Baby's First AMG? | 2021 Mercedes AMG A35

[@phuot1]

Like all german’s car, you get 4 wheels, 2 or 4 doors, a steering, front and rear lights with flashers and a base engine. The rest is options. Take the base price and multiply by 2 to get an idea of the price that you will pay. Suggestion: rent it because the value will drop like a rock. But they are fun to drive ...

[@rhoelg]

prices do not drop that quickly post COVID, due to short supply, cant get any discounts now form dealer s too and you need to wait from production line

[@naveenthemachine]

Alex must be really “obsessed” with RWD dynamics. 😄

[@windanthonystream]

Me too, and there is a good reason why. Just something awesome about being pushed rather than being pulled. Handling dynamics oversteer vs understeer.

[@martinmartin5904]

Yes, it’s just something great to be pushed by this dynamic in my Chevette

[@justabrokeredneck]

@@windanthonystream facts. it just feels different. not tryna flex but i have a 911 i daily drive and i just found out how much in destroying the value of it, so i went out a bought a kona n just for shits and giggles and it feels mad weird being pulled around vs pushed

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, You say, "Mercedes is slicing their pie very thinly these days." For $57,890 I would want the whole pie. The A45 may be the hottest hatch in the whole world but the hottest hatch in the real world is the GR Yaris and we don't get that either.

[@tjk9263]

The GR Yaris isn't available in North America?!

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@tjk9263 Toyota has slapped its most profitable market in the face by refusing to sell us any of the 25,000 they are making.

[@alexanderpeter219]

To bad, the hype over the Yaris GR in Europe is crazy

[@keithcotter-reilly]

@@rightlanehog3151 I want one also, but due to hatches being pulled from the USA market by nearly all makers bar VW and the GTI and R there is no way they are bringing it over.

[@Ficon]

@@rightlanehog3151 Oh come on. You get a 180 hp 4-cylinder Sienna minivan instead. And RAV4 Prime with insane oversteer no Yaris GR can match (look up its moose test). Toyota USA sucks. I dumped the brand decades ago.

[@guizarbg]

How about a G70 3.3T Probably a better car and have some money left.

[@markmiller3279]

It's a size class larger, more of a C-Class competitor.

[@stevee8318]

$60k and you don't even get radar cruise control.

[@_baller]

You can get it for 50k, and if you need cruise control sounds like you need a bus instead

[@CitarNosis317]

@@_baller what distances do you travel usually? To the store and back to home? Lmao. Cruise control is an ancient tech (2000era Mercedes cars had it). And its awesome. Radar cruise? Even more so.

[@joec1774]

$58K and no adaptive cruise, which is standard in a number of $20,000 compacts like Sentra and Corolla. Gross.

[@johnholst]

I also like that CT4 in this price range. But at 58K, I'd just buy the fully loaded 3.3TT G70. Superior in every way. (Except fuel efficiency, of course)

[@bird718]

if it was me i would take a long hard look at that C43 and see if i can get the right options and price

[@BN99239]

I ended up getting the C43 actually. Even though its MSRP is at $67k for the one I wanted, it ended up leasing for almost $200/month less than the A35. The C43's interior is more quality to me than the A class. It does not have the 2-screens but the A class's screen actually gets a lot of glare depending on the sun's position as well; I did not like it at all. Also, the C43 is actually faster and sounds a lot better. The 0-60 time in the A35 and CLA45 are actually calculated using launch control. The C43 does NOT have launch control and that's why its 0-60 time is 4.5 seconds. If you don't use launch control at all, then the C43 is still faster than the A35 and even faster than the CLA45. It also pulls pretty hard top end due to the 6-cylinder biturbo.

[@autonewstv86]

That has too be one the best looking car dashes! Wow! Surprised how big this A Class! sweet ride Joe...nice full video!!

[@ender25ish]

Why would you pay 57k for this when you could get an Elantra N for like 30k? I get comparing Merc and Hyundai might be offensive, but seriously why would you pay nearly 60k for this thing? Hyundai even has a better infotainment system since it doesn't get blocked by the steering wheel.

[@kristians2704]

You have a point but the Mercedes is definetly better (if money wasn’t an option)

[@ender25ish]

@@kristians2704 i think the problem to me is that its not better enough, i'm not the target audience for this car, but i struggle to see how there even is a target audience. There are better options within Merc's own lineup that are better choices for the money, and depending on why you would buy this car, there are better options like the Elantra N for 20,000$ less. I don't think that the Merc is actually better, regardless of how much it costs. They both have DCTs, the Elantra N has a little less power, they both have pretty nice interiors, obviously the Merc is going to be nicer, but is it really 20k nicer? The Elantra is more practical as well, with a trunk that can hold 5 roller bags and better headroom. I don't get why anyone would buy this particular A35, if it had AWD or it had way more horsepower then i might understand, but 57k for this thing? Why?

