2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

SUVs might be dominating the market at the moment, but Mercedes is out to prove that there is still nothing like a well-crafted luxury sedan. And it certainly manages to do so with the 2021 Mercedes A-Class. The A-Class is a rather small line-up, but it is a rather poignant and precise one. Its balance of power and comfort is the typical top-notch Mercedes level of superb, and its cabin could not look any classier. It is also adorned with one of today's most user-friendly and high-tech infotainment systems, the MBUX. In fact, there is not much to dislike about this fancy little sedan. The only harsh marks it can be given are for overly-sensitive advanced driver aids and some wind noise while driving at higher rates of speed. On the whole, though, this is a likable vehicle with now-standard blind spot monitoring, a good selection of stand-alone options, and new 18-inch wheels on the 220 models. Let's take a deeper look at how the trim levels stack up so that you can determine which one will work best for you.

Compare the 2021 Mercedes A-Class A 220 vs A 220 4MATIC. What is the difference?

The 2021 Mercedes A-Class line-up starts off by giving you the option of having the A 220 come as either a front-wheel drive model or an all-wheel drive one that Mercedes refers to as the 4MATIC. For the most part, these vehicles look and feel exactly the same - with one key difference.

Let's start off by going over what is on the outside of this vehicle. You can choose between 10 different exterior paint options, many of which are a nice, shiny metallic. The outside is composed of clean, flowing lines that create a strong aerodynamic capability without compromising functionality. The hood has a low, wide design, and there are LED headlights flanking the front grille. New to this model are 18-inch wheels that illustrate the sedan's lengthy wheelbase and sleek appearance.

If you feel up to it, you can swap in the AMG Body Styling Package. This re-sculpts the front air dam, adds flared side sills, and creates a deep rear valance. The car's profile only changes slightly, but it feels more aerodynamic this way. The outer air intakes get a chrome splitter (which, on the Night Package, is finished in black). Air is guided to the running gear by some matte black slats and is sent around the curvy side sills. In the back, the rear valance is punctuated by two trapezoidal chrome tailpipes, lending to a much sportier looking sedan.

Other design features included on the A 220 and A 220 4MATIC include a panoramic sunroof. Inner design features include aluminum trim with linear grain. There are a wide range of options for how you might wish to change things up aside from the AMG Body Styling Package. You can also go for a chrome diamond block grille, gloss black exterior accents, 18- or 19-inch wheel size and style options, a sport steering wheel, aluminum shift paddles, aluminum trim with longitudinal grain, Natural Grain Black Linden wood trim, Natural Grain Brown Walnut wood trim, AMG floor mats, and brushed stainless steel pedals.

The A 220 models are powered by a 2.0L inline-4 engine that is able to generate 188 horsepower. This engine's twin-scroll turbo and CAMTRONIC variable valve lift are able to keep 221 lb-ft of torque on reserve for the vehicle too. ECO Stop/Start is included as a standard feature geared at saving you a little bit on fuel. Also, there is a 7G-DCT 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that gives the A 220 models a sporty response (similar to what you get on a manual) while also smoothly shifting like a regular automatic. Selectable drive modes include ECO, Sport, and Comfort modes.

Again, the only real difference mechanically is that the A 220 has front-wheel drive while the A 220 4MATIC is all-wheel drive. Otherwise, you still get the same comfort-tuned suspension, electromechanical power steering, and torque vectoring brake. You can opt for a lowered comfort suspension and direct steer (which varies the steer ratio based on how far you turn the steering wheel).

Standard safety features are the same on each trim level too. They both come with Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, Active Brake Assist, and Attention Assist. Also included in this list of features are a full array of exterior LED lights, blind spot assist, crosswind assist, a rear-view camera, adaptive braking technology, brake assist, an electronic traction system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and an electric parking brake. A rather robust list of options lets you choose from more features, such as a dashcam, adaptive high beam assist, evasive steering assist, active blind spot assist, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

Of course, even the base A 220 models do not skimp on creature comforts. Standard inclusions in this arena include power adjustable front seats with 3-position memory on each one. The rear seats are 40/20/40-split folding. Dual-zone automatic climate control is able to get to and hold your preferred cabin temperature for optimal comfort levels all around. You can even use the Mercedes me Mobile App to access remote start. The steering column is adjustable four different ways to help get you comfortable, and the heated power side mirrors quickly dispatch snow, ice, and fog.

