FOR those with a love of all things Mercedes-AMG, or a desire to get into one, there’s now a new entry point for potential owners, with the Australian launch of the A 35 4MATIC sedan and hatch.
Underpinned by all the features of the technologically advanced Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which has already proven popular in Australia, the A 35 4MATIC hatch and sedan add an enticing new step up in emotive performance and dynamic ability.
Integrating the A 35 4MATIC models from the very beginning of the A-Class development program has also granted Mercedes-AMG the opportunity to inject its DNA into every relevant detail.
This includes a powerful and sophisticated drive train, AMG-specific standard exhaust and brake packages, plus exterior and interior cosmetic enhancements that help create an authentic driving performance.
At its beating heart is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine, producing an impressive 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It’s driven through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed dual-clutch sports transmission.
Couple that package with the all-wheel grip of the AMG Performance 4MATIC, and engine response is instantaneous. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h takes as little as 4.7 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
The standard RACE-START function allows maximum acceleration from a standing start, and an AMG exhaust system completes the emotive connection, with an automatically controlled exhaust flap to modulate the sonorous note.
AMG high-performance brakes, featuring four-piston calipers on the front axle, are also fitted as standard and designed to ensure short braking distances and fade-resistant deceleration.
Ride and handling is on song too thanks to strengthening work around the front of the body-shell forms the basis for precise turn-in ability, even when driving at speed, while a lightweight aluminium plate bolted underneath the engine increases torsional stiffness.
AMG-specific chassis components include front steering knuckles with radially bolted brake callipers, a technology that originates from AMG’s participation in the highest levels of motorsport.
Australian-delivered A 35 4MATIC models will also 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 automatic system adjusts within milliseconds to adapt damping forces to the driving conditions. There’s also five drive programs to choose from (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual) to fine-tune engine, transmission, sound and suspension responses.
All A 35 4MATIC hatch and sedan are also fitted with AMG DYNAMICS, an integrated dynamic handling system that extends the stabilising functions of ESP by adding things like braking intervention on the rear inside wheel during cornering.
Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6-litres/100km for the A 35 4MATIC hatch, and 7.4-litres/100km for the sedan.
Exterior design features include an AMG-specific twin-louvre radiator grille and an AMG Line front apron and side sill panels along with aerodynamically optimised 19-inch light alloy wheels.
The rear includes a new diffuser framed by two round tailpipe trims, plus a spoiler lip on the roof, while inside there’s an AMG Performance leather steering wheel, with 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.
These enable the driver to concentrate fully on dynamic driving, yet also make quick and easy changes to performance settings without splitting their attention.
The steering wheel also includes the familiar touch control buttons from the A-Class range that manipulate functions on the two 10.25-inch digital screens forming the widescreen cockpit, via smartphone-like taps and swipes.
Also familiar to drivers of the A-Class range is MBUX, the intuitive multimedia and control system that can use voice commands to control dozens of common functions, as well as ‘learning’ the driver’s regular habits and preferences and offering helpful prompts.
The cabin features two-tone Lugano leather front seats with electric adjustment and seat heating, comfort control, dual zone climate control, and in the case of the sedan, hands free boot access.
From launch and for a limited time, an Edition 1 version of the A 35 4MATIC hatch is available to purchase, with Tech Gold colour highlights over Denim Blue metallic paintwork.
The special edition model features Black/Magma Grey upholstery with polished aluminium trim in an AMG design. AMG Performance seats, an AMG aerodynamics pack and AMG multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels complete the ensemble.
The AMG Edition 1 package adds $6990 to the purchase price for the A 35 4MATIC hatch, with the normal variant hitting the tarmac from September at $67,200 plus on-roads. The A 35 4MATIC sedan is set to arrive in October and retails for $69,800 plus on-roads.
