5 Ways Americans Get A Better Mercedes A-Class Than The Rest Of The World

I honestly feel that Mercedes-Benz outdid themselves with the latest A-Class Sedan. It is a car so perfectly suited for the compact sedan niche, that I have no doubt the company is going to dominate the market. Even more so than it did when the CLA appeared some time ago.

Ok, the world did receive much the same car, but the market habits of US customers (yours, actually) did make the A-Class sedan slightly different compared to all others. And, If I am to assume, cheaper as well.

So, in short, Americans will buy a lot of A-Class sedans that are better equipped and quicker than in the rest of the world for less money.

Convinced yet?

If you are still wondering why the U.S.-spec A-Class Sedan is one of the best ever, I've compiled a list of five reasons for you.

Perfectly Sized

Many would argue that the Audi A4 sedan from 1995 was a perfectly sized car. Not too big, not too small, just right. Get this - it measured 178 inches in length, 68.2 inches in width, and 55.7 inches in height. The dimensions of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan are quite similar:

Length	179.1 in
Width	70.7 in
Height	56.9 in
Wheelbase	107.4 in

Only a tad longer compared to that old A4, but considerably wider. It’s a perfectly sized compact saloon. You may now say, “so what, everyone else got it the same. Why is this a reason for it being better than in the rest of the world?”

First off, the Chinese-spec model did not get the same dimensions. Over in Aisa, buyers love rear seat legroom. Like, a lot. So, the A-Class Sedan in China is actually more than 2 inches longer compared to the U.S. version. Furthermore, the one sold here is better equipped than in the rest of the world. Some of that equipment falls on the outside details making the car far more assertive and dominant. Admit it; buyers like that here. Especially on sleek, sophisticated looking sedans from Germany. This one is both - sleek and sophisticated.

One Engine Option For Now, But It Is THE ENGINE

A 2.0-liter, I4, turbocharged, four-cylinder with 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque does not sound great, does it? But it is the perfect engine for the compact sedan. This one is just powerful enough to provide spirited acceleration for the light, extremely aerodynamic car without causing you to go bankrupt because you are visiting a gasoline station every other day. See, Mercedes-Benz is offering a sufficiently fast car that will not break the bank while at the same time offering the most advanced in terms of aerodynamics, refinement, and motivation.

Two versions are available for now. The Mercedes-Benz A220 and the Mercedes-Benz A220 4Matic. Both of them are quite admirable in their own respects, but if you ask me, and as you are reading, you may well do just that, you should stretch it to the 4Matic. Just do it if you can. Not only will you get an AWD system, but a better-sorted suspension as well. See, the A220 4Matic features an advanced and intricate four-link rear suspension, adaptive damping, and larger wheels. Couple all of this with the superfast 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission and the A-Class Sedan results in a well-rounded package. If not for the 4Matic, the A-Class sedan uses its torsion beam at the back. It is still slightly better sorted out than on some A-Class sedans across the pond with less powerful engines (1.33-liter gasoline and 1.5-liter diesel).

Awesome Standard Equipment

Even the entry-level Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan will look decent enough. No black bumpers here. Standard exterior LED running lights and LED Headlamps are the trademark to be shared with all A-Class Sedan cars, as is the prominent front grille. Drizzle all of this make up with standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and the A-Class suddenly feels upscale.

Inside, the A-Class Sedan makes do with the standard MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system with a touchscreen) and Voice Control. Using two seven inch displays, it is not as lavish as larger 10.25-inch units available optionally, but believe me, anyone getting in the car with you and seeing two displays - one behind the wheel and one next to it - will be impressed.

For you, though, much more important is the fact that the A-Class Sedan gets standard “Active Brake Assist and adaptive braking technology with Hill Start Assist and the HOLD function.”

It Is A Semi Autonomous Compact

Not as standard, mind you. However, Mercedes-Benz trickled down the technology usually associated with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and adapted it for use on its least expensive and smallest sedan - the new A-Class Sedan. It is called the Intelligent Drive, and with a handful of systems, it enables the A-Class Sedan to see up to 1,500 feet forward. Using a multitude of technologies such as the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Emergency Stop Assist, advanced Active Lane Change Assist, and GPS assistant, the A-Class Sedan can actually figure out how it should behave. With the advanced radar and the 3D camera, it can see where to go. In certain situations, you’ll be able to just let it go. Well, not the steering wheel because the A-Class Sedan will end all semi-autonomous features at that point. You could let go of the accelerator, brakes and your sense of direction. Good enough!

Built In A Plant Shared With Nissan in Mexico

Now, this is a bomb, isn’t it? You will get your premium, expensive German-built sedan from Mexico, built in the very same assembly plant as some Nissan cars. Isn’t that quaint? Honestly, considering the quality control, standards, and overall image of the Mercedes brand, getting a car from the COMPAS (Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes) plant can be a good thing. This way, Mercedes managed to keep the costs down, and will actually offer a competitively priced car. I remember the time when the CLA reached the U.S. It was the first sub-$30,000 car from Mercedes. Sure, no one actually bought that one, but this only goes to show that the new A-Class Sedan may be in the same ballpark with the price. The fact that it is being built in Mexico helps the cause a lot.

For example, the A180d Sedan with a 114 horsepower diesel reaches a price of $34,000 in the U.K. A more powerful and, probably, better equipped A220 will cost less for U.S. buyers. Isn’t that great?