Luxury options for both A 220 models include sport front seats, Mercedes me connect Assist Services, three years of no-charge navigation map updates, heated front seats or heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, MB-Tex/DINAMICA upholstery, Hands-Free Access, power-folding side mirrors, and a garage door opener.

Mercedes does not skimp on technology either. In fact, it is safe to say that the A-Class' MBUX infotainment system is one of the most user-friendly yet high-tech options on the market right now. It features a touchscreen, touch-sensitive controls, Bluetooth hands-free phone-calling and audio streaming, and an optional advanced voice control system. You can use "Hey, Mercedes" keyword activation to start up different functions, and you can see everything on two screens (a 7-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel). The touch control buttons are mounted onto the steering wheel for easy access. The car can support 5 USB-C cords, and smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard. There is also a HD Radio receiver built in in case you want to utilize it.

Options left over on the A 220 models for extra tech gadgets include the MBUX Interior Assistant (which responds to arm movements made by either the driver or front seat passenger), a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a Burmester surround sound system, MB Navigation, in-vehicle WiFi, a 6-month all-access trial to SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and wireless charging.

Compare the 2021 Mercedes A-Class A 220 4MATIC vs AMG A 35 Trims. What is the difference?

While the A 220 models are considered tame by MB standards, the AMG-tuned A 35 amps things up. It prices about a grand over the base A 220 but makes a lot of changes and extra inclusions.

For starters, the AMG A 35 is powered by a 302-hp 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine that creates a much quicker initial response to your input for power. With 295 lb-ft of torque on tap, this trim level has no problem getting from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds. Also, its AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive is clearly a bit different from the A 220 4MATIC. Its lightness comes from its integration with the gearbox, and its 3-stage ESP and torque-vectoring ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist make quick and agile work of cornering. AMG DYNAMIC SELECT lets you choose between four drive modes: Comfort, Slippery, Sport, and Sport+. Individual mode lets you create your own mode to suit your fancy. Other AMG-tuned components include the AMG Sport Suspension, AMG Sport Exhaust System, and AMG High-performance Braking System. On top of that, the AMG A 35 comes with direct steer, electromechanical power steering, and ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist.

If you want, you can add in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. And, to go even farther with it, there is an optional AMG RIDE CONTROL Sport Suspension with 3-stage damping.

There are some styling differences too. The AMG A 35 has 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels w/black accents on the outside. On the interior, you will find a standard sport steering wheel with a flat-bottom design, aluminum shift paddles, and AMG floor mats. Options include the AMG Night Package, 19-inch AMG wheels, and an aluminum AMG design trim.

The list of advanced driver aids does see a few more additions. Blind Spot Assist is standard on this trim level, unlike the A 220 models. There is also an advanced tire pressure monitoring system included. However, you will still have to opt for a lot of the more advanced driver aids like you do on the A 220 variants.

Luxury features see a few shake-ups as well. The sport seats come standard, as is the case for any AMG variant. You also get treated to some ultra-cool 64-color LED ambient lighting with illuminated vents to help customize your entry into the A-Class. Cruise control is also standard. You still have to opt for the AMG performance front seats, AMG illuminated front door sills, heated or heated and ventilated front seats, multi-contour front seats, red or black seatbelts, auto-dimming side and rear-view mirrors, and the garage door opener.

One of the big upgrades tech-wise is that voice control comes standard on the AMG A 35. The 10.25-inch screens come equipped as well, giving you an enhanced view of menus and controls. You can opt for AMG Track Pace (which is a nifty track-themed feature), in-vehicle WiFi, and the Burmester sound system.

Bear in mind that there are quite a few packages to choose from here. There are the AMG Performance Seat Package and AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced, Premium Package, Multimedia Package, Driver Assistance Package, Parking Assistance Package, Mercedes me connect Assist Services, and three different Premier Service packages with different mile/year lengths to them. These do add quite a bit to the overall price of the vehicle but can prove to be handy.

Which Trim to Choose?

The 2021 Mercedes A-Class is certainly a short line-up with just a couple of options to choose from. While the AMG A 35 is a sportier vehicle, the A 220 or A 220 4MATIC should prove to be sufficient for the average buyer. The A-Class is meant to function as an entry-level luxury sedan, so it does not go all-out with specs and features. Instead, it is modest and functional while still being absolutely gorgeous inside. All in all, the choice is really going to center around whether you need all-wheel drive or if front-wheel drive will suit you just fine.