[@kristians2704]

@@ender25ish it has AWD btw. But yeah I agree that with options this car is overpriced.

[@ender25ish]

@@kristians2704 Is the one he is testing AWD? i was under the impression it was FWD, if it is AWD then the price is marginally more understandable, but its 5-10k too much for what you're getting.

[@kristians2704]

@@ender25ish It has a FWD platform but all A35 models are AWD

[@tjs114]

Remember when almost all automatic transmissions were actuated by a column shifter? Mercedes probably does it to free up space in the center console for that irritating touch pad.

[@chiluco2000]

My head can't compute a car no bigger than a corolla costing over 50K! 😫

[@sprague49]

45K is a pretty expensive amusement ticket.

[@shadowlife1]

Didn’t know you liked RnB music ....classic Pebbles 🙂

[@yes8032]

Small but lovely car I’d definitely get it over the 2 series gran coupe but I think the CLA would be a better deal for me

[@litespeed65]

Lane keeping assist/parking assist/collision avoidance shouldn't be a priority in AMG Mercedes. For all the comments regarding price with MB, simply use restraint when checking the options boxes. I ordered a base 2021 AMG GLC 43 in Graphite Grey and the base 5 spoke 20" wheels (best looking IMO) and nothing else. I just feel it's well equipped and luxurious enough for me, it's interesting what people expect now for a minimum price. Base price for the 43 in Canada is $65,500 but that includes several features such as panoramic sunroof, power folding mirrors and blind spot assist as standard. Choosing the right options in Canada makes for hard choices (a few large packages or nothing) but it's much easier in the USA with a La carte pricing.

[@chiluco2000]

Well yes but, that automatic emergency braking could lower your insurance costs. The theory is that the computer would have faster reflexes than a human 🤔🤨

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@chiluco2000 it's not just a theory, AEB saved me from getting into an accident. It started braking a half-second before I could react and I avoided rear ending someone by a couple inches. (And yes, I was paying attention to the road the entire time).

[@naveenthemachine]

@@chiluco2000 it’s sad that a Corolla under 20K has all the driving assist systems standard

[@alpappalardi7044]

I like the looks. I’m not knocking it. But motor trend and car n driver state. When you pay for half a Mercedes. You get half a Mercedes . I have no clue.

[@martinmartin5904]

For acceleration performance, I say acceleration, I would choose a Stinger or even a k5 , so that I have money left in my pockets. I don’t care much about the status of the Mercedes. These are even more 'money pit' cars than Kias.

[@patty109109]

One could say the same about a stinger instead of a Ferrari, but in one case you’re still driving a Kia.

[@jJuvyCrim]

@@patty109109 lol 😂

[@DBQ42]

Having driven all 3 cars several times, the CLA35 is a league above the stinger and the K5 isn't even in the same solar system.

[@BradSeebeck]

For this money, why would you buy this over a Tesla Model 3? (Assuming you have a place to charge it)

[@ALMX5DP]

I’d have to drive both, but one reason I may choose this is the build quality/fit and finish.

[@yes8032]

@@ALMX5DP me too

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

no

[@handlealreadytaken]

Before owning a Tesla I could see cross shopping a car like this against a Model 3. Now there isn’t a sedan built that I would take over a Tesla besides maybe the Tycan.

[@ALMX5DP]

@Ayush Malpeddi I see plenty of 5-15 year old German cars on the road, try not to be too hyperbolic there. Also in this price category and market segment, most owners don’t keep their cars much past the warranty period anyways, so I really don’t see the issue for them.

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

I don't see the appeal for the A or CLA class I think its for people who only care about the Mercedes badge Id rather save and get a C Class

[@losxlakers]

Love the thoroughness of your reviews!

[@asko2677]

There is no way I'd ever pay $57K for something like this particular car! There are way too many better options for that kind of money, and some for way less as well! Couple of options to mention: Supra 3.0; G70 3.3T; Civic Type R; etc...Hey Mercedes, put the pipe down!

[@ALMX5DP]

You may have a particular preference (and so do I) but there are people who like this type of vehicle as opposed to coupes, less expensive alternatives and the like. Everyone has different tastes, but it’s clear by Mercedes, BMW and Audi all following a similar recipe that there are a lot of people that have such preferences.

