Mercedes-Benz A35

The A35 at a glance

From a Paris news story to a full model line

When the old version of this page appeared, the A35 was a show-car headline. Mercedes-AMG presented it at the Paris show that autumn, alongside a new B-Class and the GLE. It was the first "35" model, a new entry level below the full A45, which arrived in 2019.

The hatchback reached dealers in December 2018. German Wikipedia records that the saloon version, based on the four-door V177, joined in March 2019. In North America the car arrived for the 2020 model year; the United States received only the saloon, while Canada and Mexico also got the hatchback.

At launch, German Wikipedia notes, the A35 was briefly the most powerful A-Class until the A45 replaced it at the top. German Wikipedia adds that the model helps Mercedes-AMG meet its fleet fuel-consumption targets.

Engine, gearbox and 4MATIC

The engine is a version of the M260 2.0-litre four-cylinder used in other compact Mercedes models. AMG gave it a twin-scroll turbocharger, the CAMTRONIC system for variable valve lift and CONICSHAPE cylinder bores, which are honed into a slight cone to cut friction. Output is 225 kW (306 PS) between 5,800 and 6,100 rpm, and 400 Nm is available from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm.

Power goes through the AMG Speedshift DCT 7G, a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with a Race Start launch function. The 4MATIC system drives the front wheels in normal use and sends torque to the rear through an electromechanically controlled multi-plate clutch. The old version of this page called the gearbox an "automated manual", which describes the same dual-clutch layout.

Mercedes quotes 0–100 km/h in 4.7 seconds for the hatchback and a top speed limited to 250 km/h. By our calculation, 225 kW from 1,991 cc is about 113 kW per litre, a high specific output for a series four-cylinder. Add the kerb weight of any version to the power-to-weight calculator to see its kg per kW.

Chassis, brakes and driving modes

AMG stiffened the A-Class body for this model. Diagonal braces sit at the front, and an aluminium plate under the engine adds torsional rigidity. Steering is electromechanical.

The brakes use 350 mm front discs with four-piston calipers and 330 mm rear discs with single-piston calipers. Adaptive dampers were an extra-cost option; the standard car has fixed dampers. A flap in the exhaust opens at higher engine speeds to make the car louder.

The driver can choose between five driving modes, from Slippery for low grip to Sport+. The optional AMG Track Pace app records about 80 vehicle values on a track, including lap times and acceleration. These figures come from the old version of this page and AMG's launch material and were not changed for the facelift.

Mercedes-AMG A35 specifications by version

Fuel use at launch was 7.3–7.4 l/100 km on the EU combined cycle, about 32 mpg in US units. To turn that into running costs for your own mileage, use the fuel cost calculator.

Design and cabin

The A35 looks different from the regular W177. It has its own bumpers with larger air intakes, side-sill trims, a rear diffuser and a roof spoiler on the hatchback. The old version of this page lists 19-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli tyres for the launch cars.

Inside, the A35 keeps the two wide screens of the MBUX system, with AMG graphics, sports seats and a multifunction steering wheel. The facelift brought a 10.25-inch driver display and the newer MBUX software.

The 2022 facelift and the 48-volt system

Mercedes-AMG revealed the updated A35 in October 2022 for the 2023 model year. Visual changes include new headlamps, an AMG-specific grille and an AMG emblem on the bonnet instead of the three-pointed star. New paint colours and seat trims were added.

The engine figures stayed at 225 kW and 400 Nm, but the car gained a 48-volt electrical system. EVO India reports that it adds about 10 kW (13 bhp) of short-term electric help at lower speeds without raising peak output. A new AMG Performance steering wheel puts the driving-mode controls on small dials. With the facelift, every A-Class petrol engine except the A45 S received a 48-volt system.

A35 compared with the A45 S and the Golf R

Compared with the A45 S, the A35 has 85 kW less, which is about 27 % less power, and it is 0.8 seconds slower to 100 km/h. Compared with the Golf R of its launch year, it had 4 kW more, while the Mk8 Golf R moved 10 kW ahead. The Golf story is told in our Volkswagen Golf guide, and the Audi rival's family in our page on the Audi A3 generations. To line up any two cars, use the comparison tool.