The recently facelifted Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan combines punchy performance with suitably premium packaging. Is this “junior AMG” any good? We get behind the wheel.
We like: Easily accessible performance, sleeper exterior styling, futuristic interior
We don’t like: Patchy build quality, cramped rear legroom, not the final word in driver engagement.
FAST FACTS
- Model: Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan
- Price: R1 176 273 (February 2024, before options)
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
- Power/Torque: 235 kW and 400 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- 0-100 kph: 4.74 seconds (Tested)
- Fuel consumption: 7.3 L/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage/Utility space: 370-1 210 litres
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Where does the Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan fit in?
When you think of compact Mercedes-AMG models, the fire-breathing A45 S, which punches out 310 kW and 500 Nm, is the first thing that comes to mind… Its motor is a benchmark for series-produced small-capacity turbo engines. However, the A45 S’ asking price is prohibitively high (for a premium hatchback); if you glance at examples listed on our site, you’ll see units priced at just under R1.5 million!
But what if you want an AMG-fettled Mercedes-Benz, but your budget can’t quite stretch that far? Well, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is available in sedan and hatchback guises. Like the A45 S, it has a punchy powertrain (including 4Matic all-wheel drive), a luxurious and futuristic cabin, plus suitably muscular styling. It may be down on power compared with its big brother, but it’s considerably more affordable.
There are a few performance-oriented “compact executives” available on the market – unsurprisingly, they all hail from Germany. The Mercedes-AMG A35 competes with the Audi S3 (also available in hatchback and sedan configurations), BMW M135i and M235i Gran Coupe, plus the Volkswagen Golf R.
Compare the Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan with the Audi S3 sedan and the BMW M235i Gran Coupe
How the Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
For the 2024 model year, Mercedes-AMG has updated its compact car range with visual tweaks, an upgraded cabin and a beefed-up powertrain, with 48V mild-hybrid tech, and a new auto transmission.
Our test unit looked suitably sporty and came specified with a handful of cosmetic add-ons – courtesy of the optional AMG aerodynamics package – that enhanced its visual appeal. In stock standard guise, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is rather understated, which may appeal to the very few buyers who still appreciate subtlety. The Panamericana grille debuts on this facelifted model (it should create an intimidating sight in other road users’ mirrors) and we loved the aero flicks at the front, as well as the subtle boot-lip spoiler.
Sedans are regarded as old-school family cars, but the 4-door A35 is more of a “style choice”. Because the A-Class is a touch smaller than the C-Class business class sedan, is not nearly as spacious inside.
Considering the ‘Benz has a 2 729-mm wheelbase, its so-called passenger cell is no bigger than that of a small crossover – plus there’s no raised roofline. Therefore, adult occupants will find the rear head- and legroom in short supply, but the bench should be comfortable enough to seat small children. On the plus side, there are individual air vents, as well as a USB charging port, for added comfort and convenience.
When it comes to boot space, the Mercedes-AMG A35 outguns the Audi S3 sedan (370 litres vs 325 litres) but, for what it’s worth, the BMW M235i Gran Coupe has the highest claimed capacity (430 litres).
Performance and Efficiency
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG A35’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine has been augmented with a 48V auxiliary power supply and a belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). The derivative’s claimed peak outputs are 235 kW and 400 Nm, which is 10 kW more than the pre-facelift A35 we drove back in 2020.
What’s more, a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission has replaced the pre-facelift’s 7-speed unit. The best way to assess the new powertrain is against the clock, for which we duly utilised our test equipment. With Race Start activated, the A35 galloped from zero to 100 kph in 4.74 seconds. That was quicker than the claimed 4.8 seconds – the brief power boost provided by the mild-hybrid tech clearly did the trick!
The steering wheel-mounted drive mode selectors must rank among the greatest things that Mercedes-AMG has created (or, at the very least, implemented). With the left jog wheel you can configure settings such as manual-shift mode, stability control and the loudness of the sports exhaust. The right ‘wheel, in turn, allows you to toggle between the drive modes. So, if you’re in the mood to drive with verve, you can quickly select “Sport” when you arrive at your favourite ribbon of twisty tarmac and then “put foot”.
Another great aspect of the A35 is its “configurability”. If you engage the Individual drive mode, you can combine your favourite steering, drivetrain and suspension settings to suit your preference. So, if you want the softest ride quality, with the loudest exhaust note, but optimal fuel efficiency, the car’s settings can be configured to suit. The other available drive modes are Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Snow.
The A35 features a 51-litre fuel tank and, based on its claimed fuel economy figure of 7.3 L/100 km, it has a range of 699 km. But if you enjoy the sportier modes, you’re likely to see returns closer to 10 L/100 km.
