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Next year will see the unveiling of what is probably one of the most important new models of the decade, the W206 or fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Undergoing final development tweaks as this piece is being written, the already billed mini S-Class will usher in a host of features, some purportedly from its sibling, in creating what is probably the most advanced segment offering to date. . For many though, the biggest and nastiest hit will be the AMG C63, which will reportedly swap rear-wheel drive for all-wheel drive and for the first time in Affalterbach’s C-Class history, not counting the 190E, Get the power of a four-cylinder engine, more than likely the A45 S’s 2.0-liter turbo M139, with hybrid assistance.
As frustrating as it would be for many AMG fans who still mourn the loss of the normally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 hammer for the hit festival that is the 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8, the power-assisted four-pot might come as a surprise if en The capacity on the 310 kW A45 S and CLA 45 S is all that is needed. However, when it comes to the A35, things are a bit different.
The entry-level AMG model fettled in the A-Class line, the ’35’ represents the supposed balance between performance and everyday usability without screaming about itself as the A45 S does. In this context, modesty certainly applies to the sedan that recently arrived for the ubiquitous seven-day stay.
Occupying the position between the hatch and the A45 S, the sedan may well be described as the modern interpretation of the 190E 2.3, but as mentioned, it plays the low-key card by seemingly nothing more than an A200 with AMG Line styling. pack, a personality reinforced by the non-aspirational Polar White paint finish.
However, on closer inspection, subtle details of its identity emerge, such as the glossy black fins on the bumper and the slim lip splitter underneath, the glossy black fake diffuser with integrated dual tailpipes, the spoiler on the lid of the car. Protruding trunk, glossy black mirror caps and silver AMG branded brake calipers. Despite this, in addition to the optional 19-inch black forged AMG alloy wheels, the sedan’s long bonnet and comparatively chubby rear dash make it appear strangely proportionate when viewed in profile and not quite as stylish as the CLA or even the Class C.
Things are very different inside, where the A35 follows the standard A-Class look, but with sporty touches like the (optional) AMG Performance steering wheel trimmed in Nappa leather and dynamic microfiber, red inserts, alloy pedals, red stitching and optional grained aluminum door inserts.
In addition to the dual 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, our test vehicle also sported the magnificent Burmester sound system, a sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, red seat belts, the AMG driver assistance package, parking package and illuminated door sills. strangely without sat nav.
Despite being as up-to-date as possible, the A-Class’s weaknesses remain decidedly cheap materials, a lack of rear passenger headroom, a meticulous touchpad that can thankfully be avoided by saying those familiar words; Hello Mercedes, and the unforgivable, at this price, the lack of electric seats, which although comfortable and supportive, creaked a lot with every movement. As for the boot, the capacity is 420 liters which is expanded to 1 210 liters with the rear seats lowered.
However, being an AMG, the A35 is all about driving and while it is nowhere as brutal as the A45 S, it easily removed its understated badges when pushed. With an output of 225 kW / 400 Nm, he clocked the best 5.1 seconds of 0-100 km / h at Gerotek with his colleague Mark Jones trailing, just 0.3 seconds behind Benz’s claim. The full report can be viewed here.
Silk with a strong and addictive power boost that you could have in Comfort mode, it all becomes a lot like an AMG when the dial at the base of the steering wheel is switched to Sport or Sport + modes and the sub dial for suspension as well. to Sport. In short, the A35 becomes an animal; brutal to the point where the creaky seats became inaudible.
With the tantalizing big paddles of the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox gripped, the A35 rushes forward with incredibly instant response and a turbo whistle that sounds almost violently off the throttle. On top of this, the gearbox goes from passable to slippery, the steering becomes crisp, and thanks to the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, the level of grip is relentless. Of course, there is a price to pay in the form of a tough ride that becomes clunky on sportier settings, as well as a bit of road noise that might well be alleviated with the standard 18-inch rubber option.
It may be the most accessible and practical way to become an AMG owner, but the Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan is far from the choice for people. Aside from the aforementioned interior shortcomings and that trip, the R890 520’s standard tag price makes it insanely expensive, further compounded by the options that made our tester beat the R1 million mark with ease. Its dual-purpose ability to go from an understated everyday sedan to a dynamically gifted AMG remains its biggest draw, but at a cost that sadly makes it anything but the AMG for everyone.
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