This entry-level AMG, for reference, is assembled at the Mercedes facility in Chakan, and comes with a spirited 2-litre turbocharged petrol mill. It is the smallest and most affordable SUV of the AMG batch. 58 lakhs (ex-showroom), is the GLA AMG 35 exciting enough?
03:50Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 | Review
Before we talk about the AMG, I am happy to note the dimensional changes made by Mercedes to the GLA in general. Ratio of a hatchback on steroids gone, the 2021 model is tall like a suitable SUV.
The GLA AMG 35 comes in 6 color trims and the one we had is exclusive and available on-demand only. So how is it cosmetically different from a regular AMG? Check out the parallel-slat chrome grille and revised bumpers at the front. The massive 19-inch AMG-cut alloys look a square apart. Multi-beam LEDs are employed in the AMG variant. At the rear, elements like the twin tip exhaust and the chrome-laden logo are separating the design factors.
Zoom into the all-black cabin, before you fire up the four-cylinder motor to sing, red accents enhance the overall experience. The Twin HD display, which is fully digital, connected, intuitive and easy to operate, has become a hallmark in Mercedes-Benz cars. That said, I prefer the feeling of airiness to the light-themed interior that the regular GLA provides.
The space, dare I say, is strict for four adults. The decent-sized sunroof, and automatic AC, wireless charging do little to move the highly personal AMG GLA 35 into a family car.
The smallest AMG unit is enough for 306 horses and 400 Nm of peak torque. If you are in a mood to impress the SUV, switch it to dynamic mode, and the cracker pins it down to 100 kmph in just 5 seconds. The adrenaline rush is channeled through an 8-speed dual-clutch unit.
Seek practicality, the AMG gen can be subdued in either comfort or efficiency modes, where city driving comes naturally. The exhaust note isn’t sharp, the steering frees up some of the load and fuel consumption isn’t that fast anymore.
4Matic or all-wheel drive is standard in the AMG GLA 35, in case there’s a need to take a less beaten path. The ride is firm enough for everyday use, and that’s understandable. The priority is to have fun in a very individualistic car. The driving sharpness of the AMG variant is quite high as compared to the regular petrol and diesel GLAs.
The ace engine and transmission from Mercedes should have an 8 year/unlimited kms warranty package, which can be transferred to the next owner if you choose to sell it. At an on-road price of Rs 65-lakh, you can get your hands on bigger, more premium sedans and SUVs, but nothing else will assure you the level of engagement of the AMG GLA 35.
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