The new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG has released the new Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range in South Africa. An entry-level AMG that produces just enough speed and power for you to brag about at a family reunion. The new A 35 4MATIC is available in hatch, sedan, and CLA 35 4MATIC formats.
Under the hood, we have a 4-cylinder 2.0 litre turbocharged engine that generates a moderately impressive 225KW. It comes with the AMG Speedshift DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission, the AMG suspension, and the variable AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. All this amounts to a 0- 100km/h sprint time of just 4.7 seconds for the hatch, 4.8 seconds for the sedan, and 4.9 seconds for the CLA 35.
The design of the new Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range comes with the radiator grille with twin louvres, the AMG Line front apron with flics on the air intakes, a front splitter, and silver chrome trims on the louvres in the outer air intakes which is a recognizable feature for the front.
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range is best summarized as a combination of sporty meets luxury. I mean for the price tag that is attached to it; the luxury part is kind of an understatement as Mercedes delivers more than expected.
The inside includes an MBUX multimedia system, that has a highly innovative operating and display concept. The MBUX replaces the previous COMAND systems and creates an even closer connection between the vehicle and the driver. All customers will also have the option of choosing between three AMG display styles for the optional fully digital instrument cluster.
The Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range comes with voice control activated with the words ‘Hey Mercedes’ on board.
There are five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes including Slippery, Comfort, Sport. Sport + and Individual which enables a wide range of vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic. There is the optional Adaptive Damping System which allows the driver to choose between three different suspension control modes, ranging from comfort-focused to sporty.
The exhaust system features an automatically controlled exhaust flap as standard. The is modulated from balanced to powerful, depending on the chosen driving mode.
For those who would like to get their money’s worth on the racetrack. The Mercedes-AMG 35 4MATIC range comes AMG TRACK PACE as an option. The virtual race engineer is a part of the MBUX multimedia system and will record over 80 vehicle-specific data points while you hit the track. The MBUX Augmented Reality function will have an ideal line of a stored racetrack to be displayed on the multimedia display or optional head-up display, allowing the driver to improve on their lap times with a virtual instructor on board.
Pricing
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Hatch retails at R841 000
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Sedan retails at R850 000
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC retails at R948 000
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC starts from around R850,000 for the hatch version, with the sedan and CLA 35 variants priced slightly higher depending on specification levels and optional extras you throw at it.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC worth buying?
If you want proper AMG bragging rights without the full AMG price tag, absolutely, the A 35 delivers 225kW and genuine performance credentials that'll embarrass most hot hatches at the traffic lights.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC?
The A 35 hatch hits 100kph in just 4.7 seconds, the sedan does it in 4.8 seconds, and the CLA 35 manages 4.9 seconds, which is seriously quick for an entry-level AMG.
Q: What engine does the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC have?
Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine pumping out 225kW, paired with AMG's Speedshift DCT 7G dual-clutch gearbox and variable AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Q: Which Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC variant should I choose?
Go for the hatch if you want the purest driving experience and quickest acceleration, the sedan if you need rear passenger space, or the CLA 35 if you prefer the sleeker coupe styling with four doors.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you should buy the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC if you've got around R850,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want genuine AMG performance without stepping up to the full-fat AMG models. This is the best entry-level performance car under R900,000 in South Africa right now, offering proper AMG credentials, 225kW of turbocharged fury, and that all-important three-pointed star on the bonnet. The 4.7-second sprint to 100kph puts most so-called sports cars to shame, while the luxury interior and MBUX system mean you're not sacrificing comfort for speed. Sure, it's not cheap, but you're getting authentic AMG engineering with all-wheel drive grip and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that shifts faster than you can blink. The A 35 delivers exactly what it promises, an accessible taste of AMG madness that'll have you grinning like an idiot every time you plant your right foot.
