I have a question about the possibility of a different engine/transmission option for the A220 in the future. It is apparent that the upcoming GLB SUV (which is supposedly based on the A Class underpinnings) will come with the 2.0 liter turbo engine producing 221hp and mated to a 8sp DCT. Does anyone know if Mercedes will be upgrading the A220 to that new combination, and if so might it be as early as next year's model? I was under the assumption that the current A220 engine is just "de-tuned" to produce less hp and torque. My guess is that if they did do the upgrade the model designation may change to the A250? If anyone has any idea or information it would certainly be appreciated . Thank you.

Your guess is highly possible and does account for the new naming scheme.
Unfortunately its hard to say during the massive changes taking place (new models, major refreshes, etc.) but i'd say you're on the ball.

I haven't seen or heard anything but this makes a lot of sense to me. I can see Mercedes doing this to save cost on price. I really hope you're right. Side note: the GLB looks like a really nice SUV.

Safe to say Mercedes will with how linear their engine offerings are across line up's, even globally.

Does anyone know if the new A220 has rear side torso airbags? Can't find any mention of them. I believe the C class has them, but I don't know if that safety feature trickled down to the new A Class.

I read that it has "side impact" bags for this purpose, not specifically for it, but torso protection is part of its capabilities

The A220 is the new entry-level model. The 2020 CLA has the "250" engine with 221 hp and is moving upmarket, like the CLS is to the E-Class. It's highly unlikely that there will be an A250 in the US in the next couple of years, if anything it will be for the refresh in 2022/23. The 2.0L in the car is detuned, so a simple ECU remap or plug-in tuner would be able to give it the power it should have had from the beginning if/when they have one available.

I believe soon we'll be seeing a new all-electric hatch become another entry-level model to choose from with MB.

I understand that but the entry level Audi A3 which is a direct competitor offers the option of a more powerful engine. 228hp and 258 lb ft of torque.
Mercedes has an available engine which matches the Audi. I hope they utilize it. The upcoming GLB offers the stronger engine, along with an 8 speed DCT. Even better in my estimation. An extra gear. Why wait for a refresh? The upgraded engine exists now. Use it.

Sadly, Mercedes might be happy enough with A-Class sales to not do that. Who knows, maybe they'll do it regardless just to become the segment leader?