in common with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Both sedans offer great comfort and a similar level of performance. However, some drivers may be more drawn to the styling on the A-Class. Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment is also just a bit more advanced.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a nice luxury sedan that doesn’t cost big money, take the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class into consideration. It’s fine interior quality and competitive number of standard features promise to leave you impressed. While the A 220 model is enjoyable enough for most drivers, the all-new AMG A 35 model packs an additional degree of performance.

Before signing on the dotted line, take note of this car’s smaller cabin. Depending on the size of your family, they may need more space. Expensive options, like the Burmester premium audio system and massaging front seats, can also cause the car’s total cost to balloon.