The lowest cost Mercedes-AMG ever, the all-new A 35 4MATIC models are on their way to we folk Downunder.
The A 35 hatch will be here in early September with a retail price of $67,200 (MRLP). The A 35 sedan is set to arrive in October and retails for $69,800 (MRLP). .
Ours has long been one of the biggest markets for AMG products and it seems likely the A 35 units will be an immediate success. So it might be smart to ring your favourite Mercedes-AMG sooner rather than later.
Cleverly, work on the A 35 began at the start of the overall A-Class development program, so it has been – to quote Mercedes-AMG: “The opportunity to inject its DNA into every relevant detail. A powerful and sophisticated drivetrain, AMG-specific standard exhaust and brake packages, plus exterior and interior cosmetic enhancements create authentic driving performance.”
A 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine produces an impressive 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Considerable work has been done to provide fast response at low engine speeds, with a strong power increase as revs rise.
Drive is to all four wheels through an AMG seven-speed dual-clutch sports transmission. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h takes as little as 4.7 seconds. The standard RACE-START function and an AMG exhaust system features an automatically controlled exhaust flap to modulate the sound to provide all the right sounds for the occupants – indeed for anyone within earshot.
Strengthening work around the front of the bodyshell and a lightweight aluminium plate bolted underneath the engine increases torsional stiffness. The result is maximum precision at the limits of performance, with clearly defined feedback to the driver.
Australian-delivered A 35 4MATIC models will be fitted with the AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive damping system as standard, enabling the driver to choose between three different suspension control modes, ranging from comfort-focused to sporty. The fully automatic system adjusts within milliseconds to adapt damping forces to the driving situation and conditions.
AMG design elements include an AMG-specific twin-louvre radiator grille and an AMG Line front apron with flics on the outer air intakes. AMG Line side sill panels along with aerodynamically optimised 19-inch light alloy wheels dominate the side profile, while the rear includes a new diffuser framed by two circular tailpipe trims. there’s also a spoiler lip on the roof.
The AMG Performance steering wheel has a flattened lower section, perforated leather surfacing and galvanised paddles for manual gear-shifting. Two newly developed colour LCD controllers are added to the lower sections of the steering wheel on either side, giving fingertip access to AMG driving programs on one side, and two key functions selected by the driver on the other.
From launch and for a limited time, an Edition 1 version of the A 35 4MATIC hatch is available to purchase. It includes “Tech Gold” colour highlights over Denim Blue metallic paintwork, finished inside with Black/Magma Grey ARTICO/DINAMICA upholstery with polished aluminium trim.
