Blessing Malaysians with another AMG model, Mercedes-Benz presents the new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC, facelifted for the year 2023.
Completing the recently upgraded A-Class range, the performance-oriented saloon is locally-assembled (CKD), making it an accessible point of entry into the AMG circle.
Priced (OTR, w/o insurance) at MYR 354,000 (est.), each purchase includes a four-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
Weighing in at 1,655 KG, the new AMG A 35 stands at 4,570 MM long, 1,992 MM wide, 1,413 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,729 MM.
Sophisticated and sporty at the same time, it projects a dynamically compact silhouette with its short front overhang.
Subtle changes, the front-end sees a new bonnet with the Merc’s ‘Powerdomes’ and a new AMG badge, paired to a new vertically-slatted AMG radiator grille.
Accentuating the layout is a three-part lower air-intake. Refined, simple and finished in black matching the grille.
Further exuding the dynamically compact proportions, its rear complements the front with a short overhang.
Featured is an AMG-styled boot-lid spoiler, and an AMG diffuser with four vertical fins and two round exhaust tips on each end.
Completing the layout, the smoothly-contoured rear-end sees a set of corner-fitted slit-like intakes on the lower bumper.
Flat and sharply-framed, fitted are multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive High-Beam Assist Plus and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The latter is of a new design (old - L-shaped, new - top-single lightbar).
Sportily donning the rear layout, the wraparound tail lamps are angularly-refined. Updated and designed to harmonise with the front, installed are full LED units with dynamic turn indicators.
The side mirrors are electrically adjustable and retractable, complete with turn- and blind spot-indicators, and an auto-dimming function.
Installed is a setup of the AMG high-performance brake system, featuring ventilated, cross-drilled discs with red brake callipers.
Latching it down is a set of 19-Inch matte black high-sheen finished, AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy rims, wrapped in 235/35 R19 tyres.
Sporty and advanced, the new AMG A 35 sees an ergonomically laid-out dashboard, with a very neatly-polished and premium finish.
The design features AMG aluminium trims in black/silver, and the mood is heightened by a 64-colour ambient lighting.
Filling up the space are the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, and protruding, turbine-designed air-conditioning vents.
Elsewhere (centre console), deleted is the central touchpad. Swapped for a storage cubby, and the Dynamic Access drive mode button.
One half of a twin unit, installed is a 10.25-Inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7) with a Heads-Up Display (HUD).
Featured are three new AMG display styles (AMG drive modes, settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).
The saloon’s five-seater interior is upholstered in AMG Artico man-made leather/MICROCUT-microfibre, finished in black.
Fitted up front are AMG Sports Seats with electronic adjustments, climate control and memory function. Rear seats feature a 60:40 split-fold configuration.
Considering its dynamically compact build, the front and rear occupants get ample space. Sufficiently comfortable with generous head, leg and shoulder rooms.
Mounted is an AMG Performance steering wheel, in a three-rounded twin-spoke with a flat-bottom design, wrapped in Nappa leather.
It features rounded AMG controls (multi-function, AMG Dynamic Select), paddle shifters, column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
Several storage areas. E.g., a centre console storage box and compartmentalised spaces, medium sized glove box, and seat back and side door pockets.
There are four cup holders, and four bottle holders.
Equipped with the USB Package Plus, it features multiple USB-C ports placed around the cabin. Also, present are two 12-V sockets, and a wireless charger.
The boot comes with the Easy-Pack tailgate feature (hands-free), providing a contactless function that opens up to 395-Litres of load space.
Standard, the new AMG A 35 features the following sets of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Under Driving Assistance Package, grouped are, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Exit Warning Assist. Under Parking Package, grouped are Active Parking Assist, and 360-degree camera. Others include Adaptive High-Beam Assist (AHA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Passive safety under GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection Plus, grouped are Anti-theft Alarm system (ATA), interior monitoring system, and tow-away protection (warning – visual, audible). Others include seven airbags (driver, passenger, front side, front/rear curtains), airbag disable function, pedestrian protection, seat belts (reminders, pre-tensioners, anchors), ISOFIX, parking sensors (6-front, 6-rear), door ajar warning, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Five drive modes accessible via the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT programme. Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery and Individual.
Another half of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7), installed is a 10.25-Inch touchscreen display.
Featured are new display styles (AMG drive modes, settings), AR-Navigation, Interior Assistant, Mercedes-me Services, and live traffic. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible.
The suites of ADAS will make travels less fatigue and less of a burden for the driver, as well as much safer at all speeds.
Accompanying the infotainment is a Burmester surround sound system.
A mild-hybrid, the new AMG A 35 sports a tuned-up M260, 2.0-Litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (306 HP - 6,100 RPM, 400 NM - 2,500 to 4,000 RPM), bonded to a 48-V belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) mild-hybrid system (14 HP/10-KW, 150 NM).
Highlight: this Mercedes-AMG engine is manufactured according to the ‘one man, one engine’ principle, and thus features a personally signed plaque on the engine.
Installed is an AMG SpeedShift 8G-DCT (eight-speed, dual-clutch) automatic transmission, with Race Start program.
Power is sent to all four wheels via the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which features the AMG Torque Control.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 4.8 seconds, and top speed is 250 KM/H.
It has a 51-Litre fuel tank, and its fuel consumption is between 8.4L to 8.1L/100 KM (WLTP).
Standard kit on the new AMG A 35 includes KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (keyless go/hand-free access), Easy-Pack tailgate (contactless), THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control (with rear air-vents), AMG Sports Seats (electronic adjustments, climate control, memory function), AMG Performance steering wheel (multi-function, AMG controls, paddle shifters, Electronic Power Steering (EPS), column adjustments), MBUX multimedia system, 64-colour ambient lighting, auto headlamps and wipers, wireless charger, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors (exterior, interior), 360-degree camera, interior monitoring system, interior map lights, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and auto-pinch windows (up/down).
There are air-conditioning vents present, located at the rear part of the centre console.
Setup installed and working mutually, are the AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive dampers (Comfort, Sport, Sport+) and AMG Dynamic Select drive program.
Courtesy of all these, the ride comfortability feels agile and firm at the same time. The overall drive is tuned to provide complete stability and grip to the driver.
Ultimately, it has superior roadholding, and great handling stability and agility at high speeds without compromising any comfort.
Good sound insulation with the NVH aspects accounted for. The cabin is acoustically designed, to enhance the in-car ambience and block out exterior noises.
Overall, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well and make them barely noticeable, even when cruising through bumpy asphalts or at all speeds.
Sophisticated and aggressive is the new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC, a well-rounded upgrade for the 2023 model year.
Performance and practicality are its forte, indulging passengers in a racing-inspired and luxuriously-appointed cabin.
A top class build inside and out, parading all of its fine assets, the new AMG A 35 saloon is definitely a Merc to have.