[@12pm59]

It’s not worth it in my opinion

[@kristians2704]

People that care about interior quality and technology get the Germans

[@markmiller3279]

@@kristians2704 And pay the price in lousy reliability and high maintenance and repair costs. Really, there isn't anything all that technologically innovative about this model.

[@patty109109]

@@markmiller3279 this is why many are leased. Owning a car like this post-warranty is dubious. Mercedes is not trying to compete with a Honda that looks like a 12 year old styled it. I wouldn’t personally be caught dead driving a type r. That is an aspirational car for young males who got their first job and just squeezed out enough from each pay check for its payments.

[@alexsu6872]

When is A45S coming to NA

[@maddcrz]

AMG lite

[@ricbrown5002]

First finally notified within 9secs normally takes 2-3hrs

[@limpunsing224]

There's no such thing as "cheap" in German luxury brand cars They will kill you with pricey options because they knew most people tend to load their car with options that they don't really need especially for first time luxury car buyers

[@spinmouth4114]

Alex, where can I compare vehicle sizes? You often mention this vehicle is smaller than another in a specific segment, however, why not post an update comparison on your website, or make a yearly class of 202_ size comparison. Obviously the largest in the segment, like the Traverse would be a good vehicle to compare to smaller competitors.

[@InvestBetter.]

The CLA is clearly much sexier looking, and looks $20-30k more expensive The CLA looks like a smaller CLS or GT 4-door. This looks like a stunted C-Class The A-Class looks like what it is. Sensible shoes, sans any sex appeal. No matter what image you are going for, Mercedes has our ride

[@CitarNosis317]

Like the back of the car. Kinda looks like a Lexus GS/IS F lol.

[@alexanderpeter219]

I think the hottest hatch right now in the whole world is the Yaris GR that we don’t get in America.😥

[@brianknecht3216]

Mercedes strategy going forward is to separate their trucking business from autos and focus on the larger luxury vehicles.

[@markmiller3279]

Strange, because it's smaller vehicles that have been proliferating like bunnies in the Mercedes lineup in recent years. No company can stay in business selling just big luxury cars. The profit margins are high, but the volumes are far too low to support a company.

[@brianknecht3216]

@@markmiller3279 not so, they’re making the smaller cars but they’re not selling. I own the stock and have seen annual financials.

[@waynemangan9925]

This is a pretty sedan. I'd maybe buy it if I was wiping with Benjamin's. My 18 Elantra Sport looks nearly this good, now I just need it to get it closer to 300bhp and I'll be more than happy.

[@peterhong526]

Just get a 2021 veloster N or i30 N and keep the 20k in savings.

[@jacobgreenmanedlion1863]

You are forgetting the impressively larger but also nice Mercedes Metris

[@TJZTechShow]

My preference is definitely the CT4-V. Thanks for the amazing comparison, you helped me make up my mind between the two :)

[@diggernick6515]

What!?!?!?!?🤣🤣

[@GlitterGuru]

Pebbles!!

[@ulamss5]

So they're charging $20k for the badge now huh. Darn inflation.

[@trevorx1537]

You are able to buy an A45 in Asia like China.

[@NormandyFoye]

Thx. You saved my wallet

[@0321Mamba]

What about the IS350 or IS500 from Lexus?

[@avolox]

Why don’t that just slap an AMG badge in every car they produce? It’s trending that way. Please don’t ruin the AMG name like BMW did with their M line.

[@danielc3321]

There are so many choices of cars if you have $60k. I know luxe brands are not a value proposition, but you could get more for your money. Who is this even for?

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Lots of piss poor CarPlay implementation in several new cars. Seems car makers are intentionally making it worse to promote their own nav. Can’t be that bad on accident

[@TheAfricanGist]

Some say the Toyota GR Yaris Trump's the A45s.

[@ALMX5DP]

Arguably more fun, but the A45s is definitely the hottest hatch currently. Crazy power, sophisticated torque vectoring AWD and quick shifting DCT. I’d rather have the GR Yaris, but the Merc is a beast.

[@TheRacingShawn]

For this segment, MB has A class sedan, cla sedan, gla, and glb in NA. But I guess true petrolheads want the A hatchback.

[@petegalindez9961]

Like it! The rear looks like the BMWs of a few gens ago...However, I’m not a fan of the interior of Mercedes...

[@paytonkrumenauer1393]

Tail lights remind me of the 2021 Chevy Malibu. But it has another split on the actual trunk lid. Also LOVE your videos.

[@_baller]

That's weird about the screen, they couldn't just extend the blank portion of it??

