2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Is the New Bargain Benz

Mercedes-Benz’s smallest sedan, the new 2019 A-Class, is also its least expensive. With pricing released today, the entry-level A 220 starts at $33,495, including a $995 destination charge.

Related: 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Able Relieves CLA of Entry-Level Duty

That undercuts Mercedes’ prior value leader, the outgoing CLA250, by $600, making the A-Class the least expensive way put a new three-pointed star in your driveway. (Well, besides one of these.) And it should stay that way: Spokesman Michael Minielly told Cars.com that Mercedes aims to make the A-Class the “entry point” into the brand, a mantle it won’t lose once the redesigned — and related — 2020 CLA-Class hits dealers.

The A-Class hits dealers sometime in early 2019. The starting price gets you a front-wheel-drive A220. The all-wheel-drive A220 4Matic runs another $2,000, and, at least for now, there isn’t a speedier engine with higher numbering. Standard features on the A220 include a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (188 horsepower, 221 pounds-feet of torque) and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as a panoramic moonroof, 17-inch wheels and full-speed automatic emergency braking.

Inside, the A-Class has standard dual-zone automatic climate control, power seats and dual 7-inch dashboard screens — one of which is a bona fide touchscreen, something Mercedes and its German rivals have finally begun to adopt — with Mercedes’ MBUX voice-recognition assistant plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Related: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: Excellence at a Premium

Available options include a keyless access system, hands-free trunk opening, Burmester premium audio and a smorgasbord of additional technology: adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering that both work all the way down to a stop, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, larger (10.25-inch) dashboard displays with an upgraded processing chip for faster response, and a navigation system with augmented-reality directional overlays.

Pricing for options and accessories hasn’t been revealed yet, Minielly said. Stay tuned for more once the A-Class hits dealerships.

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