The Mercedes-AMG A35 is an intermediate, performance-oriented model of the fourth-generation A-Class hatchback. Offered for the very first time since the subcompact was introduced in 1997, it slots between the A250 trim of the standard A-Class and the range-topping AMG A45.

The AMG A35 is Mercedes' response to intermediate performance-oriented hatchbacks from BMW and Audi. Both Germans brands have been offering models like the M140i and S3 for quite a few years now, and they've been very popular with customers who a bit more than what the standard models offer, but don't want to go all out on proper M or RS cars. The AMG A35 joins the battle with more than 300 horsepower on tap, sportier looks, and all the state-of-the-art tech that Mercedes-Benz debuted on the regular A-Class.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG A35.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A35

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Mercedes-AMG A35
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 306 @ 6100
  • Torque: 295 @ 4000
  • Transmission: 7-Speed dual-clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Exterior

- AMG Line front bumper - AMG grille with twin louvers - Flics and winglets - AMG Line side sills - Unique wheels - Sportier bumper - Bigger roof spoiler

The radiator grille with the fine mesh and the twin louvers on each side of the Mercedes start is the first that catches the eye. Down below, we can see an AMG Line bumper. It's very similar to the standard unit but features a bigger splitter, flics on the air intakes, and small winglets on the sides. It also has silver chrome trim. Although it looks cool, this bumper isn't exclusive to the AMG A35, as it can be ordered on the regular A-Class as well.

Moving to the sides, only two features set the A35 apart compared to the standard hatchback. First up, it rides on a new set of 18-inch alloys wheels in twin-spoke design. Second, the side skirts are taken from the AMG Line package. The AMG A35 also sits a tad closer to the ground, but it's not very noticeable at first glance.

Finished in black, the spoiler is pretty big and makes the A35 look like a proper rally car. The bumper features a pair of flics on each side vent, while the diffuser-like insert extends the bumper closer to the ground. The four-slat element is flanked by round tailpipes integrated into the black trim.

Overall, the AMG A35 is somewhat mundane when seen from up front and from the sides, but it's decidedly aggressive from the back. Needless to say, it's different enough to stand out when compared to the regular A-Class.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Interior

- Artico leather seats - Red contrast stitching - AMG steering wheel - Touch controls - AMG-specific center console - Track Pace app

Just like exterior, the interior is a slightly beefed-up version of the regular A-Class. This is good news though, as the German hatchback has one of best looking interiors in this class and its technology package trumps every competitor out there.

The cabin borrows heavily from the bigger Mercedes-Benz models, featuring the same wing-shaped, multi-tier dashboard, high-tech-looking center stack, and the turbine air vents. It also features Merc's latest 10.25-inch displays placed next to each other, which makes it seem like the car has one long screen stretching from behind the steering wheel to the passenger-side dash.

So, what sets the A35 apart? The covers are black, but the red stitching adds a bit of color. You can also have the seats in black and Digital Grey for a two-tone look. Red piping on the microfiber inserts and red A/C rings complete the look.

The standard steering wheel was replaced with the latest AMG unit. It has a flattened bottom, perforated leather on the grip area, and red contrast stitching. It also includes built-in touch control buttons that can be used to intuitively select the displays of the instrument cluster and the multimedia system by means of horizontal and vertical swiping, just like on a smartphone.

Optionally, the steering wheel can be equipped with a round controller with an integrated display beneath the right-hand steering-wheel spoke, plus two vertically positioned color display buttons with switches beneath the left-hand steering-wheel spoke. You can use these to activate and change the AMG drive programs.

There's also an AMG-specific center console. Not only it has a piano lacquer finish, it also features additional buttons that control ESP, the manual transmission mode, and the Adaptive Damping System. If you order the optional leather package, the console will get a silver chrome surround.

The displays also have bespoke start-up screen and apps. You pick between three AMG display styles for the instrument cluster. The Supersport mode is particularly striking thanks to its central, round rev counter and information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the "clock." Using the AMG menu, you can call up various special displays such as Warm-up, Set-up, G-Force and Engine Data.

Developed alongside the new and fancy MBUX infotainment system, the AMG Track Pace is a virtual race engineer that keeps you posted on track performance. It records more than 80 performance-related data while driving on a race track and displays lap and sector times. It also keeps track of reference times so you can improve your benchmarks.

In addition, it uses GPS and other sensors to detect when you leave a race track or shorten your lap. Well-known tracks like the Nurburgring or Spa Francorchamps are already included in the software, but you can record your own circuits. Maps can be updated online and displays both 2D or 3D graphics.

