Name: Mercedes-AMG A 35 (2018 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Mercedes-AMG A 35
Rating: 64.0

Summary

The Mercedes-AMG A 35 is a performance version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class by the company’s performance division, AMG. It was launched at the 2018 Paris motor show.

The A 35 model is a new addition to the Mercedes-AMG family, sitting between the regular Mercedes A-Class models and the range-topping A 45 model, the second-generation version of which joined the range in late 2019. It’s available as either a five-door hatchback or a four-door saloon, like the regular A-Class models.

The Mercedes-AMG A 35 has received good to very good reviews from the UK motoring media, with praise for its overall performance and high-quality interior. However, its price premium above the regular A-Class range has pulled its scores down accordingly.

The A 35 also suffers a bit in terms of media reviews by being not as fast and exuberant as the range-topping A 45 version, which journalists absolutely love. However, for normal customers handing over their own money, the A 35 is still exceptionally rapid. It’s also easier to live with, cheaper to run and more comfortable on a day-to-day basis. The styling is also slightly more toned down than the A 45, which plenty of customers will prefer.

As of December 2024, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 has a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 64%. It has a good safety rating and reliability record, although its media reviews and CO₂ emissions are only average, while its running costs are poor.

A 35 highlights

Cheapest member of the Mercedes-AMG line-up
Rapid straight-line performance
Refined, high-end interior trim
Innovative infotainment
Comfortable drive with good body control

A 35 lowlights

Not a very practical choice
Less driving appeal than A 45
More expensive than hot hatch rivals
Optional extras very pricey
Engine sounds a bit subdued

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-size hatch and saloon
Engine: petrol
Price: From £46,075 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: Winter 2022/23
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

“The Mercedes-AMG A35 is a fantastic bit of kit. It looks smart, has an excellent interior, and has the performance to take on the best hot hatches.”
Read review

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The updated Mercedes-AMG A 35 possesses the same premium-focused appeal as before, we can’t help but feel, however, that the mid-life changes should’ve been more comprehensive. The on-board technology impresses but crucially, the A 35 isn’t near the best cars in its class to drive. Those looking for a well-equipped and refined hot hatchback won’t do much better, though.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon
Score: 7 / 10
“It has strong pace in a nice and not-too-expensive package, but this is not a proper driver’s AMG.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2019 version (pre-facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s hugely fast and incredibly adept, and it’s all backed up with a gorgeous interior.”

Car+

Score: 8 / 10
“It won’t thrill like a Civic Type R and it isn’t quite a Focus RS-level hooligan enough for some, but it’ll be just as fast point-to-point and will still slap gigantic a smile on your face.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Score: 7.6 / 10
“Mercedes-AMG’s answer to the Volkswagen Golf R is fast, fun to drive and boasts a high-quality, tech-packed interior.”
Read review

Carwow+

Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-AMG A 35 combines a seriously stylish body, a luxurious cabin and more than 300hp, but it isn’t as giggle-inducing as some hot hatches and you have to pay handsomely for those looks.”
Read review

Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic hatchback
“Even in standard spec, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is pretty special – with an interior that’s a cut above all the opposition.”
Read review

Evo+

Score: 8 / 10
“First impressions suggest the A35 feels like a more convincing hot-hatch than the outgoing A45, but its real test will be back in the UK.”
Read review

Honest John+

“Serious drivers might find something like a Honda Civic Type R more rewarding, but the A 35 will be a much nicer car to live with day-to-day.”
Read review

The Sun+

“It’s taken a while, but Mercedes has finally cottoned on to the fact that a well-priced hot hatch was required — and it’s come up with an absolute belter.”
Read review

The Telegraph+

Score: 6 / 10
“Was Mercedes aiming to create a warm hatch version of the acclaimed new A-class? If it did, it failed; performance fiends will love the looks and the performance, but against some highly accomplished rivals the A35 comes across as over-wrought and lacking in finesse.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Score: 7 / 10
“Fast on the straights and in corners, but curiously light on spice and engagement.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 91%
Vulnerable road users: 92%
Safety assist: 75%

The Mercedes-AMG A 35 has not specifically been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety rating with the overall A-Class range that scored five stars when it was tested in 2018.

Available as standard on the A 35 is automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and driver attention monitoring. Blind-spot monitoring is also available for an extra cost.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 240
Average repair cost: £554.13
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class family (including the AMG models) has a better-than-average reliability score, according to warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner MotorEasy. This score and data cover both the current generation and previous (pre-2018) models.

The average repair cost of more than £550 is rather average for a mid-sized car but considerably more than the cost of a used car warranty, which is worth considering.

The most commonly reported faults to date have been with the car’s braking and electrical systems, which have been relatively cheap to fix at less than £300. However, there have been a reasonable number of claims for engine and gearbox faults, which have an average repair bill of around £1,000 and £2,000, respectively.

What is more concerning, if you own an A-Class or are thinking about buying a used one, is that there have been (as of December 2024) an astonishing 44 separate recalls issued by the DVSA in the UK for the current-generation A-Class.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	33 mpg	E	32 – 36 mpg	D – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	192 g/km	C	174 – 199 g/km	C – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	34	C	19 – 37	A – C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£339	C
Year 2	£817	C
Year 3	£1,496	C
Year 4	£1,718	C
Year 5	£2,235	C
Overall	£6,605	C

The Mercedes-AMG A 35 is faster and more luxurious than a regular A-Class, so its not surprising that it will cost you more to own and run as well. This is based on data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption for petrol models is poor, while road tax will also hurt over the first five years as the A 35 is stung by the government’s additional tax on cars over £40K.

Insurance is actually pretty decent for an AMG model, but servicing costs over the first five years are significantly more expensive than a regular A-Class.