Test drive Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic 306 hp, five-point analysis

The Highmotor test team took the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC with 306 hp, the entry-level engine in the Class A AMG range. But that doesn’t leave it behind the A45 AMG, and in this test we are going to analyze the strengths of the small AMG precisely.

Sporty but understated design. An AMG for everyday use

In my opinion, one of the strong points of this Mercedes-AMG A35 is its exterior and interior design, which keeps the best of AMG without excesses. The sport wheels, the bumpers and the twin exhaust outlets at the rear stand out. A subtle detail is the extended rear spoiler, though without reaching the huge spoiler found on its bigger brother, the A45.

Inside, sport-style seats, bucket-type, welcome you. The red seatbelts and the specific steering wheel also stand out. The seats hold the body very well, but they are not very comfortable for covering many kilometers (a sensation not helped by the firmness of the suspension).

More than enough power: 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 306 hp

The A35 and A45 AMG share the engine block, the former with 306 hp and the latter with 421 hp. Our test unit houses under the bonnet a four-cylinder petrol engine, turbocharged, with 306 hp.

The engine stands out for its performance, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The acceleration is noticeable and forceful when we press the accelerator, with a wide usable range between 2,000 and almost 6,000 rpm, highlighting the 400 Nm of torque.

4MATIC, ideal to complete the package

As an old advertising slogan used to say, “power without control is of no use“, and one of the successes of this Mercedes-AMG A35 is the incorporation of 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which lets us make the most of every horsepower with total control and precision.

Thanks to all-wheel drive, this A35 AMG handles corners with enviable ease and accelerates nimbly in any situation. Among the driving modes, it has a specific mode for low-grip conditions (a practical detail).

Comfort for everyday driving, despite its firmness

The different driving modes (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual) allow you to adjust the accelerator response, steering firmness, gearbox and suspension.

Depending on the driving mode, the A35 AMG is a relatively comfortable car for everyday use, provided we drive in Comfort mode. That comfort is only penalized by the sport-style seats, ideal for more dynamic driving but not very comfortable for a trip from Madrid to Vigo.

On the other hand, fuel consumption is very reasonable if we drive with some calm, reaching figures of 7.5 litres per 100 km on the open road. In mixed driving, with short urban trips, the figure rises to 8.5-9 litres per 100 km, again very reasonable.

From 64,725 euros, a very complete AMG

The Mercedes-AMG A35 starts at 64,725 euros, almost 25,000 euros less than the Class A 45 AMG (from 87,749 euros). It’s true that the A45 AMG is more powerful, but the star of our test has just the right dose of sportiness and practicality for everyday use, at a reasonable price (the Audi S3 starts at 57,230 euros).

As for equipment, it’s worth highlighting the elements typical of an AMG model (design, sporty interior finishes, specific engine sound, lowered chassis…), as well as other notable features such as Full LED lights, navigation, wireless phone charger, or blind-spot monitoring.

That said, for the 64-colour ambient lighting or an upgraded sound system, you’ll have to tick optional extras. The sound system in particular disappointed me, as it isn’t standard equipment and still lacks power.

In conclusion, for those looking for a sports car that lets you enjoy driving while keeping fuel consumption and harshness in check, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is a good choice. It is a comfortable, fun car, it doesn’t lack power, and it will make any journey very pleasant without going to extremes.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira