2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Pros: Good ride and handling balance; nicely finished cockpit; projected fuel economy

Cons: Only one engine choice (for now); price quickly escalates with options

CG Says: Mercedes-Benz brings its A-Class compact sedan to American shores for 2019. The A-Class is the smallest and least expensive Mercedes sedan in the US; it joins the CLA-Class and C-Class to round out Mercedes-Benz’s compact-car roster. Both the A-Class and CLA-Class have standard front-wheel drive, but the CLA rides a slightly different platform and is 3.2 inches longer overall. The C-Class has standard rear-wheel drive and is 5.4 inches longer than the A-Class. For 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class comes only as an A 220 model in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive form, powered by a 188-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 7-speed automated-manual transmission. A more powerful AMG A 35 is slated to join the line for the 2020 model year. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, drowsy driver alert system, and Crosswind Assist (a vehicle-stabilization feature that works in gusty conditions). Available features include park assist, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and keyless access and starting. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is an impressive new entry into the premium compact car segment. It offers decent interior room for its size, a host of high-tech available features, and nicely balanced road manners. As the new entry-level “gateway” to Mercedes-Benz ownership, it improves on the CLA-Class in most every way.