Mercedes A200L Fashion Edition Experience
I don't post on social media because most people on there will be jealous. There's a saying: you can live well, but definitely don't hope you live better than others. Haters can go choose a Japanese car. When I first bought the car, people around me were more excited than I was, criticizing that only fools buy this car for its interior, or saying I don't understand cars and should buy a Camry, a Japanese car, etc. But for me and various owners of the Mercedes A, those options just don't fit my taste. I simply like the elegance and fashion sense of the Mercedes A, which brings me a sense of exquisite design and unbeatable interior.
Today, I can finally register my car in Shanghai (with a Shanghai registration costing a hundred thousand CNY) and get my driving license. The official color is called Gem Blue, similar to BMW 325’s Portimao Blue. The more I look at it, the more I love it, and I always have to look back at it a few times after parking. I've checked various models, including Camry, CT4, CT5, Jaguar XEL, Xiaopeng P7, BMW 1 Series, and the new A3L, all are good cars, but I just like the Mercedes’ unparalleled interior and design combined with its brand power.
Performance: People say it's sluggish at start, but I find it acceptable unless you're used to high-power cars’ quick launches. The 1.3T four-cylinder engine with 163 horsepower is indeed okay for me—I'm someone who’s willing to press the gas pedal hard. I love speeding and stepping on the gas. Those who say it's slow usually don’t step on the gas pedal much. The maximum power is 120 kW, with peak torque at 250 N.m, and a maximum horsepower of 163. Although the displacement seems a bit small, as long as you're willing to press the gas pedal, the speed performs strongly albeit with a bit of engine roar noise.
Unless you’re really wealthy with enormous resources, like me, an urban dweller in Shanghai who faces daily traffic jams, it wouldn’t matter if you had a 3.3T car with 300 horsepower—it’s the same with an 80 limit stuck in traffic.
Appearance and Interior: The Mercedes A200L’s appearance and interior are honestly unrivaled, overpowering almost all cars in the same category. This 10.25-inch large screen and interior design even surpass many B-class models when comparing interiors. Mercedes has mastered the art of interiors so much that no one dares claim first place over it. If a man doesn’t react much, he might prefer something more masculine like the Asian Dragon or Camry, but very few women would dislike it. Mercedes interiors are second to none, and the starlit grille’s exterior, combined with interior beauty plus Mercedes brand power, makes torque beams and the 1.3T engine something I don't mind. Buying an entry-level LV, who cares about space and material? It’s about the brand power and beauty. So those who criticize should cover their fragile hearts. The 72-color ambient light is enchanting, making you reluctant to get out. The dashboard and inner door have stitching. There’s a slight drawback with the piano lacquer easily retaining fingerprints. The seats are a leather and microfiber combination. The MBUX system is very user-friendly. The car’s internet system works well too: sometimes I forget my keys, but I can unlock it using my phone, which is convenient.
Space: The A200L’s extended wheelbase is bigger than the A3L or BMW 1 Series, boasting the largest space among BBA’s entry-level vehicles. According to official tests, it’s comparable to the previous import version of the C260 in terms of standard axle. It’s much bigger than my previous A3, and sitting five people isn’t cramped at all. I wonder if the critics are all big people—or the Hulk—I think only an RV might satisfy them. Mainly, it’s a family car; my parents love Mercedes, and they thought my previous A3 was too small, leading to the swap for a new car. If someone thinks the space is too small, I don’t understand unless you weigh 200 pounds or are used to business car seating. In that case, get an RV where you can lie down.
Sound System: My demand for sound quality is higher than average. I use a 700 CNY Edifier sound system at home, Sennheiser headphones costing 500 CNY, and Edifier Bluetooth earphones. Though I’m not an audiophile, I have higher demands than average. The A200L’s factory sound quality is okay, though it doesn’t compare to Burmester. Adjusting the equalizer works fine. Ordinary people wouldn’t hear much difference if they aren’t audiophiles. I use a USB for lossless music; I don’t like using Bluetooth as it degrades quality. Critics saying the sound is trash mostly haven’t heard it or are parrots unless they’re audiophiles with music systems worth over ten thousand CNY who are picky.
Drawbacks: Torsion beam suspension, 1.3T power, occasional rattles, loud engine noise, and soundproofing isn’t ideal. The rear center protrusion is big, but against Mercedes’ high attractiveness, I don’t see these as problems and don’t care.
Finally, addressing purchase concerns: Many men asked if buying this would be looked down upon. Most Mercedes A buyers can't resist its brand power and the interior’s design beauty. Keyboard warriors who criticize—most 90s-00s girls and boys choose cars based on looks and brand, not everyone pursues control, power, or configuration. Stepping back realistically, most who compare cars or discuss them are rough men, while women primarily look at brand and design; who talks to you about 0-100 km/h acceleration? It’s like girls buying LV—even the smallest entry-level bags have brand power. Criticizing the small space, inability to hold stuff, or durability is just nonsense.
As for men fearing criticism for buying an A, I say it's overthought. Beyond online trolls, you don't face much criticism. Most criticism stems from envy and jealousy. I rarely see BBA owners criticize other car brands for superiority, but a ton of other brand owners criticize BBA. Of course, the car’s primary role remains a means of transportation.
The trunk space is large enough; I fit many things when moving, but Mercedes cars lack a spare tire, requiring a 24-hour rescue if tire issues arise. Officially, a flat Mercedes tire can still run 80 km, enough to reach a repair shop.
Navigation: I find the pre-installed navigation decent; using a large screen is more comfortable than a phone. If you have higher demands, you can upgrade to Gaode navigation through the dealership.
