Mercedes-AMG A35 breaks cover

The first ever Mercedes-AMG A 35 has joined the A-Class family as the new, more affordable performance grade until the full fat A 45 flagship arrives next year.

Hailed by its manufacturer as “a true AMG for the Hot Hatch stage”, the A 35 is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharging that produces 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Driving all four wheels through Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system and 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the baby AMG is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, en route to a limited top speed of 250km/h.

Bringing the car to a stop is an AMG brake system that consists of 4-piston monoblock fixed calipers and 350 millimetre brake discs for the front axle, backed by 1-piston sliding calipers acting on 330 millimetre brake discs at the rear. The silver-painted brake callipers have black AMG lettering.

For the best aural experience, the exhaust system features an automatically controlled exhaust flap as standard. Depending on the drive program selected the sound is modulated from balanced to powerful.

Visually, the A35 is distinguishable from the rest of the A-Class line-up through a new grille with twin louvres and AMG front bumpers with integrated splitter. In the side view, the aerodynamically optimised 18-inch light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design and the side sill panels of the AMG Line catch the eye. The rear is dominated by the AMG rear bumper with a new diffuser insert, the spoiler lip on the roof and the twin round tailpipe trims.

The new Mercedes-AMG A 35 will make its global premiere at the Paris Motor Show on 2 October 2018, with market rollout starting in early 2019.