Luggage room should be identical to the standard model, which offers a bit more in the fourth generation. The capacity of the trunk behind the rear seats is now at 370 liters (13 cubic feet), which converts to an extra 29 liters (one cubic foot) compared to the previous model. Loading luggage and groceries in the trunk is also easier, with the loading aperture now being 20 cm (7.9 inches) wider than before. The luggage compartment floor is 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) longer.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Drivetrain

- Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder - 306 horsepower - 295 pound-feet of torque - 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds - AWD system standard - Five driving modes - Variable valve control - Beefed-up internals

While AMG models usually have a V-8 or, more recently, six-cylinder engines under their hoods, Mercedes-Benz kept the A-Class a four-cylinder-only car. This remains true for the fourth-generation hatchback as well, as the AMG A35 also has a four-banger atop the front axle. The turbocharged 2.0-liter is somewhat related to the unit in the A250 model, but it cranks out notably more power.

It's the most powerful iteration of the fourth-gen A-Class, but leaves room for a more powerful AMG A45 version, likely to deliver close to 400 horsepower.

Fitted with an AMG Speedshift dual-cluth transmission with reconfigured gear ratios, the AMG A35 sprints to 62 mph in only 4.7 seconds. That's 1.5 seconds quicker than the A250! The amazing sprint is also achieved thanks to the gearboxes special setup for almost spontaneous acceleration, as well as the Race-Start function that delivers maximum off-the-line acceleration.

Of course, the AMG A35 also features an all-wheel-drive system as standard. A front-wheel drive car by default, the A35 benefits from a 50:50 distribution to the front and rear axles when needed. A multi-disc clutch that is integrated in the rear axle transmission is responsible for the variable torque distribution.

Other extras compared to the regular hatchback include a high-strength, aluminum crankcase that reduces weight, Camtronic variable valve control, intelligent thermal management for engine and oil, high-precision piezo injectors, and multi-spark ignition.

The default setting, "Comfort," sets the suspension and steering for comfortable and fuel-efficient driving. The start/stop system is active, while the transmission is set up for very early upshifts.

Next up is "Sport," which places emphasis on agility and sporty driving. In this mode the sounds of the engine become more aggressive while the start/stop system is inactive. "Sport+" has similar settings but also introduces double-declutching during downshifts and partial cylinder cut-off.

The "Slippery" mode is brand-new for the A-Class and is optimized for slippery road conditions with reduced power and a flat torque curve. You'll notice earlier upshifts and smooth gear changes in this mode, which also uses the start/stop system.

Finally, the “Individual” driving program enables the individual parameters to be selected and saved according to personal preferences.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Performance Figures

Engine

2.0-litre R4 with exhaust turbocharger

Displacement

1991 cc

Max. output

225 kW (306 hp) at 5800-6100 rpm

Peak torque

400 Nm at 3000-4000 rpm

Drive system

AMG Performance 4MATIC fully variable all-wheel drive

Transmission

AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission

Combined fuel consumption

7.4-7.3 l/100 km

Combined CO2 emissions

169-167 g/km

Efficiency class

D

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.7 s

Top speed

250 km/h


2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Suspension and Brakes

The A35's suspension is based on that of the new A-Class, so it rides on the same McPherson strut system up front with aluminum wishbone for reduced unsprung masses for a more sensitive response. Around back, there's a four-link axle connected rigidly with the body via a subframe.

Stopping power comes from a higher performance braking system that shares some features with the outgoing A45 model. Up front it has new four-piston Monoblock calipers with 13.7-inch discs, while the rear wheels are fitted with one-piston, sliding calipers and 13-inch discs.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Safety

The system keeps a close eye on the traffic with an improved camera and radar systems that allow it to see up to 500 meters (0.3 miles) ahead. It also uses map and navigation data for assistance functions. Active Distance Assist Distronic is able to support the driver in numerous route-specific situations, while predictively adjusting the speed when approaching bends or roundabouts.

The hatchback is also equipped with Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Brake Assist as standard. The latter can help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping, or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether. Other familiar features seen on bigger Mercs include the Pre-Safe Plus package.

Passive features include driver and front passenger airbags, a driver's kneebag, and side window airbags as standard. The latter cover the A-pillars as well. The driver and front passenger each have a three-point seat belt with belt force limiter and belt tensioner, and reversible belt reel tensioners.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Pricing

Pricing information is not yet available, but we do know that the range-topping A250 starts from £29,320 in the United Kingdom. The AMG A35 should fetch at least £35,000 before options, but don't be surprised if the sticker will be closer to the £40,000 mark.

The hatchback will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and will go on sale the same month. That's when specific pricing will become available. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2019 in the United Kingdom.

Don't expect the AMG A35 to come to the U.S. as Mercedes-Benz doesn't plan to offer the hatchback in North America. However, a sedan version will be offered sometime in 2019.

2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Competition

BMW M140i

Unfortunately, BMW has yet to produce a successor for the BMW M1,, so the closest we can get to it is its newest little hatch, the BMW M140i. While it’s not a full-fledged M car, it replaces the M135i and comes with a little extra juice on tap. Unlike the Mercedes-AMG A40, the M140i uses a 3.0-liter six-cylinder. It delivers 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 10 horsepower over the M135i. The M140i can hit 62 mph in about 4.6 seconds when equipped with an eight-speed automatic or 4.8 seconds with the standard, six-speed manual. When equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive, the M140i hits the same benchmark in just 4.4 seconds. Pricing for the M140i starts from £32,650 for the three-door version and from £33,180 for the five-door version. Just like the A-Class, the BMW 1 Series isn't available in the United States.

