New Mercedes-AMG A 35 2019: price, spec and release date

This is the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35, a premium hot hatchback taking on the Audi S3, Volkswagen Golf R and BMW M140i. With prices starting at £35,580, it's the most affordable AMG-developed car in the range. UK deliveries began earlier this year and it is available now.

Check out Carbuyer's in-depth review on the Mercedes-AMG A 35 2019

The car is not a direct replacement for the outgoing Mercedes-AMG A 45, a car that was a rival for faster premium performance models like the Audi RS3 and BMW M2. Instead, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 is ranged against slightly less powerful cars like the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3 and BMW M140i, with a full-on replacement for the Mercedes-AMG A 45 likely to be released later this year.

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New Mercedes-AMG A 35 styling

Based on the standard Mercedes A-Class, the Mercedes-AMG version gets a host of sporty additions to help set it apart, including aggressive front and rear bumpers, larger wheelarches, 18-inch alloys and a rear spoiler.

Inside, the A-Class’ already impressive interior gets a fairly light sporty makeover, with more supportive sports seats and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel. Mercedes’ impressive twin-screen MBUX infotainment returns, offered here with the option of Mercedes’ Track Pace programme, which logs driving data when on track. The system can also use the infotainment system's augmented reality capability, projecting the correct racing line for certain race tracks onto the head-up display. Much of this equipment comes at extra cost.

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New Mercedes-AMG A 35 engine

The new Mercedes-AMG A 35 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 302bhp. Power is put to the road through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and Mercedes’ 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system, tuned here to send power to whichever wheel needs the most traction during spirited driving – from purely front-wheel drive to a 50:50 split between front and rear.

The A 35 also gets AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, including a new ‘Slippery’ setting that makes the car more manageable in wet weather, reducing power, flattening the torque curve, smoothing out gearchanges and softening the suspension. ‘Comfort’ puts a focus on fuel economy and refinement, while ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ stiffen up the car’s setup and improve the engine’s responses and noise, opening up valves in the A 35’s standard sports exhaust.

Adaptive suspension can also be added, which automatically adjusts to suit the road at hand in line with three selectable settings, ranging from comfortable to sporty.

Mercedes-AMG A 35 options and pricing

The A 35 starts at £35,580 but the long list of options offered might persuade you to reach much deeper into your pocket. Effectively a trim level rather than an option pack, the AMG Executive line adds a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, active parking assist, leather, heated seats, self-dimming driver's mirrors and electrically folding exterior mirrors. It costs £1,395.

The AMG Premium line builds on the above with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an upgraded stereo, 64-colour ambient lighting, keyless entry and illuminated door sills. It costs £2,395. Alternatively, for £3,895 you get all the above plus a high-end Burmester stereo, panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats with memory, and adaptive LED headlights.

In conjunction with any of the packs above, you can also add the Driving Assistance package for a further £1,695. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, active speed limit assist and active blind spot assist. You can also choose a £1,295 AMG Advanced Navigation package with head-up display, traffic sign assist and an 'MBUX augmented reality' infotainment upgrade, and an Advanced Connectivity package with wireless phone charging and a smartphone-based 'digital vehicle key'. It costs £495.

The A 35 is also available with an AMG Style package. It brings an aerodynamics package with a rear wing, rear diffuser blade and larger front splitter, all finished in gloss black. It adds upgraded 19-inch AMG alloy wheels and dark tinted glass at a total cost of £2,595.