[@robertehlers3757]

Can we come up with a dedicated term for glass roof panels that don't open, and then reserve "panoramic moonroof" only for those that can open?

[@goetzliedtke]

I notice your right leg is resting up against the console. That gets old when driving for more than a half hour or so.

[@jchaps1]

A "blast" to drive? I think you meant "a hoot and a half" 👉

[@lenol0315]

im a manlet , good car for me

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

I still cant getaway with the fact that this is a front wheel drive vehicle... SO is BMW with the new 2 series ... NO idea where these brands are heading

[@rightlanehog3151]

They are cashing in on their former glories at every opportunity.

[@myemailiscool]

as someone who bought one, i can tell you i have never once commented on how it felt fwd. it just sticks and grips, and never slips. i launch it more than i probably should, even in the rain i don't sense the power going from the front to the back; it happens realtime. it's a wonderful driving car, not very refined but in terms of dynamics i place it at the top of the class, having test driven the competitors

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

@@myemailiscool I got you … with modern electronic systems enabling it can do torque vectoring almost instantaneously making the vehicle behave predictably across a numerous situations. But considering the fact that mercs and bmvs were once known for their drivetrain arrangent ie.. RWD bias with equal weight distribution, modern iterations took a totally different path and its hard to recognize them as they are. But 400hp hatch, needless to say it is special though

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

@@rightlanehog3151 Front wheel drive 1 & 2 series and even X1 :)

[@kristians2704]

@@cyrilmatthew2995 but when Acura and Lexus constantly make FWD vechiles nobody complains.

[@miguelircontar]

60k no safety features lol gotta love Mercedes

[@OM_42]

If you want to drive Mercedes you have to pay.

[@_baller]

Wait you're giving it a C+ cuz the AMG actually handles better and therefore is rougher on rough roads...um, you should know what your reviewing

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

The classic conundrum.. build out the unique desirable performance brand until it is neither unique, desirable, nor performance . What next?

[@helmsdeep84]

I'm sticking with my crappy Toyota corolla lol...

[@naveenthemachine]

I’m sticking w my 40K Camry XSE v6. Those 17K in savings could go a long way...

[@thomasgriffith7518]

90s Blackberry??? They didn’t come out till 99 and didn’t have a track ball (not a track pad until around 2010) until the mid 2000s. Way to be hyperbolic, Alex.

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

Thank you for front seat headroom info. Being 6'5" this is one of the most basic litmus tests for all vehicles. Of the German marques only VW seems to be a good fit.

[@CaliforniaMISC]

just buy tesla

[@yes8032]

Lol no

[@bobbbobb4663]

Why would I buy from a company that can’t figure out how to turn off syslogging and subsequently ruin the eMMC flash?

[@bikingmoments]

Alex, what do you think about a long wheel based AMG--the A35L which is quite popular in China? That makes rear seats much more practical!

[@markmiller3279]

The rear seats in the regular A are usable for adults, if not massively spacious. If you only carry adults back there occasionally, and for shorter trips, it's fine. The Chinese buyers of luxury cars almost all have drivers, so stretched models are fairly common.

[@bikingmoments]

@@markmiller3279 Bro your impression is a bit biased🤣Only for 7 series / A8L / S class cars there will be a paid driver. For things like 56e and 34c they all have long wheel based versions which are just much more practical and sells so much better than standard wb versions.

[@goetzliedtke]

Ahh, Mercedes has joined BMW in making cars to fit short people. BMW has always made cars to small for anyone over 6', Mercedes used to make comfortable cars for tall folks.

[@jmer3536]

Um NO

[@philsalley3278]

Seems like an incredibly compromised car for $57k. How does anyone justify a rattley, loud, rough riding Mercedes at any price? I question all reviewers who constantly talk about handling dynamics while downplaying ride, quietness, smoothness which are the things that count every day. It wouldn't take long for most people to decide that handling was far less important and that they made a bad bargain. Isn't "customizable" just a fancy way of getting buyers to pay way to much for the things they want and need.

[@markmiller3279]

You can always buy the regular A-Class instead of the AMG. It will be quieter, ride better, and be just as nice inside (which is really, really nice). OK, it won't be quick, but it will drive like a normal car. The squeaks and rattles are alarming, but press cars are often treated badly, so likely developed prematurely. The softer suspension of the non-AMG model would probably cause fewer of them. My problem with these cars is their lousy reliability. Mercedes did horribly in the latest Consumer Reports reliability ratings, with the brand as a whole far below average (and below Audi and BMW), and without any models even approaching average. Sad.

