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SPEAKER: Here's a question, is a $30,000
Mercedes still a Mercedes?
If you asked me that question a few years ago,
I would have said no because we would
have been talking about the CLA-Class, which I was not
a fan of.
This, however, is the all new 2019 Mercedes Benz A-Class.
It doesn't replace the CLA, but it supports it.
The starting price right around $30,000.
Hopefully, this car will answer that $30,000 question.
And I also want to know is it better than the CLA?
I really hope so.
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With just a little bit of time behind the wheel,
I can already say with confidence
that this A-Class is much better than the CLA.
I was a little hesitant heading into this drive
because this car only has 180 horsepower, which isn't a lot.
And it's got a dual-clutch transmission,
and they've been a little hit and miss in the past.
There's plenty of power and what power
does make it uses all of it.
It gets up to speed just fine, and I
think for the average driver it's
got more than enough power.
It doesn't sound half bad either.
Now, I'm actually in comfort mode too.
Let's go to dynamic mode or sport mode.
It sounds different and it's manufactured.
It's coming through the speakers.
But even with it in comfort mode without that augmented sound,
it sounded decent.
It didn't sound like you're going to break something.
It didn't sound like you're punishing the engine.
But that sounds better, yeah.
You do have three different suspension
choices with the A-Class.
A standard suspension, which is more comfort oriented.
This one has the AMG, more sporty, lower, stiffer.
And then you have adaptive suspension as well.
So you can pick and choose what you want.
In regard to steering and braking,
it's a good thing when I don't have a lot to say about it.
The brakes feel appropriately firm and confidence inspiring.
The steering, well, there's really nothing to say.
It just tracks exactly where I want it to go.
There's no drama.
There's no issue there.
Like most cars today, you don't get a lot of feedback.
But that's fine.
Most drivers don't really know what feedback is anyway.
When it comes to handling, it tracks beautifully.
It's actually quite a bit of fun when the road
starts to bend back and forth.
And even if you're not into sporty driving,
it gives you the assurance that you
can avoid an obstacle if something
pops up right in front of you.
The ride quality is acceptable considering
this is the sporty suspension.
It's not harsh at all.
You feel everything, but it's not intrusive.
I am getting quite a bit of road noise,
more than you'd expect from a Mercedes,
but about acceptable for what you would
expect from a $30,000 Mercedes.
There's a lot to like about this A-Class interior.
But before I go further, it's important to note
that this is a very, very highly optioned A220.
I looked at the sticker.
It has almost $20,000 in options, keep that in mind.
This is probably not the typical A-Class you're going to get,
but there are some really cool things to point out.
I love the design.
It's modern, but there's still a little bit of classic Mercedes
there.
I like these round turbine vents.
This dual screen pane of glass is striking.
In an entry-level vehicle like this,
it ups that cool factor quite a bit.
Materials quality is excellent.
These padded elbows are just right.
And you have this nice stitching and racy red leather.
You have to pay for it, obviously.
One cool thing I also like about these vents
is when you adjust the temperature,
it changes the color.
You make it warmer, they go red.
Make it cooler, they go blue.
I like novelties.
Don't judge.
Another cool thing, you have these things
that you can preset.
Some of them are already set for us,
but you can go to something like lounge
and it's going to change the instrument panel.
It's going to go to your favorite station
that you specified.
It's going to adjust the ambient lighting and the climate
control.
One of the biggest developments for this new A-Class
is the introduction of the MBUX system.
It's not just an update to the infotainment system.
This is an integration of a whole bunch of other systems.
You can control it in a number of different ways.
You have these little slider buttons on the steering wheel
that control the center screen as well as the instrument
panel.
You have a touch screen now, which
is also new for the brand.
There's a trace pad.
I have traditionally hated trace pads because the Lexus system
is aggravating.
This actually works.
The big difference here is the voice command.
Hey, Mercedes.
MERCEDES: How can I help you?
SPEAKER: I'm a little cold.
[BOOP-BOOP]
MERCEDES: I'm setting the temperature to 72 degrees.
SPEAKER: Hey, Mercedes.
MERCEDES: How can I help you?
SPEAKER: Turn off seat ventilation.
[BOOP-BOOP]
MERCEDES: I'm switching off the seat ventilation.
SPEAKER: And it's off.
Hey, Mercedes.
MERCEDES: How can I help you?
SPEAKER: Will you marry me?
[BOOP-BOOP]
MERCEDES: You haven't seen me without my case on.
SPEAKER: Hey now.
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I'm 5 foot 10.
I have the seat up front set for me,
and I do have a good amount of foot space and knee room.
Headroom, not so much.
My head is definitely touching the headliner,
and I don't have a lot of thigh support either.
These cushions are mounted rather low, so not great
for a road trip.
But I'd be fine for a quick jaunt
across town for dinner or something.
Materials quality isn't as plush as the front as you'd expect.
But it does look really nice.
That's a little hard for your elbow,
but this centerpiece is padded well.
Overall, this is a great place to spend some time while you're
whiling away the miles.
It's comfortable.
It's cool.
It's chic.
It's modern.
And it kind of exceeds expectations
for what you want out of a entry-level luxury vehicle.
Despite the stubby looking trunk,
there's actually a decent amount of cargo capacity back here.
We don't have exact numbers just yet,
but I can definitely say you can get two checked bags back here
without any issue.
Also a nice touch, some remote releases
so you can fold the seats flat without having
to go to the back seats.
Overall, I give it high marks for utility.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
After spending quite a bit of time
behind the wheel of this A-Class,
I can definitively say yes, a $30,000 Mercedes is indeed
worthy of the Mercedes badge.
When you stack it up against other entry-level luxury
sedans, it rises to the top.
It's as fun to drive as the Audi A3,
but it comes with way more options, way
more standard features, as well as advanced safety features
on top of that.
All things considered, I think this is the new class leader.
For more information on the A-Class,
as well as its competition, head on over to edmunds.com.
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