We first caught wind that Mercedes-AMG is looking into introducing an entry-level variant for its compact A-Class AMG which was subsequently confirmed by the boss man himself in early 2018. Now, it’s finally here, the most affordable AMG money can buy, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC.
The A 35 is a result of the big appetite for Mercedes-AMG compact model whereby the A 45 spawned a cult-like following since its introduction in 2012. CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, Tobias Moers said the roaring success has encouraged the brand to create a new variant to bridge the gap between the A 250 and full-blown A 45.
The idea of the A 35 was integrated into the development process of the W177 Mercedes-Benz A-Class right from the beginning, making it possible for AMG to inject some of its DNA into the little detail. The result not only benefitted the W177 A-Class portfolio as a whole but it also gives AMG a stellar hot hatch platform, to begin with.
Compared to a regular A-Class, the A 35 gets a reinforced chassis with a new bolted aluminium plate under the engine and two diagonal braces at the front underbody to increase torsional stiffness and turn-in ability.
Under the hood no longer rests the M133 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder instead you get a tuned-up version of the M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo mill found in the new A 250. Power is now up to 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque, channelled to all four corners via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch automatic.
Century sprint time is rated at 4.7 seconds with Race Start (launch control) engaged and keep your foot planted to the accelerator, the A 35 will hit a restricted top speed of 250 km/h. If you’re wondering what do all these numbers stands for, it means that the new A 35 is only 0.5 seconds slower than the outgoing A 45 and will eat the slow Volkswagen Golf R Mk7.5 in a sprint to the one hundred mark.
Other AMG amenities include AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, five AMG Dynamic Select Drive programmes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping, AMG high-performance brake system as well as the all-important AMG exhaust system with an electronically controlled flap.
Visually, the A 35 is differentiated from the AMG elements such as twin louvres radiator grille, AMG Line front apron, 18-inch light alloy wheels, sporty rear diffuser inserts, dual exhaust tailpipe and a rear spoiler.
Inside the baby AMG, you’ll find AMG specific widescreen cockpit with three AMG display styles, new-generation AMG performance steering wheel, additional buttons to alter the ESP programme, manual transmission mode and Adaptive Damping system as well as the AMG Track Pace data logger that records track times, acceleration and deceleration values.
The new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC will celebrate its public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show and will hit Europe showroom floors in January 2019. So what do you think folks, is the A 35 hot enough for you or you’d rather top up for the rumoured to be 400 hp A 45?
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Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC
