2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG A 35

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 is only available in its base trim level. This compact sedan includes all the advanced technology features and performance gimmicks that have been tested time and time again. The base 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 includes features like:

While the Mercedes-AMG A 35 begins at an entry-level price, the sedan can be transformed into a flashy car with all the available packages. Mercedes includes a few high-end packages, each of which includes features like:

AMG Aerodynamics Package - $1550

• Larger front splitter
• Rear decklid spoiler
• Diffuser

AMG Night Package- $750

• High-gloss black front splitter and trimmings on the outer air intakes
• AMG side sill panels w/inserts in high-gloss black
• Chrome-plated tailpipe trim in black
• Beltline trim strip and window line trim strip in high-gloss black
• Exterior mirror housing in high-gloss black

AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced- $3470

• AMG Performance Seats by RECARO
• Multi-Contour Front Seats
• Heated front seats

We Recommend

In its base variant, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 includes plenty of standard features and technology to please its riders. However, we still recommend getting the Driver Assistance Package to unlock tons of active safety features. The driver can also upgrade the interior with the AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced for more comfort. A few other appealing options can also be added to the fray.

Release Date

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 is available for sale at your nearest Mercedes dealership. However, Mercedes has disclosed that there won’t be a 2022 model for the Mercedes-AMG A 35.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 offers an exciting 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which can pump out 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque without breaking a sweat. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all the wheels of the sedan. The launch control feature that comes with this transmission can propel the AMG A 35 to maximum acceleration. However, the transmission has a reputation for feeling clunky at low speeds.

With the turbocharged inline-4 serving as the only engine under the hood of the Merc, the sedan can propel to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds. The AMG A 35 clocks in the quarter-mile run in 12.9 seconds, which is pretty quick for a compact sedan. With an electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 is an athletic car on the highways. 

The Mercedes-AMG A 35 has admirable power figures, with its 302 horsepower offering being the 2nd best in its segment next to the Audi S3. However, the BMW M235i Gran coupe steals the show with its class-leading torque figure of 332 lb-ft. Nevertheless, the Merc has the last laugh with the fastest timings in the speed charts for its segment. The Volvo S60 has to play catch up to its high-end German rivals.

2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 Ride and Handling

As expected, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 comes with an AMG-tuned suspension which exerts the right amount of grip and control in any driving conditions. However, the ride does feel stiff while going over regular bumps on country roads. The optional adaptive dampers are a blessing in disguise, smoothening out the ride quality for more sportiness. The AMG A 35 feels right at home while driving through regular roads and highways, offering an immersive driving experience. While the AMG A 35 is nowhere close to the hardcore performance demons that sit atop the AMG lineup, drivers will still appreciate its spirited handling in everyday situations.

2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 Braking Performance

To keep up with its quick handling and performance, Mercedes equips the AMG A 35 sedan with the best braking equipment. It comes equipped with 13.8 and 13-inch rotors at the front and the back, which are one of the largest in the segment. With these thick brake rotors, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 shells out a commanding performance in the 60-0 braking tests, stopping in at a distance of 112 feet.

The braking sector ends up in a cutthroat competition, with the Audi S3 sedan emerging as the winner with its smallest braking distance of 108 feet. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 finishes right behind while the BMW M235i Gran Coupe follows close suit. The Volvo S60 cannot keep up with these performance beasts and hence finishes last in the braking chart.

The turbo inline-4 engine under the hood of the AMG A 35 is tuned for offering a fine balance between performance and efficiency. The sedan is rated at a city MPG of 22 and a highway MPG of 29, which is on par with the fuel economy standards of most sedans today. This equates to a combined MPG of 25. The Merc sports a 13.5-gallon fuel tank capacity. With a full tank onboard, the AMG A 35 can shell out a mileage of 297 miles in the city and 391.5 miles on the highway.

In terms of efficiency, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 is right on par with its other German compatriots. However, the Merc falls behind when it comes to highway MPG, with both Audi and BMW offering a better highway MPG figure. The Volvo S60 turns out to be the most fuel-efficient in this category, possessing the most frugal fuel economy figures and highest mileage.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 has subtle hints of AMG branding throughout the cabin. The whole interior design is a work of art, built with aggressive yet tasteful touches and the best quality cabin materials. The seats look and feel appealing to be seated in, as they are coated in fine leather appointments. Mercedes offers better seats in the form of body-hugging bucket seats, which are available through an additional package. The aluminum design elements can be replaced with real wood inserts. With a 64-color ambient lighting system present inside the cabin this year, the whole vibe of the AMG A 35 feels closer to a lounge.

Mercedes claims that the AMG A 35 can fit 5 passengers much like a regular sedan. Unfortunately, that’s not the case here as the rear seating area can feel confined due to the limited legroom. The front seats have an ample amount of space though. The steering wheel feels gentle to the touch thanks to the perforated Nappa leather upholstery. The new Mercedes-AMG transition has brought in tons of interior customizations as well.

In terms of luxury and comfort, every German vehicle stands up with pride. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 has one of the finest crafted cabins in the business, while the same can be said for the Audi S3 and the BMW M235i. The Volvo S60 carries its own rich Scandinavian flavor inside its cabin, which is equally appealing. The only scope of comparison is the available cargo space, in which the Mercedes-AMG A 35 emerges as the winner with its 14.8 cubic feet of space. 