[@philsalley3278]

@@markmiller3279 Poor reliability is a many decades long trademark of Mercedes. Every one I have owned was terrible. If you can't deliver a press car for reviewers without squeaks and rattles what can retail customers expect.

[@bchin324]

I want this car, but it's too expensive for what it is. It makes more sense to buy a tesla.

[@metaldiceman]

1st

[@castronautmusic]

Take notes toyota and lexus

[@yes8032]

True

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

wtf are you talking about fanboy, why would Toyota take note and build a $50k Corolla...

[@castronautmusic]

@@Mgoblagulkablong I'm not a fan of Mercedes. But those performances numbers would be great for the 2022 corolla gr or camry trd

[@bradleywatkins17]

@@Mgoblagulkablong They build a 42k Corolla which is basically the UX...

[@naveenthemachine]

Toyota is fine. Actually the Toyota’s on the TNGA platform are better than their Lexus counterparts

[@raymarcable1292]

No reliability unfortunately for that price range

[@NormandyFoye]

The only thing that scares me away from Mercedes is the reliability score. I guess that’s the cost you must endure for such great initial performance. It’s simply not competitive, within the reliability index, to Japanese engineering. You will pay a very steep price initially, as well as long-term, for ownership of this brand. And it only gets more costly over the long term ownership experience. To put it crudely, it’s like loving a fast, extremely erotic lover over a more satisfying, long term soul mate who will complete you.

[@barbecuetechtips6024]

What a noisy piece of junk.

[@kyleken2049]

Over priced and an embarrassment to amg line up. AMG used to be expensive but well worth it, now benz making amg logo like a joke to its name.

[@GreenMountian]

MB is ruining an iconic badge/brand by making AMG engines for cheap cars!!! Thumbs down MB!!!

[@xray111xxx]

C43 all the way. The A35 is a hoot in the canyons and the point and squirt times. Cannot be beat. Did you say 29MPG??? That is amazing. That is cheapy compact car fuel economy still in a performance Mercedes. Bravo!!! But I have to live with this car everyday. The C43 is just right. Refinement, room, value. Well this is a Mercedes. I am not wanting to be beat up all the time. I guess the deal would be have a nice E class as your cruiser go to work machine, and have the A35 as your toy around the favorite back roads with still enough room for your significant other and some food and beverage lunch somewhere. What else do you need? Love your review Alex. A fan since forevers!

[@litespeed65]

We get the C43 wagon in Canada.

[@Nonyabuisness90]

Junk

[@CarNut43]

Does anyone else hate amber turn signals?! I think they look so cheap. I don’t know why reviewers recently have been loving them.

[@ALMX5DP]

Amber is the proper color for turn signals.

[@CarNut43]

@@ALMX5DP There is no proper color for a turn signal. If it signals your turn, it’s working effectively.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@CarNut43 nah it’s been proven that color matters, and amber helps to be more visible hence why it’s mandatory in many countries.

[@markmiller3279]

@@ALMX5DP Actually, no, it hasn't. It's the flashing that captures the attention. The color barely registers.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@markmiller3279 so explain this quote “ In 2008, NHTSA (the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, responsible for writing U.S. vehicle safety standards) released tentative findings that amber (“yellow”) turn signals are up to 28% more effective at avoiding crashes than red ones. Then, in 2009, they released preliminary findings that across all situations, including those in which turn signals don’t matter, vehicles with amber rear turn signals are 5.3% less likely to be hit from behind than otherwise-identical vehicles with red ones.”

[@cbruno12180]

IMO this an overpriced piece of shit front wheel drive biased drivetrain too!! Merc Benz has really gone nuts in the pricing of their whole line up!! There are way to many options today for much less money too.. Sonata N 37k Kia k500 gt 38k and awd now Lexus is300 52k probably the best made car in the Segment too

[@yes8032]

A dated IS? No thanks

[@cbruno12180]

@@yes8032 no the new 2021 is 300 have u seen the review on it? Really nice job they did on it.. and I would take an older one as well over any merc benz they are the most reliable car in the world and they have the highest resale value out of any auto maker!!

[@yes8032]

@@cbruno12180 I’ve seen it it’s quite beautiful the problem is the dated interior and lack of technology by the way doesn’t it compete whit the c class?

[@chiluco2000]

@@yes8032 I own a KIA and love how you compare them to Lexus! 😉

[@yes8032]

@@chiluco2000 thx

[@Tard129]

Bruh who would buy this people really hate their money don’t they

[@yourmommashouse]

To answer your question in the description... Because the C class optioned the way you want is near e class territory... and so on lol