2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$32,800 to $44,950

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(10 reviews)
2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Preview summaryImage

Just one year after exploding onto the scene and shaking up the entry-level luxury world, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class returns with some aftershocks in the form of a new AMG trim. In a segment too often cramped by compromise, the A-Class arrived with some surprising features that had it standing a bit above the competition. For one, there was the latest version of the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX), a system not yet available on some of the most expensive Mercedes models. With such class-elevating tech, the A-Class showed that entry-level luxury didn’t need to be a pejorative. Now it’s returned to up the proverbial ante again with the AMG A 35.

The A-Class starts with a 2.0-liter engine featuring a single twin-scroll turbo that manages to squeeze 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque through a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic in A 220 trims. Those numbers certainly aren’t class-leading, but the only time you’re really going to wish for more power is on the highway, when it comes time to pass. In every other situation, the A-Class delivers plenty of oomph. And with it returning 24 mpg city and 35 highway, The standard A-Class hosts a pretty impressive group of numbers. If you’re still not satisfied, the AMG A 35 has something for you.

With the AMG A 35, that same 2.0-liter engine jumps up to a blistering 302 hp and 295 lb-ft, meaning you’ll never even have to consider not having enough power. And while the regular A 220 comes in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the AMG A 35 needs all four wheels putting down the power in order to maintain composure. With a promised 3rd-quarter release, the details on the AMG trim are scant, but there are some hints on the horizon. The extra power is due to a compression increase on the engine and the related upgrades to handle the extra pressure. Normal AMG touches can be expected: unique interior including special displays, seats, and red trim, larger brakes, retuned steering and suspension, and the regular A 220’s optional Premium package offered as standard. We’re also likely to see some performance-specific optional features as well. In all, Mercedes claims this will add up to a 4.7-second 0-60 time, and that should be enough to impress anyone driving a 4-cylinder vehicle.

But the standard A 220 trim should be more than enough car for nearly anyone, with what I think is the best ride in the segment. Space is great too, at least internally, and though I doubt you’d get full-size adults sitting in tandem, there is plenty of headroom in the back because the A-Class doesn’t suffer from that swooping coupe roofline like in the Mercedes CLA-Class. The major drawback here is with the trunk space. At just 8.6 cubic feet, it’s adequate but still small enough that I seriously lament the fact that the hatch version is available only outside of the States.

But if you’re looking at the A-Class there’s a good chance you’re more interested in the tech it has to offer. The good news is, you’re not going to be disappointed as the A-Class offers some of the most premium tech features out there. First up is the new MBUX, a system that shines with optional dual 10.75” screens on the dash. This is the most configurable interface I’ve encountered in my years of testing cars, and it is as quick and responsive as you’re going to find in a car today. There’s even augmented video in the right-hand screen that will display street signs and directions in real-time as you drive along

The A-Class also has Mercedes-Benz’s newest version of voice recognition, which Mercedes boasts is a smart system allowing for natural speech patterns. It still relies on pre-loaded commands, so don’t expect Alexa- or Siri-levels of intelligence here, but it’s still a competent and fun system that’s a nice step up for voice recognition. Other tech standouts include 5 USB-C inputs, as well as a nearly infinitely configurable 64-color ambient lighting system. And there are quirks like the “Seat Kinetics” system, which slightly and subtly changes your seating position on long drives to prevent cramping.

In all, this adds up to quite the deal for entry-level luxury, with quite a bit of flexibility. If you want to keep your A-Class as spartan as possible, you can drive away for around 32 grand. If you want some of the features I tested and mentioned above, you’re going to skirt closer to 50 grand. But either car is a great deal. For 32 grand, you’re getting a solid little sedan that will even offer you a bit of performance fun. At 50, you’re getting some of the newest tech on the market. So much so, that even the higher-priced Mercedes models won’t be able to look down on you. And if you wait until later this year to go with the AMG A 35… you’ll simply be gone too quickly to hear any of the comments anyway.

Michael Perkins
Published Jun 1, 2022 by Michael Perkins
A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.

User reviews for 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Write a review
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 20, 2024
It’s very beautiful and very nice car for me Dec 20, 2024
by Alex A
Jun 15, 2022
Only been 5 days. I love the way the car drives and all the comfort features that it offers. If you need a daily driver that’s fun to drive… the A220 is greatJun 15, 2022
by Aaron B
May 02, 2022
Best car ever on the market. Id purchase 100 times May 02, 2022

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Pricing

Original MSRP
$32,800 to $44,950
Price range
$20,751 to $22,174
Average price on CG
$20,751
YoY price change
$22,164 to $20,751

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: anti-trapping feature

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (3)