Some of the key interior features available with the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 include:

• 12-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment
• 64-color LED interior lighting system
• Illuminated entry system
• Leather/wood upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Optional Heated and ventilated front seats

How intuitive is the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35’s infotainment system?

Mercedes’ love affair with cutting-edge technology continues inside the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35. The sedan boasts two 10.25-inch touchscreen displays, with one intended for infotainment and the other for driver information. This appears as a single large piece of glass that runs across the center of the dashboard. The latest MBUX infotainment runs all the menu controls and commands. Mercedes provides additional connectivity through standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, five USB-C ports, Bluetooth streaming, and HD Radio. The MBUX system can be controlled in a variety of ways, which includes touch input, touchpad controller, steering wheel controls, or voice commands. For more entertainment onboard, Mercedes offers stellar optional features like a powerful 590-watt, 12-speaker Burmester sound system, navigation, in-car Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and a 6-month all-access trial for SiriusXM.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 include:

• Wireless charging
• Bluetooth streaming
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• MBUX infotainment with two 10.25-inch dual displays
• 5 Type-C USB ports
• Navigation and in-car WiFi
• MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 has an aggressive design that may appeal only to a few. Nonetheless, this German beast continues to be a visual treat for the eyes. The AMG nametag brings muscular enhancements to its visuals and aerodynamics. The twin round tailpipes seem to indicate its status as a lower-end AMG product. Additionally, to distinguish the AMG A 35 from the regular A-class sedan, Merc adds other distinguishable features like 18-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels, LED headlights, and the twin-blade AMG grille. The panoramic glass sunroof adds more appeal to the aggressive design. Merc has carefully calculated the proportions of the AMG A 35 to perfection, as the sedan measures a length of 179.4 inches and has a width of 70.7 inches.

All the German vehicles in the segment are aesthetically similar when it comes to exterior dimensions like length, width, and height. The only difference between the Merc, Audi, and BMW is their exterior design philosophy. The Volvo S60 is much bigger than its German rivals and is slightly heavier in terms of curb weight.

Some standout exterior features include:

• 18-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels
• LED headlights
• Panoramic glass roof
• Twin-blade AMG grille
• Optional 19-inch wheels

None of the reputed safety agencies like the NHTSA and IIHS have released the safety scores for the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 yet. As standard, the German sedan comes equipped with 8 airbags, brake assist, stability control, traction control, LED headlights, and a rearview camera. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 has a lot of other optional safety features like blind-spot assist, active steering assist, active speed-limit assist, lane-change assist, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic assist, and a surround-view camera system. However, the driver has to shell out extra cash to avail the security of these active safety features. Other standout safety features include:

• Attention assist
• Crosswind assist
• PARKTRONIC Advanced Parking Assist
• Active Distance Assist
• PRE-SAFE System

2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 vs 2021 Audi S3 Sedan

The Audi S3 sedan is a compelling alternative in the compact executive class, lending tough competition to the Mercedes-AMG A 35. The Audi offers a similar engine to the Merc, and both are evenly matched on the performance and speed charts as well. The Audi is slightly more economical than the Merc on a straight highway. In the interior department, the Audi S3 follows a straightforward approach, which makes the Merc more appealing due to its diverse interior elements. For more brand value and luxury, we will prefer the Merc over the Audi.

2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 vs 2021 BMW M235i Gran Coupe xDrive

The BMW M235i Gran Coupe is another alternative to the Mercedes-AMG A 35. On paper, both the Germans are equally matched in all performance aspects, although the Bimmer can be a bit more powerful in some scenarios. However, the BMW doesn’t feel as lively while driving as the Mercedes-AMG. The Merc also has more finely appointed interiors overall. BMW puts the M235i in a weird spot because of its Gran Coupe body style, and the Merc takes the lead in the aesthetic department as well. We will pick the Mercedes-AMG A 35 simply for its unmatched class and performance.

2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 vs 2021 Volvo S60

While both these sedans are priced in a similar price range, the Volvo S60 in its base form isn’t as sporty and aggressive as the Mercedes-AMG A 35. The Merc packs in more power and performance features. The Volvo feels more fuel-efficient than the Merc due to its reduced power. The Volvo S60 is also a safer vehicle, with more standard safety features than the Merc. However, the Mercdes-AMG A 35 outclasses the Volvo S60 with its magical interior features and technology. At its price range, the Merc is clearly more value-for-money than the Volvo.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 is a splendid compact executive for young drivers who are just getting used to the high-performance nuances of the Mercedes-AMG cars. The AMG A 35 is a lightweight performance sedan that is intended to be fun and energetic on everyday drives, thanks to its potent turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Sporty ride quality and performance are two of its finest traits, which come alive with the AMG-tuned suspension, brakes, and exhaust. The interiors are a treasure trove of creature comforts and futuristic gadgets. However, adding in more active driver assistance technologies may bump up the price tag of the sedan. Nevertheless, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 is in a league of its own inside its newly born segment.