2021 Mercedes-AMG A35: a worthy double life

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC, a compact luxury sedan, is positioned in a wickedly competitive segment. It defines automotive industry rivalry at its best.

Several BMW and Audi models are top German counterpart competitors. The Cadillac CT4, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS and Volvo S60 are also long-time stalwarts. More recent additions include the Kia Stinger, Genesis G70 and Volkswagen Arteon, expanding the all-worthy list to more than a dozen choices. Pick one and rejoice in your good choice.

The AMG (Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach) lineup showcases Mercedes at its best. The manufacturer customizes its vehicles with improved performance and more features. The A35 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 302 horsepower and a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The 4MATIC designation is the automaker’s variable all-wheel-drive system. Acceleration is impressive, with the 3,153-pound sedan completing the 0-to-60 miles per hour standard in 4.3 seconds.

Gas mileage, according to EPA estimates, is 24 miles per gallon in city driving, 31 mpg on the highway. It gives the Mercedes good standing among its rivals.

2021 Mercedes-AMG A35: upscale inside, outside

Introduced as a 2020 model, the second-year A35 edition keeps much the same from a year ago. Upgrades to the standard equipment list include blind-spot monitoring and a 64-color ambient-light system. The carmaker’s MBUX Interior Assistant is a new stand-alone option. It allows selected contact-free multimedia system functions.

As the Mercedes-AMG’s cheapest and least powerful model, the impressive sedan negates any consideration as an “entry-level luxury.”

Driving the A35 combines comfort, performance and versatility. It features five driving modes: Comfort, Individual, Sport, Sport+ and Slippery. Sport+ increases responsiveness; Slippery enhances stability, provides smoother responses and reduces power.

One keen option is the upgraded steering wheel with touchscreen buttons for controlling driving modes. The A35 sports car enthusiasts’ appeal is further enhanced by the optional Aerodynamics package. It includes a larger front splitter, small front canards, a bigger trunk spoiler and additional rear bumper trim.

As a luxury vehicle, the A35 has several features often discovered in higher-priced sedans. The steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather and features paddles for manual control of the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It also has a twin-bar grille, a deep rear diffuser and larger front bumper openings.

True to its AMG branding, the A35’s cabin has sporting touches, including aluminum trim and leather upholstery.

Considering the AMG’s designation as a compact luxury sedan, front seating has restrictive entrances and exits. Rear passengers have it better, but not great. There are only nine cubic feet of cargo room, far smaller than the BMW S3 and S2 models. The front sport seats have 12-way power adjustments on the door panels. Four-way power lumbar support and three-position memory is also included.

The AMG’s four premium packages combine to advance the A35 from its entry-level luxury machine classification to a premium ride. The total cost of the grouped options is slightly more than $4,300. It’s all worthy. The MSPR is $45,850; The car’s price as reviewed is $57,890.

Consider: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard, but satellite radio costs $460. Mercedes provides five USB-C ports throughout the cabin plus an eight-speaker stereo. The 12-speaker Burmester sound system ($850) transforms the cabin into an intimate concert hall for four or five if the rear seat occupants are petite.

Purists might be critical. Is the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC a sedan wanting to be a sports car? Or is it the latter toned down to attract family buyers? Who cares? It’s both and that’s a good thing.

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