The A45 was the first hot hatch for Mercedes-AMG, and it was successful from launch, which is pretty rare in this segment. However, the performance brand is now looking to diversify its lineup, which could eventually have as many as a dozen derivatives, and this is one of them, the A35 sedan or limousine.
Even though we haven't driven it or seen one without the camouflage, this AMG model is very easy to explain. In short, it's a direct rival for the Audi S3 sedan, which American customers say is good-looking.
We know that looks are also on the side of the new A-Class sedan, already launched in North America (though available all over the world). However, while the range usually tops out with the A 220 making 188-hp and 221 lb-ft, the A35 will have much more.
We could tell you about the European powertrain from the A35 4Matic hatchback. It makes 306 PS and 400 Nm of torque, which would translate to 302-hp and 295 lb-ft in American numbers, but it could also be a little lower due to the fuel and other stuff.
One thing is for sure: it will be sufficiently fast, having a 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) sprint time of under 5 seconds despite the sedan body adding a little bit of weight. And if that's not enough, there's also going to be a more powerful A45 sedan with around 400 ponies.
As for the styling underneath the camouflage, we expect this A35 4Matic to look 99% identical to the A 220 AMG Line. The dual exhaust pipes a la Golf GTI are what set this apart, though we're also going to get an optional aero package.
So what about this dozen-strong AMG army we talked about. Well, there's a lot of body styles we know about. Besides the hatch and sedan, Mercedes has a new CLA on the way, along with the CLA Shooting Brake they initially planned to discontinue. Also, the GLA and GLB are coming out next year, with a small sports car expected a few years down the road.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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