I have always loved the idea of a “Baby Benz.” You get the big star on the grill, the fancy interior, but you don’t have to sell your house to buy one. The Mercedes A-Class was that car.
However, I have some bad news for US buyers right at the start: Mercedes stopped selling the A-Class Sedan in America after 2022.
But wait! Do not stop reading. Because thousands of them are sitting on used car lots right now, and they are one of the best ways to get into a luxury car for under $30,000. Also, if you are reading this from Canada or Europe, you can still buy the new 2025 model.
This review is for the American buyer looking for that sweet spot of luxury and price. I drove a late-model Mercedes A220 Sedan to see if it is still worth your money in 2025.
Quick Spec Table (US Spec A220)
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 188 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or 4MATIC (AWD) |
| 0-60 MPH | ~7.1 seconds |
| MPG (Est.) | 25 City / 35 Hwy |
| Screen Size | Dual 7″ (Base) or Dual 10.25″ (Premium) |
| Current Used Price | ~$22,000 – $32,000 |
What is the A-Class?
The A-Class is the smallest sedan Mercedes makes. It is smaller than the C-Class. It was designed to bring young people into the brand.
It looks like a real Mercedes. It does not look “cheap.” It has the same technology as the expensive S-Class, just in a smaller package. It competes with the Audi A3 and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.
If you want a brand new car like this in the US today, you have to buy the Mercedes CLA. The CLA is basically an A-Class with a curvy roof (and a higher price tag). But the A-Class Sedan is more practical because it has more headroom.
Exterior Design: Small but Serious
I think the A-Class Sedan is a very good-looking car. It is simple. It does not have too many crazy lines.
The front looks aggressive. It has sharp, angry headlights. The grill has a diamond pattern that sparkles in the sun. It makes the car look premium. The wheels are usually 17 or 18 inches. The AMG Line package adds cooler bumpers and wheels, which I highly recommend if you can find one.
From the side, it looks like a traditional sedan. It is short, but the proportions are right. It is easy to park in tight city spots. This is a huge plus if you live in a crowded city like New York or San Francisco.
Interior: The “Wow” Factor
This is why you buy this car. When the A-Class came out, it shocked everyone with its interior. Even a few years later, it looks futuristic.
The Screens
The dashboard is dominated by two screens. In the base model, they are small (7 inches) and look a bit silly with big plastic borders. You must find a model with the Premium Package. This gives you the dual 10.25-inch screens. They look like one giant piece of glass floating on the dash. It is beautiful.
The Vents
The air vents look like jet engine turbines. They feel heavy and expensive when you turn them. They even light up! The ambient lighting in this car is the best in the business. You can choose from 64 colors. Driving this car at night feels like piloting a spaceship.
The Quality
Most of the materials are great. The steering wheel feels thick and soft. The switches click with a nice sound. However, if you look low down near your knees, you will find some hard, cheap plastic. They had to save money somewhere.
Also Read My Honest Review of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA: The Fancy Baby SUV
Technology: “Hey Mercedes”
The A-Class was the first Mercedes to get the MBUX system. This is the voice assistant. You say “Hey Mercedes,” and she wakes up.
- “Hey Mercedes, I’m cold.” (She turns up the heat).
- “Hey Mercedes, open the sunshade.” (She opens it).
It works really well. The navigation system also has a cool feature called “Augmented Reality.” When you are turning, it uses a camera to show the road on the screen and draws blue arrows exactly where you need to turn. It is very helpful.
Driving Impressions: Peppy and Fun
I drove the A220 4MATIC. This means it has All-Wheel Drive.
The Engine
It uses a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. It has 188 horsepower. That does not sound like a lot. But the car is small and light, so it feels faster than the numbers say. It has plenty of torque (221 lb-ft) to zip around town.
The Transmission
It uses a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. It shifts very fast. Sometimes at low speeds (like in a parking lot), it can be a little jerky. But once you are moving, it is smooth.
The Ride
It drives like a German car. The steering is precise. The suspension is firm but comfortable. It feels solid on the highway, even at 80 mph. It is not a sports car, but it is fun to toss into corners. The brakes are strong.
If you drive the Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) version, it might slip a little in the rain. The 4MATIC version is much better for bad weather.
Practicality: The Tight Squeeze
This is a small car.
Front Seats: Very spacious. I am 6 feet tall and I fit perfectly. The seats are supportive.
Rear Seats: This is the problem. The legroom is tight. If the driver is tall, the person behind them will have their knees in the seat. It is fine for kids or short trips, but your tall friends will complain on a long drive.
The Trunk: The trunk is small. It has about 8.6 cubic feet of space. That is… really small. You can fit two carry-on suitcases, but not much else. The rear seats do fold down, which helps.
2025 Global Updates (What We Are Missing)
In Europe, the 2025 A-Class got some updates that we don’t get in the US:
- Mild Hybrid Engine: A 48-volt system to save gas.
- Fingerprint Sensor: To log into your driver profile.
- New Steering Wheel: With touch buttons (honestly, I prefer the old buttons).
Since we can’t buy this new, we have to settle for the 2019-2022 US models.
Comparison to Rivals
- Audi A3: The Audi is a bit more fun to drive. It feels sportier. But the Mercedes interior looks much more expensive and high-tech.
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: The BMW drives well but looks a bit weird from the back. The interior is boring compared to the Mercedes.
- Mercedes CLA: The CLA is the same car underneath but looks cooler and costs more. The A-Class Sedan actually has more headroom than the CLA because the roof is flatter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I buy a 2025 A-Class in the USA?
A: No. Mercedes discontinued the A-Class Sedan in the US after 2022. You have to buy a used one, or buy a new Mercedes CLA.
Q: Is the A-Class reliable?
A: It is average. Electronic glitches with the MBUX screen are the most common complaint. Mechanically, the engine is solid. Maintenance at a Mercedes dealer is expensive, so find a good local mechanic.
Q: Does it require premium gas?
A: Yes. Like almost all Mercedes cars, you need to use Premium (91 octane or higher) fuel.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes. It has many airbags and standard safety tech like “Active Brake Assist” (automatic emergency braking).
Final Verdict
Is the Mercedes A-Class worth buying today?
Yes, as a used car.
It is a fantastic bargain. You can find a low-mileage 2021 or 2022 A-Class for around $25,000. For that price, you get a car that looks like a million bucks inside. It has better tech than most new Hondas or Toyotas.
It is perfect for a single person or a young couple. It is stylish, comfortable, and efficient. Just be aware of the small trunk and the tight back seat.
If you want a brand new car with this vibe, go test drive the Mercedes CLA. It costs more, but it keeps the spirit of the A-Class alive in America.
Pros:
- Incredible interior design (especially with big screens).
- MBUX technology is still top-tier.
- Fuel efficient on the highway.
- Feels like a “real” Mercedes despite the size.
Cons:
- No longer sold new in the US.
- Very small trunk.
- Tight rear legroom.
- Base models with small screens look cheap (avoid them!).
