Mercedes-AMG A 35 Saloon arrives with 302bhp

The new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Saloon has been launched, becoming the entry point into the firm's performance saloon models. It will sit alongside the A 35 hatchback in the range and is based on the standard Mercedes A-Class Saloon. When the car arrives in showrooms later in the summer, it will rival the Audi S3 Saloon and the Kia Stinger GT-S. Pricing will start from around £36,500.

The new A 35 is not a direct replacement for the previous generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 Saloon; instead, it will sit beneath an all-new A 45 that is expected to arrive later this year.

The best drivers cars you can buy in 2019

Setting the A 35 Saloon apart from standard A-Class models is a number of styling upgrades. These include an AMG-spec front bumper with a deepened front splitter, air intakes in the front grille, and twin-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. At the back, there is a boot mounted lip spoiler, and twin tailpipes sitting either side of a rear diffuser.

Optional exterior upgrades include 19-inch wheels and the AMG Aerodynamics Package, which includes a larger front splitter and rear spoiler. Buyers can take the visual upgrades a step further with the AMG Night Package, which includes tinted rear windows and black accents around the bodywork.

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Inside, the A 35 Saloon features Mercedes’ latest MBUX touchscreen infotainment system and digital dial cluster. Also included as standard is sat nav, a reversing camera, climate control, keyless go, a sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, and leather-trimmed sports seats with contrasting red or grey trim.

According to Mercedes, the new A 35 is also more practical thanks to a 420-litre boot (a 50-litre increase over the hatchback) and a wider boot opening of 950 mm. It can also be specced with hands-free access, which is operated by a sensor under the rear bumper.

Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 302bhp, which sends power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. Performance is swift, with 0-62mph taking just 4.8 seconds - only 0.1 seconds slower than the A 35 Hatchback. The car’s top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

This 2.0-litre engine produces CO2 emissions of 174-177 g/km, with fuel economy of up to 36.7mpg under the WLTP testing cycle.

The A 35 Saloon features a number of performance upgrades over the standard car, including larger brake discs front and rear, and enhanced AMG suspension and steering. It also has four selectable driving modes with ’Slippery’ for winter driving, ‘Comfort’ for daily use, and ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ for performance and track use. Each of these modes can be customised by the driver using the ‘Individual’ mode.

Why not check out our review of the Mercedes-AMG A 35 Hatchback to see how it compares, or see our picks for the best performance cars you can buy in 2019.