No other performance-label has released this much versions of standard cars as AMG. Mercedes has an AMG-version of almost every model,
and the only reason there isn't one of the B-Class, is because the AMG-engineers got an restraining order for it.
But it's never enough, there's always room for more AMG's. For Mercedeses with a transversely mounted engine,
there's not only a 45 AMG-version, but a 35 AMG-version as well. This is the newest of the bunch, the GLA 35 AMG.
And it's some sort of 45 AMG Light. Less sugar, but just as bad for you. It's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, which is transversely...
mounted, producing 306 horsepower. It has four-wheel drive and an 8-speed double-clutch gearbox. Also, it comes with a 'race-start'-feature...
for a highly, emotively appealing experience. Or that's what Mercedes calls it.
But that's marketing-dribble for 'it's extremely quick'. On the other hand, you could've guessed it would be quick with 306 horsepower.
But if you consider this isn't the full-fledged 45 AMG, this thing is crazy quick. I do have to admit, the 2.0-litre is a very torquey engine.
It throws all of its torque onto the wheels as quickly as possible. In the higher revs, the engine keeps going, but it's not like it grows...
when the revs rise. A true boost engine. The throttle response is very good. Especially when you're in Sport Plus. The moment you touch the throttle,
you immediately have the power. The 8-speed double clutch gearbox has an extra gear compared to the A 35 AMG.
It's a gearbox which takes a while to change back when you're in manual. Especially when you're changing back multiple times.
The drivetrain doesn't like to be used to reduce a lap time by tenths through flappy paddles. It's just very easy to go fast with this engine.
But you can easily put it back in S-mode, and you can let it do its thing. It sounds amazing for a 4-cylinder engine,
a lot of turbo-whine. If you let go of the throttle, it starts growling like mad. For an AMG, it's pretty tame, but it sounds really good for a 4-cylinder.
The chassis then. It's like we've already stated. It's not like a 45 AMG in any way. It doesn't have Drift Mode, smoke curtains, rubber on the tarmac.
It's much more sensible. Basically, it's a front-wheel drive car. It only sends power to the back when it's necessary. Like with that Race Start-feature.
Up to a maximum of 50%. So it doesn't have the spectacle you'd expect from an AMG, but it's a very capable car.
It's a calm and collected car. If you've got the dampers in the hardest setting, it's still comfortable enough. It's not that you need to change...
the settings whenever you see a speed bump, otherwise your head will be in the roof. Not at all. It's springy enough, especially for an AMG.
It's all very-well thought through.
It is very wide though. If you steer into a corner, the steering is very pleasant. You'll immediately know what you can do with it.
And with that, it's a very capable car. For example, we're driving on a wet surface now after a dry period. That's when these roads are at its...
trickiest. You immediately know what this car can do for you. There's a lot of traction, a lot of grip. If you go to fast, the nose goes outwards...
and if you let go of the throttle, the nose returns calmly. It will never surprise you, and that's both a compliment and a drawback.
It's just not very spectacle. However, it's a very capable allrounder which enables everybody to go very fast. Exactly what AMG is aiming at...
with that 35-line. Then, the prices. Get ready. €71.000. If I say it fast enough, it might sound less expensive.
It's a lot though, isn't it. Also, the €71.000 doesn't cover any of the options. If you start ticking boxes, you'll easily reach €100.000.
And that's a lot of money. But it's for a very good car. Also, it's the first time in my career that I'm in a car which has a special 'Car Wash-mode'.
If that's not worth €71.000, what is?