Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic Sedan launched – from RM348,888
Sorry folks, seems we’ll have to wait a little bit longer before the mad, 415bhp and Drift Mode-equipped A45S super hatch arrives. Instead, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) opted to launch the more ‘sensible’ A35 4Matic Sedan locally today.
Aptly, this is the hotter version of the V177 A-Class Sedan (or ‘Limousine’ in Merc lingo) the firm launched earlier this year. So, what’s in store with perhaps the smallest fast sedan to bear the fabled Afalterbach-based tuning division’s badge? Plenty.
We’ll start with the powertrain, which features a 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo mill delivering 306bhp and 400Nm. Paired with it is a 7-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch (DCT) automatic and tricked-out 4Matic AWD suite, the latter’s spectrum ranging from front-wheel drive only to 50:50 front-rear distribution too.
The result of which sees 0-100kph done in just 4.7 secs whilst enroute towards its electronically governed 250kph V-max. Drive this hot sedan ‘sensibly’ and Merc claims it will sip as low as 7.3 litres/100km on a combined cycle too.
In typical AMG fashion, there’s plenty of go-fast style to match like the distinct AMG-specific grille, bumpers, rear diffuser, aerokit, and tasty lightweight 19-inch multi-spoke AMG sports alloy wheels set too.
Climb aboard and, as we’ve seen in other Malaysian-flavoured AMGs, the A35 Sedan is equipped with the AMG sports steering wheel, AMG performance seats, as well as the AMG digital instrument display boasting racy G-meter and Race Timer functions.
Apart from that, everything else appears to mirror what we’ve already seen in the un-booted A-Class hatchbacks, meaning you get to marvel in Merc’s new generation cabin styling and presentation.
Notable too is the presence of multiple drive and damping modes, the former toggled through the Dynamic Select switch as per Merc’s norms. The latter, on the other hand, is granted by the presence of clever electronic adaptive dampers at all four corners.
Of course, being based off the booted A-Class means that all this power, performance and the famed three-pointed star’s renowned plush luxuries gets matched with greater practicality thanks to a respectable large 420-litre boot.
For those wondering, yes, this sedan version of the A-Class also comes brimmed with Merc’s novel and intelligent MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) voice-command suite that you can prompt by just saying “Hey, Mercedes…”
Like any of its other offerings (non AMGs included), this Merc is no bargain to say the least, commanding RM348,888 sans insurance. For reference, that’s RM119,000 and RM81,000 more over the base A200 Sedan and A250 AMG Line variants respectively.
Pricey? Sure. But, if you look at it from another perspective, that’s a relative bargain considering that the next AMG performance sedan available, by which we mean the equally fast but larger C43 AMG, costs RM73,000 more.
With all that considered, could this be the ‘everyday AMG’ you’re looking for?