Read our full review on the BMW M140i.

Audi S3

The Audi S3 is yet another reason why Mercedes-Benz needed an AMG A35. Slotted between the A3 2.0 TFSI and the bonkers RS3, the S3 sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranks out 310 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Fitted with an S-Tronic transmission, the German hatch needs 4.6 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. Styling-wise, it has a sportier exterior and fancied-up interior compared to the regular A3, but it's not as menacing to look at as the RS3. Pricing starts from £33,505 for the two-door S3 and from £34,125 for the five-door S3 Sportback version.

Read our full review on the Audi S3.

Conclusion

While the AMG A45 fulfilled Mercedes' needs in the hot-hatchback segment, an A35 model was necessary with both BMW and Audi offering intermediate models. The A35 comes in to fill just the right spot and even it's not as powerful as the competition, it wins in the design department and offers a lot more technology, plus semi-autonomous driving. Until BMW and Audi come up with more modern iterations of the M140i and S3, respectively, the AMG A35 will remains the hottest and most advanced option in this tight niche.

Further reading

Read our full review on the next generation 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Read our full review on the previous 2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.

Update History

Update 10/4/2017: We’re finally getting a second look at the upcoming Mercedes-AMG A40 and this time around there are some serious changes taking place that brings the little hatch much closer to its goal of being production ready in 2018. Check out our special update section below to see what the changes are and learn more about them.

Spy Shots

October 23, 2017 – On the Long Road to Production

At this point, very little is changing on the Mercedes-AMG A40. When you combine that with the fact that we’re seeing it for the second time in less than a month, it’s safe to say that we’ll be seeing the official production model soon. As of now, most of the padding that originally covered the prototype has been removed, leaving just the camo to distract our eyes. On the other hand, the slightly wider fenders leave us wondering if these fenders are, indeed, wider or if they are simply still padded down a bit. Then again the wheels are a bit wider to support the 400+ horsepower under the hood, so it’s not outlandish to think that they may very well be a bit wider than on the standard A-Class. It would certainly be refreshing, anyway.

With that in mind, this prototype is still sporting the same Panamerican grille, and still rocks out the same production headlights and hood. This time around, the headlights are on, so we can see the LED lights illuminated in both the front and the rear. The side skirts look to have gotten a little more aggressive up front while the rear end now gets official dual exhaust outlets. Speaking of which, did you notice something weird about those outlets? Since when does Mercedes-AMG use dual, circular outlets instead of a single rectangular unit? That’s quite interesting, don’t you think? We suspect that Mercedes will be debuting the new A40 AMG sometime in the near future with the Detroit Auto Show or Chicago Auto Show being potential candidates if Mercedes is thinking of bring it to the United States. Well, unless Mercedes decides to surprise us at the Tokyo Motor Show later this week. What do you all think? Fill us in with your thoughts in the comments section below.

October 4, 2017 - Droping some padding and getting a new face

This time around, the A40 hasn’t exactly shed any camo, but it has shed a lot of padding. The most noticeable change to us is that the hood is now a production hood, while the headlights also follow suit. Instead of those annoying projection-like units on the last mule, we’ve got the official LED units with the top-positioned LED strip. The lights are sleeker, sit a little higher in the body, and are slanted downward toward the nose to provide extra character. With that in mind, the other major factor here is that we're getting a look at a completely different fascia and a different grille. Now, it’s not likely that the A40 will end up with a grille that looks anything like what you see here, as it will likely feature AMG’s current grille design, but there could be something more in the looks. It is sporting a big, fat Mercedes emblem that was cleverly wrapped tight enough so you could see its camel toe peeking through.

As you can see, the lower fascia isn’t exactly production ready as of yet, but it is on its way and clearly under development. The passenger side is rocking out a number of drilled holes while the passenger side is rocking just a few in place of the traditional corner intakes. To put it simply, Mercedes is trying to figure out just how fake those corner intakes need to be for the best aerodynamics, performance, and efficiency. Oddly, the front in now features a smaller, or shorter, air dam that features curved edges without any of the fancy stuff on the sides. A small louver crosses the air dam at the tip, which could indicate a strange front-end styling here or just a cheap and easy way for Mercedes to mount that front plate for testing purpose. Only time will tell for that one.

To the sides, nothing has really changed thus far, but we can now see that the A40 will have smaller side mirrors that is predecessor and the mule we saw a few months ago. This time around our photographers didn’t get as good of a shot of the rear, however, we can see that some of the camo has been removed from the taillights, At this point, it’s hard to tell if these are production units or not, but given the fit an finish I would guess that the production model will at least sport the same style of lights, most likely with a larger number of LEDs present.

What do you guys think so far? Let us know in the comments section below.