The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is now a reality, and these are its main rivals

Mercedes-Benz continues to renew its model range, an effort it has just carried forward with the second generation of the GLA. As tradition dictates, everyone expected the German brand to sooner or later present an AMG-signed version of its most modest SUV, but nobody expected that event to come with the standard variant. Either way, the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 arrives as the entry-level AMG version of the German SUV, which means the first rung of the sports car range from the star brand is now available.

However, this niche has been worked by other brands while Mercedes was developing the second generation of its smallest SUV. With this in mind, it is only natural that the market already offers several options capable of forcing the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 to play its best cards to carve out a place and fight with dignity for the crown.

Audi SQ2

Audi surprised the world with the Q2, a small premium urban SUV that aimed to offer itself as a more exclusive alternative for getting around the city. However, the house of the four rings and its Audi Sport department could not hold back, which led to the creation of the SQ2, the sportier variant of the German SUV that arrives ready to go head to head with the GLA 35 AMG.

To do so, the Audi SQ2 relies on a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 300 CV and 400 Nm of torque, figures very close to the 306 CV and 400 Nm of torque declared by the star’s SUV. With a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds and a top speed limited to 250 km/h, the SQ2 becomes one of the fastest options on the market, a factor to consider when choosing among its rivals.

BMW X2 M35i

Sporty SUV is a concept that works remarkably well within BMW, a brand that has been pursuing this controversial pairing for some time to build some of the most powerful SUVs in the world. The same formula was applied to the X2, resulting in the X2 M35i, the most radical variant to date, which previews some of the traits of a possible X2 M.

Behind that muscular and aggressive styling lies a mechanical layout that does not let it down. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 306 CV and 450 Nm of torque, figures capable of bringing the 0 to 100 sprint down to 5 seconds and giving it a top speed of 250 km/h.

Volkswagen T-Roc R

Volkswagen is one of the newcomers to the sporty SUV segment, with the T-Roc chosen to represent it. Not surprisingly, this has not stopped the people from Wolfsburg from using a very good recipe to create a car capable of putting not only its closest rivals on the ropes, but also some sportier compacts of greater character.

Drawing on the ingredients used in the design of the Golf R, we find an SUV that is understated in appearance but very aggressive on the road. Thanks to an explosive four-cylinder engine, the T-Roc R delivers 300 CV and 400 Nm of torque, figures that make it a rocket capable of tackling urban driving with ease.