Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Pricing Puts Audi On Notice
Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for its new A-Class sedan while throwing the gauntlet Audi’s way. The 2019 A220 starts at $32,500, which happens to be the exact cost of a base A3. The cars even share an identical $995 destination fee.
Considering both models feature 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engines producing 188 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, we anticipated similar MSRPs. But Daimler might as well put a photo of the A3 in crosshairs on the A-Class’ window sticker.
Cheaper than the uninspired (and soon to be revamped) CLA by a few hundred bucks and roughly $1,500 less than a GLA crossover, the A-Class sedan is now Mercedes’ most-affordable model in North America.
Standard features include 17-inch wheels, LED head and tail lamps, panoramic roof, dual climate control, and twin 7.0-inch displays using the automaker’s proprietary MBUX infotainment system with intelligent Voice Control (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). However, there is always room to grow with premium nameplates.
If you prefer your sedan with 4Matic all-wheel-drive, tack on another $2,000 to the final price. Buyers can also option twin 10.3-inch screens ($1,550 extra) if they find the 7.0-inch units difficult to read and want power-folding mirrors with blind spot monitoring. Currently, the 2.0-liter with a seven-speed dual-clutch is the sole powertrain option. That might change by next year — possibly via the introduction of an AMG model.
If you can’t wait and are okay with pretending you own an AMG when you don’t, Mercedes does offer the A-Class with an AMG Line appearance package for an additional $2,600. That adds aluminum pedals and shift paddles, 18-inch wheels, fancier grille, sport steering wheel, painted calipers, lowered suspension, upgraded interior leather, AMG floor mats, and some AMG body styling. For another $300, you can also have the Night Package — which offers everything the AMG Line does, plus some gloss black exterior accenting.
Of course, all of this (and more) can be added à la carte, but there are a few other packages available, as well. Navigation, parking assist, and driver assistance packages all bring the A-Class’ final price up by another grand or two.
While we like the idea of being able to purchase a modern car without a bundle of electronic nannies, it’s a little surprising not to see at least some of that tech as standard equipment. There are cheaper cars from less-celebrated automakers that provide automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping for far less money. Instead, a bundle like will set you back an additional $2,250 on the Benz. Fortunately, you get just about everything a technophile could want for your financial commitment.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan should arrive at U.S. dealerships soon.
[Images: Mercedes-Benz]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
More by Matt Posky
Comments
Join the conversation
I'd prefer a little more Benz and a little less Kia in the styling, but it's not bad outside, and pretty good inside. Pricing seems competitive-ish, though it's absurd that blind spot monitoring isn't standard: it's the one safety nanny nobody will ever get annoyed with or wish they hadn't gotten. If you PREFER a small car but have midsize dollars to spend, and if the thing drives like a real Benz (no word on that here), why not?
Out on the road today I saw a German pop can with a plastic star...