302bhp Mercedes-AMG A35 saloon revealed

Mercedes has expanded its entry-level AMG offering with the A35 Saloon.

The A35 Saloon slots in beneath the Mercedes-AMG C 43 as Affalterbach’s new entry-level saloon model. Set to go on sale later this year, it is the second model from AMG to run on Mercedes’ compact car platform following the A35 hatchback, and will compete with Audi ’s S3 Saloon and the BMW M240i.

The A35 Saloon uses the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as the A35 hatch, producing 302bhp and 295lb ft of torque. AMG claims a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds, just 0.1 slower than the hatchback, while top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

Power is sent to all four wheels through a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic gearbox and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system, which can vary from fully front-wheel drive to a 50:50 front/rear distribution depending on driving conditions. It uses MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and can be optioned with adaptive dampers.

"Following the very successful launch of the hatchback model, things are moving along dynamically in the compact class segment at AMG,” Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers said. “Sport saloons are the origin of Mercedes-AMG and part of the brand's core.”

The A35 saloon rides on 18in alloy wheels and shares its front end with the A35 hatch, with enlarged air intakes and front splitter. Its liftback rear is in part inspired by the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS, with an aggressive rear diffuser and twin exhaust system. An optional AMG aerodynamics package tweaks the front splitter and adds a rear lip spoiler.

Inside, the A35 Saloon comes equipped with Mercedes’ MBUX multimedia system, combining a fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen under one piece of glass. The former can be customised with different view modes including Supersport, which adds AMG-specific data such as G-Force readings and track telemetry.

It can also be optioned with the AMG Performance steering wheel seen on the larger Mercedes-AMG C 63 saloon, integrating customisable shortcut keys with digital screens that can be used to adjust drive modes, suspension settings and traction control without having to use the main touchscreen.