The Mercedes-AMG A35 Is A 302bhp Golf R Challenger
Before you panic, don’t worry: the next AMG A45 is still happening. It’s just Mercedes is no longer content with having a pop at only the Audi RS3: it wants something to give the S3 a headache too. Plus the VW Golf R.
So there’ll soon be two hot, AMG A-Classes. The yet-to-be-revealed A45 with a circa-400bhp output, and this, the new A35, which is effectively the new entry-point for the AMG range as a whole.
It uses a development of the new 2.0-litre inline-four turbo engine found in the A250, here making 302bhp at 6100rpm, and 295lb ft of torque at 3000rpm. 0-62mph takes just 4.7 seconds, which sounds pretty damn good for what’s supposed to be the junior hot hatch in the range. Top speed meanwhile is the entirely expected 155mph electronically-limited affair.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (you weren’t expecting a manual option, were you?), with an electro-mechanical multi-plate clutch controlling the split between the axles. When you’re just pootling along torque will be sent to the front wheels exclusively, with the system able to send ever-more thrust rearwards as driving conditions demand, up to a 50:50 split.
Mercedes-AMG has added various bracing measures to stiffen the body-in-white, with the aim of improving stability and turn-in sharpness. Suspension-wise, you’ll find a four-link setup at the back, while at the front there are MacPherson struts with a geometry bespoke to the A35. The aluminium wishbones are new, and various bits and pieces like the wheel carriers have been lifted from the A45. Should you wish to spruce up the chassis further, adaptive dampers will be available optionally.
Stopping power is taken care of via 350mm discs at the front squeezed by four-piston monoblock calipers, and rearwards you’ll find 330mm rotors and single-piston sliding calipers. The silver-painted calipers also have AMG logos, which has to be worth at least 5bhp.
The car will be shown in public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in October, with sales kicking off later that month. The first UK cars will be landing during the first quarter of 2019.
Comments
I like it but the touch screens have to go from all cars…permanently. If you cant switch something off and on without looking at it then it needs removed.
Looks great to me. Nice to see Mercedes offering a reasonably priced performance model. This model will see way more action related to its intended purpose than the $60,0000-150000 AMG’s that are driven mostly in mall parking lots.
All the numbers are competing with Audi and VW except for the price tag. In that lane, there is no competition. See, I can almost be you that this car with cost so much more quid that your Audi and VW, that is no longer a comparison. You really think this AMG beast will cost less than $60k US? That’s one of the main reasons why even if I could afford this car, I would still opt for a fully spec’d RS3 or S3.
not sure about the rest of the World but in Australia RS3 and A45 cost nearly the same and I don’t think it will be a different story with A35 and S3.
man the interior is awesome! But the exterior design does not look like a Mercedes anymore, looks like some Toyota cheap A-class ripoff, like a Yaris with the Mercedes-Benz logo, but the interior is cool tho, so 50% awesome 50% fugly
I know Audi’s design theme is understated style, but I wish they would do just a hair more to the high performance models aesthetically. If you look at the basic shape of the A35, it’s nothing too crazy. But what makes it look performance oriented is the spoiler, the slats on the front, the nice outlets behind the rear wheels, and that massive diffuser! I have never driven either car, except the A45 in the Project Cars simulator (tons of fun btw…lol); however, I wouldn’t be picky about either of them. If the RS3’s transmission behaves anything similar to my GTI, then that would be a plus…but I saw a review of the AMG GTR, and I hear that Mercedes’ transmission in that car is a dream to drive. Anywho…the A45’s interior is so super fly and techy! I love it!
So, which one would you pick? Golf R, S3, or A35? Me, personally, I would have to opt for the S3, but in sedan form. Golf R is awesome, but missing key features, such a the panoramic roof, as offered on the GTI, and the style while very nice, is just a bit too understated for its performance level. I’d have to invest too much into aftermarket parts to make it LOOK like that high performance vehicle that it is. Unfortunately, I have sold my soul to the Volkswagen group, so I couldn’t buy the Merc…that would be treason to the highest degree. The S3 is perfect for me! It has just enough tech, the style is just sporty enough, and it has my favorite overall shape. Performance wise, Audi magnetic ride, S tronic dual-clutch transmission, and the performance upgrade potential is enormous! It could be and even surpass RS3 territory with a simple ECU tune and other relatively minor upgrades. So….what’s your pick?
i’m happy to see what looks like real exhausts
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Honestly I like it; plus in the states it’s coming as a saloon car which I think is great, if I can afford it, it could be the replacement for my Impreza. I honestly don’t get all the hate…
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