Test drive: Mercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line - Powerful entry-level

DON'T let the A-Class label fool you. Though it may be entry-level in the brand's lineup, the A 250 AMG Line is a force to be reckoned with.

It starts out simple enough with its AMG Line design styling as the hook but then it quickly latches on to your senses with its drive performance once you have taken the bait.

It is a case where there's a straightforward appeal between form and function. But it can only be best described after one has experienced it.

Undoubtedly, price plays an important role here, making the sedan so much more desirable.

CLASS LEADER

The locally-assembled A 250 AMG Line has a 2.0-litre (1,991 cc) turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The powertrain delivers a max output of 224hp at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 350Nm at 4,000 rpm.

It can sprint from zero to 100kph in 6.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 250kph.

Driving performance is further enhanced with lowered comfort suspension, a Direct-Steer system and the Dynamic Select feature.

The exterior includes AMG Line styling, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, LED high performance headlamps, auto dimming for interior and exterior mirrors, and electric folding and adjustable exterior mirrors.

The same thematic styling is also adopted in the cabin, which includes other interior comforts and features such as black fabric roof liner, light linear-grain aluminium trim, a multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, illuminated door sill panels with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering, light and sight package, ambient lighting and Thermotronic automatic climate control.

At the centre is the MBUX multimedia system that includes a 10.25-inch media display, 10.25-inch all-digital instrument display, touch pad, extended MBUX functions and hard disc
navigation.

It is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

The safety package includes pre-safe positioning for front seats, Keyless-Go, tyre pressure monitoring system, anti-theft alarm system, active brake assist, blind spot assist, exit warning assist, parking function with perpendicular parking, Tirefit, reverse camera, cruise control with Speedtronic and speed limiter.

It has a rear headroom of 944mm and boot capacity of 420 litres while the available colour options are Polar White, Cosmos Black, Mountain Grey, Iridium Silver and Denim Blue.

The A 250 AMG Line has a recommended retail price starting from RM249,888 (on the road without insurance).

BEST IN CLASS

Design-wise, the A 250 AMG Line reminded this writer of the latest 2022 C-Class cars, albeit with a slightly more compact form factor.

That alone has earned it brownie points for adopting as much of the C range's best qualities. The "Sensual Purity" update to modernise Mercedes-Benz's design philosophy
already appealed to many; so there's no real debate as to how good it looks.

The 2022 C-Class is itself a "mini-S-Class" and not too bulky. That appeal is pushed even further as it spots a fine line between a trim down version of the C-range but not being too small by design and in the in-cabin space like the previous A-Class models, especially those with the more familiar non-AMG hatchback design.

The only noticeable absence is the huge 12.3-inch free-standing central driver display and sunroof.

The drive and comfort is where it all comes together, being so good that the experience is close to that of the amazing C 300 AMG Line, arguably one of the best cars in 2022.

It is by no means a full replacement, of course. The C 300 AMG Line has a superior power output of 258hp at 5,800rpm and a rated torque of 400Nm at 3,200rpm for instance.

Weight and size difference also factors into its control and stability when the push comes to shove.

But consider this - the owner is paying almost RM78,000 less for close to the best C-Class experience has to offer. (The C 300 AMG Line is priced from RM327,888).

This is a bargain that's hard to beat.

There are few cars that can claim to be as good or offer what the A 250 AMG Line can at its price range which is executive classiness with no-nonsense performance.

VERDICT

The A 250 AMG Line sets a new standard for entry-level premium models.

Not simply because it delivers an amazing drive performance and comfort level for its price range but arguably, it rivals some of the more premium models the brand itself offers. That alone is no easy feat.

The features are decent but it primarily focuses on striking a good balance.

On its own, it isn't too farfetched to say that the car is one of the most fun, complete, and accessible Mercedes-Benz models to date for its price range.

One can also easily get a taste of what the brand has to offer without breaking the bank and then more. Add that to its accolade.

It is a solid package that has few competitors. With some exceptions, you'll be hard pressed to find an equally appealing model.

The A 250 AMG Line, like the new C-Class, has managed to win new fans over to the brand with its modern design approach, even if they were never fans of the German carmaker.

All it takes is a spin in the A 250 AMG Line for one to be convinced.

Related Articles