Ride and Handling
In terms of the ride-handling balance, keep in mind that buyers expect the A35 to perform two distinct roles. Petrolheads may fantasise about driving fast all the time, but the ‘Benz must be smooth, refined and comfortable on the daily commute. Secondly, it has to provide heightened driver engagement and compelling performance when required. To make the assignment tougher, buyers further expect the A35 to switch between those roles seamlessly. After all, Mercedes-AMG embodies luxurious performance.
Does it succeed? Yes and no. The A35 sedan’s firm/sporty suspension exhibited poor bump absorption on badly maintained roads. Plus, when driving on rough tarmac at higher speeds, the Continental tyres (fitted to the 18-inch wheels) proved noisy – we drowned out the hum with the excellent audio system. When traversing a smooth road, these issues aren’t as apparent. So are they deal-breakers? Not at all.
Once you’ve escaped the city traffic and want to test the A35’s handling prowess, the ‘Benz duly delivers the goods. The 4Matic all-wheel drive smartly distributes torque between the two axles; the traction is so abundant that it would require very foolish driving antics to make the sedan “misbehave”. We do wish the steering setup conveyed a bit more feel – it’s quick, light and inspires confidence, but it isn’t engaging.
To be fair to the A35, the author drove the stonking A45 S, on the very same road, the day before he sampled this test unit (the cars arrived at the same time). Whereas the A45 S delivers an enthralling, hands-on driving experience, the A35, by comparison, feels oh-so-close to a compelling driver’s car… Perhaps ‘Benz didn’t want its “junior AMG” to get too close to the flagship and dialled things back a bit.
If you want even more seat-of-the-pants dynamism, have you considered the Honda Civic Type R? It may not be a Mercedes-AMG, but it offers one of the most sensational driving experiences for similar money.
Comfort and Features
When you climb inside the A35 sedan for the first time, you will probably be wowed by its futuristic- and racy-looking cabin. For 2024, Benz has redirected several user inputs to the large infotainment screen and, therefore, the convenient touchpad and wrist rest have been replaced by a shallow storage tray.
These photographs show the vehicle in its sportiest mode with the corresponding “widescreen” themes. If it’s a bit much, you can always change the instrument cluster to a more conventional and calmer layout.
It all looks intimidatingly high-tech, but the learning curve is not very steep – you’ll soon be swiping and pinching through the array of menus. The MBUX voice control continues to be one of the best in the segment; a variety of functions is a mere command away. If you say: “Hey Mercedes, I am hot”, the A35 won’t emit a synthesised wolf whistle, but its climate control will summon a blast of chilled air in seconds.
Downsides? The cabin may look incredibly posh and highly advanced, but it’s not constructed from the fanciest materials. There’s some cheap-feeling plastic in places and our test unit’s dashboard creaked every time we drove over a speed bump, which doesn’t feel appropriate for a vehicle in this price bracket.
To Mercedes-Benz SA’s credit, the pricy A35 has a long list of standard equipment (not that you can’t spec up the car to your heart’s content by diving into the options list). Smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless device charging pad, a reverse-view camera with parking sensors, a tyre pressure monitor, auto wipers, hands-free access and (gorgeous) ambient lighting are included.
To reduce manufacturing complexity (and make it easier for a buyer to specify their A-Class), the Three-pointed Star has grouped its most popular options into packages. As it turned out, our test unit came fitted with options to the value of R135 000. These included the AMG Aerodynamics Package (R23 826), AMG Night Package (R12 174), AMG Leather pack (R15 913), as well as the Premium Plus package (R78 261), which included items such as the head-up display, panoramic sunroof and extra MBUX features.
Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan price and After-sales support
The list price below includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, but Mercedes-Benz SA states “you shall be entitled to exclude” the latter from your vehicle purchase.
| Mercedes-AMG A-Class A35 sedan 4Matic | R1 176 273 |
| Mercedes-AMG A-Class A35 hatch 4Matic | R1 285 854 |
| Mercedes-AMG A-Class A45 S hatch 4Matic+ | R1 440 693 |
Verdict
The A35 Sedan is the gateway to the Three-pointed Star’s Affalterbach-based performance division. With commendable performance and reasonably good handling ability, the A35 does the basics right and, as a refined, luxurious compact executive car, it doesn’t disappoint. It also represents a more mature buying decision than an outlandish hot hatch, such as the Civic Type R or, to some extent, Subaru WRX.
However, should you buy one? The performance, technology and privilege of getting behind the ‘wheel of a new Mercedes-AMG model are major drawcards. But, if you are after a bit more driver engagement and outright value, you cannot ignore its rivals – they are that good. And, ultimately, the A45S might be the A35 sedan’s greatest foe, for once you’ve driven that 310-kW machine, you’ll dig deep to obtain one.
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