Andrew Harwood

2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 – Automotive Review

Mercedes-Benz redefines modern luxury requirements for the compact class, with the new for 2019 A Class Sedan & Hatchback

Excerpt/Headline

With this entry-level luxury sedan set to entice buyers into the brand at an affordable price, offering a complete blend of luxury design and features bundled up in a financially respectable package. Well, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A 220 does just that. While the Mercedes originally released the CLA to fulfill this space; At the released price, the elements of quality and lack of spaciousness in the rear seats didn’t have buyers sticking around. Well the A-class now acts as the most economical segway into a Mercedes-Benz brand with many of the expected luxuries found in their higher-end models

Interior

Inside the A 220, your immediate drawn is towards the dash. The silver coating throughout and use of layering are smart in making the infotainment screen look extravagant and expensive. Previously in the CLA models, the screen looked almost like it was tacked-on as an afterthought. Where-as the A 220 with the $3000 premium package and its dual 10.25” screens look almost as if it’s “floating” on the dashboard. This digital screen combo creates the feeling of it being one elongated piece extenuating that high-end design feel. Other available options like $1990 for leather seats and $1500 for a HUD can quickly elevate this car, but also as quickly take it out of the entry category. Our A 220 featured a white and black piano-style seating, which looked slick but, I can only imagine how fast the white color will fall victim to stains. The 2729 mm wheelbase and 1443 mm height provide enough comfort and space for a car full of people. Also, a point to note, the A 220 sedan has 420 L of truck capacity, compared to the hatchback A 250 with 370 L.

2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 - Exterior Side

2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450 - Wagon Exterior

Styling

For an extra $310 “wow factor,” the Mercedes-Benz A 220 can be equipped with a 64-color ambient lighting system, including illuminating the, air vents, headrests, and door trim. We spent hours setting different color schemes and displays for our drive moods. This was mainly for the show-off factor to passengers and friends, which is, of course, part of the Mercedes experience, correct? It’s one of the more unique and exciting features that we have seen in most modern vehicles, including some higher-end models. The Meridian or available $700 Burmester audio system, in combination with the unique display, only electrifies that ambiance.

Driving

Now under the hood is a different story. There happens to be enough pace with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission routing the 188 horsepower; however, the acceleration isn’t overly impressive. The A 220 4Matic hits it’s 0-100Km in 6.5 seconds. With the price jumping when you include the necessary options, it just gets to be overpriced for a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, in my personal opinion. At that point, I’d start to look at the cheaper Audi A3 or the Acura ILX. The A 220 shifts smoothly at hard acceleration thanks to the dual-clutch transmission, but at lower speeds, it felt somewhat clunky when downshifting to lower gears. However, the overall drivability is adequate. Featuring 3 drive modes, ideally, the A 220 should be left into comfort. The best blend of shift performance and throttle control. Eco-mode feels completely gutless and strictly feels like you should limit yourself to the slow lane. Sport mode will provide later shifting, and higher RPM’s in between gears, providing a more attractive engine fluttering

While this is an excellent segment from Mercedes-Benz into affordable luxury sedans. The A 220 goes from affordable to “why didn’t you just get a C-Class?” in a matter of just a couple options.

2019-Mercedes-Benz-A-220-Interior-Dash-Color

2019-Mercedes-Benz-A-220-Interior-Rear-Seats

Comparisons

2019 Audi A3 Sedan – $34,500
- 0L with 184hp, and 221 lb-ft torque
- 0-60 mph in 6.6 sec
2019 BMW 2 Series – $39,950
- 0L with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft
- 0-100 km/hr 5.8 sec
2019 Cadillac ATS – $39,990
- 0L with 272 hp and 295 lb-ft

Key Features:

4.0L with 188 hp at 5,800 RPM and 221 lb-ft torque at 1600 RPM
0-100 km/hr in 7.2 seconds
7G-DCT Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission
Front Wheel Drive
420 L Luggage capacity
17” 10-Spoke Wheels
Digital Instrument Cluster with 7.0″ Display and 7″ MBUX Media Touchscreen Display
- Available as 10.25”

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Samantha Syrenne

2019 Mini Clubman – Automotive Review

A small car with a big personality. “Even Barbie would trade in her hot pink Volkswagen beetle for a more sophisticated Mini Clubman.”

Summary

From the outside, the Clubman looks like a small vehicle that would be a tight fit, but once inside, you would be pleasantly surprised. The best part is while driving; somehow, everything coming at you doesn’t feel like it’s a monster truck! Mini Clubman’s signature bubbles are just a part of what makes this vehicle fun, just look at how many cars are bringing on that slick circular look. While the touchscreen and Apple Carplay, will have those speakers and you singing some sweet summer tunes all the way to a golf tournament. The unique trunk is what first caught my attention. The Clubman’s exclusive vertical split, double doors open nice and wide, providing easy access to a compact space just big enough for those items you found at the farmers market. However, if you need any more room than that, the 40:40:20 split back seats will have to come down. To give you an idea of how much space there is in the back, my compact umbrella stroller wouldn’t fit without the backseat being folded down. Those with multiple kids would not find this vehicle very efficient for their needs, but then again, not every car is made to be a mom mobile. Driving the Clubman was fun and free, making me feel like I was always headed to the beach on a perfect summer day. It’s peppy, relaxing, and gets you to where you are heading. I bet even Barbie would trade her hot pink Volkswagen beetle for a more sophisticated Mini Clubman.

Highlights

Have you ever looked at the nose of a vehicle and thought that is one mean looking car? Well, I guarantee that will never happen with the Mini Clubman. What it will have is a brand new hexagonal radiator grille, and LED fog lights. The car is meant to be customized and made to perfectly suit your taste, with things like; LED rear lamps that can come with the optional union jack design or a range of stripe designs and roof colors and graphics.