Earlier this year, German luxury automaker, Mercedes-Benz, announced that the 2022 A-class sedan would be the model's last year of manufacturing for the US market. The decision to discontinue the A-class was largely motivated by the vehicle’s steady decline in sales, as seen in a memo obtained by Automotive News. When the A-Class debuted in the United States in 2019, sales peaked at 17,641. Mercedes-Benz delivered 8,108 vehicles last year, a 47 percent decrease from 2020. This forced the brand to “consolidate our product offering strategy" and kill off the A-Class a year prior to its 2023 facelift.
This is a very unfortunate turn of events, especially for a car that’s been the go-to for enthusiasts wanting Mercedes-level luxury but in a more budget-friendly package. The most alarming trend in automation today is the abandonment of the volume approach in favor of profitability, which, while making perfect sense for manufacturers, shifts the focus away from affordability. But, considering that the American market largely favors crossovers, we’re not surprised why the A-Class will go and the dedicated Mercedes GLA crossover lineup, which typically offers a better profit margin than the sedans, will stay.
However, the A-Class is not the only Mercedes model to leave the US market. The brand said that it’s prepared to eliminate models that won’t meet the profitability targets. The high-performance Mercedes-AMG A35 already left the brand's lineup for the 2022 model year in the U.S. Following this trend, Mercedes-Benz will likely axe its B-Class (W247) soon afterward.
While it’s leaving the US territory, Mercedes-Benz will continue selling the A-Class Sedan (as well as the B-Class and CLA) around the rest of the world until the end of its anticipated model lifecycle, in 2025 or 2026.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a great entry-level sedan that offers a strong engine, premium materials, and a plethora of features. As it leaves the U.S. market, we’ll always remember it as the first and last of its kind. Here’s why we will miss the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Modest Starting Price For What You Get
As previously stated, the A-Class is less expensive than any other Mercedes-Benz vehicle. It has a starting MSRP of under $34,000, which is lower than the starting price of most other cars in the same class, like the 2022 BMW 3 Series, which starts at $41,450.
But, despite being Mercedes-most Benz's most affordable sedan, the new A-Class doesn’t shy away from luxury, cool technology, and a good driving experience. Compared to its competition, the A-class is a better choice, thanks to an amazing set of standard features, like the panoramic sunroof, two-zone automatic climate control, and customizable digital gauges, as well as the Mercedes-MB-Tex Benz's synthetic leather upholstery. This is an excellent value for such a luxurious, well-built vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Powerful, Yet Efficient Powertrain
With the discontinuation of last year's more powerful Mercedes-AMG A 35 model, all A-Class models share the same powerplant, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which makes 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Power goes through the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to power either the A220’s front wheels via the standard front-wheel drive or all wheels on the A220 4Matic.
Although the A-Class isn't the fastest sedan around, it's not the slowest either. The A-Class accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Drivers may expect up to 25 MPG in town and 36 MPG on the highway, making the Mercedes-Benz A-Class an excellent choice for daily commuting.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class: Sporty Exterior And Premium Interior
Compared to a Mercedes-Benz luxury car, the new A-Class has a sportier appearance, aided by a coupe-like design, slender body lines, and signature LED lights. The optional AMG Line package, which lowers the car's stance and adds a more aggressive body kit, is much more appealing to many drivers.
There are also unique 18-inch sports wheels, which boost the car’s profile. Although comparable, the Night Package enhances the sedan's curb appeal with darkened exterior accents.
The cabin of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is so luxurious that it's simple to mistake it for a more expensive luxury vehicle. It comes with standard MB-Tex imitation leather seats, which give off an elegant vibe. Standard equipment also includes premium amenities like a 64-color ambient lighting system and a panoramic sunroof. The interior is incredibly spacious, with roughly 42 inches of legroom in the front and 33.9 inches in the rear.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Has An Amazing Infotainment Technology
A 7-inch touch screen, which carries the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, comes standard in the center of the dash, allowing users to access the HD Radio, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity features. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster also comes standard.
With a few extra bucks, users can access a bigger 10.25-inch touch screen, as well as features like a 12-speaker Burmester audio system, wireless device charging, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Drives Like A Champ
Don't base your opinion of the Mercedes A-Class of 2022 on its cheaper price as it handles like a more premium Mercedes-Benz model. On the road, the A-Class feels athletic and is moderately enjoyable to drive. Thanks to its fast steering, strong brakes, and suspensions, it can confidently take on any curves and rough road conditions, and deliver a smooth ride.
By default, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a front-wheel drive car. But, thankfully, you can have it with the 4MATIC AWD system, which engages all four wheels to give drivers assurance on slippery roads.