AMG’s entry-level offering may debut at the New York Auto Show.
When we drove the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan, we liked its sharp looks, the tech on offer and its welcoming entry-level sticker price. One thing bugged us about the A 220, however: the power. With 188 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, the entry-level A-Class has a decent amount of power, but not the sort of shove some may want from their German sedan. Helpfully, AMG is at hand to bring along the performance variant we knew would arrive in due time. And here it is: the 2020 Mercedes-AMG A 35.
Like the A 220, you still have a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine under the hood. However, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 sedan makes more power. A lot more, in fact. Now, you get 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Mercedes claims the A 35 sedan can hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. What’s more, it tops out at a very illegal 155 mph.
Performance means little if you’re unable to stop it. To that end, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG A 35 also has larger brake discs. Up front, there are 4-piston monoblock fixed calipers with 350 millimeter (13.8 inch) discs. Out back, you get a single-piston sliding caliper with 330 millimeter (13.0 inch) discs.
Looking the part
To set it apart from the normal A 220, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG A 35 sedan has the usual sporty bits you’d expect from a performance model. That means you get 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a 19-inch option available. Mercedes fits AMG side sills, silver chrome trim and a new diffuser across the rear end. Finally, you get a lip spoiler on the trunk and two beefy exhaust pipes.
Inside, the overall layout matches the normal A-Class. However, you get a flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel, for a start. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 sedan also had red contrast stitching and galvanized paddle shifters. Mounted directly to the wheel, there’s a drive mode selector to take you through the car’s five available modes. There’s Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.
Like the normal A-Class, the AMG A 35 has a fully digital gauge cluster and large infotainment screen. The system houses Mercedes’ new MBUX platform, as is becoming the norm across the brand’s lineup.
No pricing info yet
While this car will most likely debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show, Mercedes has not announced pricing yet. It’s also unclear exactly when the AMG A 35 will hit dealerships.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates, and more from New York next month.
