Performance meets luxury with the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic

The Mercedes-Benz name is synonymous with the most aspirational luxury cars you can look to own, and of late, the Mercedes-AMG name has added another dimension to this appeal. Any Mercedes carrying the AMG name signifies the absolute cutting edge of performance. But now, with the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic, this level of performance has been made more accessible than ever.

The Mercedes-AMG A 35 is made appealing with its exceptional breadth of abilities. The AMG-tuned 2.0-litre turbo-petrol makes a potent 306PS and 400 Nm. This engine offers the spontaneous response and exciting power delivery that form the core of any AMG model. And as with any Mercedes that receives the AMG treatment, the changes run far deeper. Every detail of the A-Class has been tinkered with to bring it up to the AMG standards of performance.

This starts right from the body which has now been strengthened for more precise handling while the suspension setup has also been optimised for better stability in a straight line and when cornering. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G is configured for the quickest shifts and the sharp acceleration so that there is no let-up in the exhilarating performance. Another significant enhancement that the AMG carries is the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Up to 50 per cent of the power can be sent to the rear wheel through this, to provide you with the best possible control across all situations.

Virdhawal Khade, an Olympian and the Indian record holder in 100m freestyle swimming, sees many parallels with the AMG A 35 in his life. He says, "Staying on top is a game of persistence, perseverance and pure passion. You need to work hard every single day. The only way is to go all-in, fully commit and leave no loose ends."

This ties in perfectly with the AMG philosophy of building a car. Every AMG is built with the goal of offering unbridled performance, which is achieved by putting passion and immense technological might to every car that comes out with the legendary name. This ensures that every time you put your foot down in an AMG, a stirring experience is just around the corner.

But the appeal of the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic stretches far beyond its performance capabilities. It manages to draw the fine line between being a sporty yet usable daily car. So even with the focus on performance, the A 35 is as cosseting as any other A-Class limousine. You have the same useful creature comforts like the sunroof, electronically adjustable seats with memory function and dual-zone airconditioning, as well as the cutting-edge tech that makes the A-Class stand out like Mercedes Me and the MBUX assistant.

Further, the A 35 puts an exciting AMG spin on this luxury. It only takes the AMG-specific graphics in the instrumentation, the supportive AMG seats and the all-black cabin with microfiber highlights and red contrast stitching to see this. And a suitably sporty statement is made out on the road with the unique styling the A 35 carries. This is seen with a bright palette of paint options, the AMG-specific grille and large air intakes in the front. The skirting along the body and prominent exhaust pipes round off this look.

So the Mercedes-AMG A 35 is your A-Class of choice if you are looking for all the comfort and technology that the A-Class Limousine is already known for but want an even more exhilarating experience from behind the wheel. The true genius of this car is that this excitement is easily available, with few compromises that a full-blown sports car demands. Just like our homegrown hero, who hasn't lost touch with his roots despite the immense success and a single-minded commitment to his goals.