The 2021 Mercedes A35 AMG compact sports sedan offers a good amount of luxury and exhilaration particularly tailored for the more young and ambitious buyers. Both power and performance can be expected with the A35 AMG thanks to its turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that produces a respectable 302 horsepower. Because it’s German, the A35 AMG bumps heads with BMW’s M235i Grand Groupe and the Audi S3. Needless to say, performance is tight, and competition is stiff, but the Mercedes A35 still holds a strong contender status within its class.
Other than more added standard features including blind-spot monitoring and a 64-color interior ambient lighting system, the 2021 Mercedes A35 remains relatively unchanged for model year 2021. The A35 entry-level sports sedan can be had at a base price of $46,900 and offers various purchase options and packages, such as a Driver Assistance Package that includes adaptive cruise control as well as AMG Ride Control adaptive-damping suspension systems for a wider balance of comfort and performance. On offer is also the recommended Premium package that comes equipped with keyless entry, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, power-folding side mirrors and a remote trunk opener that is also activated by swiping your foot below the bumper.
A 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder engine is found underneath the hood of the 2021 Mercedes A35 AMG. It produces 302 horsepower and 295 ft of torque and all-wheel drive is the only powertrain configuration available. Mated to the engine is a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission.
The sports-inspired sedan also includes a launch-control system that’s automatically activated when you hold the foot brake down while applying full throttle. A “Launch Control” message on the instrument cluster confirms the system is activated and will launch when the driver releases the brakes.
Also available is a 3 drive-mode selector that includes Comfort, Sport and Sport+ that dynamically tunes the throttle, steering and suspension responsiveness for either a smoother or sportier drive.
Despite its entry-level status, the A35’s interior encompasses plenty of luxury aesthetics that rightfully earns the Mercedes badge. Smooth and soft perforated leather are wrapped around the steering wheel and all over the front and rear seats. A 64-color interior ambient lighting as well as the back-lit HVAC vents add an intimate mood to the cabin space as well.
The A35 interior is truly a high-quality construction, but other luxury upgrade options are also available including real-wood trim in lieu of a brushed aluminum finishing.
Given its sports-compact sedan class, the rear seats are limited in leg room for full size passengers, but front passengers are offered plenty of space and comfort. Extra cargo space is available through the 60/40 rear folding seats that are easily retracted via a spring-loaded lever located in the back.
A dual-LCD wide screen display powers the A35’s infotainment system that’s controlled by steering-wheel mounted menu buttons, or a capacitive touchpad located on the center console. Both Android Auto and Apple Carplay are supported, and voice-activated navigation proved to be accurate and responsive as well.
The 2021 Mercedes A35 AMG answers all the needs and wants of a young and enthusiastic driver that’s looking for power and a high degree of control. Despite its All-Wheel-Drive powertrain, the rear-biased torque power delivery makes the A35 feel fun and fast around corners and especially with the off-the-line acceleration. While the short-length chassis of the A35 won’t offer ideal practicality, those who don’t need it will enjoy every bit of thrill that the road-handling and fast power has to offer.
