title：Mercedes AMG A35 Review: Is It Worth Your Money?

content：Is the Mercedes AMG A35 the Premium Hot Hatch You Need?

You’re hunting for a hot hatch that balances daily comfort with thrilling drives, but the old AMG A45 felt too crashy and unengaging. After analyzing this test drive video, I’ll break down whether the A35 fixes those flaws and if it’s worth your £35k.

The A35 is AMG’s new entry-level model, not a replacement for the upcoming 400+bhp A45. It’s priced at £35,580—slightly more than a Golf R but cheaper than the old A45. Let’s dive into its key upgrades and real-world performance.

content：Key Upgrades That Fix the Old A45’s Frustrations

The A35 addresses two major pain points of the old A45: rigidity and 4WD responsiveness.

First, a sheer panel under the engine bay adds chassis bracing, reducing flex. This gives the suspension a stable platform, leading to sharper steering and more consistent handling.

Second, the 4WD system uses an electromechanical differential instead of the old electro-hydraulic one. It’s faster to respond and predictive—sending up to 50% power to the rear before front slip occurs, unlike the old model which only reacted after slip. These changes make the A35 feel more agile and engaging.

content：Performance & Daily Usability

The A35’s 2L turbo engine delivers 302 bhp and 295 lb-ft of torque—plenty brisk for most drivers. The 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox shifts quickly, working smoothly in auto mode for daily commutes.

Adaptive dampers (optional £700) transform the ride. In Comfort mode, it’s settled and composed—far better than the old A45’s crashy feel. Sport Plus mode tightens things up, offering sharp handling and a bold exhaust note. The steering is crisp and predictable, with good weight, though it lacks the raw feel of a Megane Trophy.

Brakes are large and durable, though extreme downhill charges can cause slight pedal softness. Overall, the A35 balances performance and daily comfort well.

content：How It Stacks Against Rivals

The A35 isn’t the most thrilling hot hatch, but it’s a strong all-arounder:

vs Golf R: Slightly pricier but has a more premium cabin. Ride quality is better than the old A45 but not quite the Golf R’s level.
vs Focus RS: The A35’s front-biased 4WD is less playful than the RS’s rear-biased system, but it’s more practical for daily use.
vs Renault Megane Trophy: The Trophy is more thrilling on twisty roads, but the A35 is smoother for long drives and has a better interior.

content：Toolbox: Actionable Steps to Test the A35

If you’re considering the A35, follow these steps:

Test drive with adaptive dampers: Try Comfort mode on bumpy roads and Sport Plus on smooth twisties.
Compare to rivals: Drive the Golf R and Audi S3 to judge value and feel.
Check maintenance costs: AMG parts can be expensive—ask the dealer about long-term service plans.
Test the 4WD: Push it in Sport Plus on wet or slippery roads to feel the predictive traction.

Recommended resources:

Mercedes AMG’s official site (configurator and specs).
Top Gear’s hot hatch group tests (to see how the A35 ranks against competitors).

content：Final Verdict

The Mercedes AMG A35 fixes the old A45’s flaws and delivers a balanced package: it’s fun to drive, comfortable for daily use, and has a premium feel. It’s not the most thrilling hot hatch, but it’s a solid choice for those wanting performance without sacrificing practicality.

Which rival would you pick over the A35, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments!