The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class splits the brand’s compact sedan lineup in two. The A-Class offers the looks of a more traditional sedan, while the carryover CLA-Class has the swoopier lines of a coupe-like sedan. It is offered in just one trim level called A220, though high-performance A35 and A45 models are in the works.

The A-Class does a good job of fixing the ills of its CLA-Class predecessor. It rides well, has more interior space, and introduces a state-of-the-art infotainment system. We rate it a 6.8 overall, though that number will drop once the EPA rates its fuel economy. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Due to hit dealers in late 2018, the 2019 A-Class is offered as just one model, the A220, in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Its lone engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Power flows to the front or all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

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The EPA hasn’t yet rated the 2019 A-Class, but Mercedes says the slippery shape should help fuel efficiency. The A-Class has a 0.22 coefficient of drag, according to the automaker, among the lowest for a production car.

The new A-Class rides an updated version of the architecture that underpins the CLA. Versus the outgoing version of the platform, the new version is lighter, stiffer, and more flexible for future drivetrains.

The suspension features MacPherson struts up front with a four-link independent rear axle. Adaptive dampers are optional.

The A-Class takes a significant step forward from the CLA in interior technology. With the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) interface, buyers get two screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. They are offered in 7.0- and 10.3-inch sizes. The system recognizes natural speed commands, and the infotainment screen offers touch control, which is a first in a Mercedes. A touchpad is also provided. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard.

Other standard interior goodies include a panoramic sunroof and dual-zone automatic climate control. The options list includes navigation, ambient lighting, multi-countour and heated/cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and a Burmester sound system.

Mercedes says the A-Class has more head room than its competitors, which is a sore spot in the CLA-Class.

Safety technology from higher-end Mercedes-Benz cars filters down to the entry-level A-Class. Unfortunately, most of that tech is optional. Among the slew of features are adaptive cruise control, active lane control, forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, forward cross-traffic detection, blind-spot monitors, an automatic lane change function, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and automatic parking.

Mercedes hasn’t said how much the A-Class will cost when it goes on sale soon. The A-Class should be the most affordable among Mercedes’ lineup and could start around $33,000. When the CLA was released in 2013, it started around $30,000, but it is now about $34,000.