2023 A35 AMG Driven : Better than the A45?!
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The new #Mercedes A Class facelift is one that’s pretty hard to spot, unless you’re a Mercedes fanatic like me. In fact, the model that sees the LEAST changes is #MercedesAMG’s A45 S, which externally gets new lights and nothing else! Even the standard A Class gets a new front at least…
The opposite of the new A35 - it’s the model with the biggest changes outside! Most obvious is the #AMG specific grille, finally giving this awesome entry level car the face of the rest of its siblings. The 35 AMG also gets a the same bonnet as the A45x with bonnet bulges/power domes, new wheels and a new front apron!
A few new paints are available now - like Spectral Blue, and rose gold. Germany also gets more wheels and interior choices, and RED CALLIPERS, as shown in the video.
As for the Interior - a big MBUX update with a much faster system and an AMG side more akin to the new SL. This includes the supersport driving zone and the epic AMG drive select buttons on the steering wheel.
As before the A35 has a 2.0 4 pot turbo engine, with a twin scroll turbocharger producing 360HP, and 400NM. But now with the addition of a belt starter generator or RSG, with a 48 Volt system - we have a bit of hybrid support, which means adding 14hp and 150NM in certain conditions giving us a more responsive engine!
0-60 is pegged at the same 4.7, but we test it much faster - partly thanks to the new gearbox. The A35 previously used the 7 Speed dual clutch Speedshift transmission. Now the A35 uses the 8 Speed DCT from the A45, including the Race start launch control!
The 4matic AWD system is unchanged, with a 50/50 power split depending on how you drive.
I’ll share some specing advice too - the UK comes with 3 trims starting at 46k: Executive, Premium and Premium Plus. The later being our car, at rrp £50,825. This version gives Aero Pack, Black Wheels, Pano roof, upgraded lights, Passenger memory seats, 360 cam, head up display, and MBUX assistant - highly recommended.
(But a similar car in Germany costs over 70K euros. Yikes! For 63K you get a fully spec’d A45S in the UK)
Are the changes enough to warrant buying this facelift car? And does it still sound good in its updated form? Let’s go for a drive and find out! :)
-- MODS:
I mentioned mods you can do to the A35: my partner in the video for this work is RJ Automotive. RJ can do tonnes more than what I’ve shown, including adding race mode and exhaust flap button in A35, the AMG Screens on steering wheels, supplying parts and much more! Use my link: invi.tt/JRRD
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Driving disclaimer:
Please note all driving shots have been filmed either by professionals in a safe environment, or sped up for dramatic effect, or on closed roads. Please drive safely!
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I'm just here for those COOL ANIMATIONS
😉
what an absolute stupid cost cutting change on the centre console by removing the touchpad! by the way, would you be able to review the facelifted version of the CLA 45S?
AMG have certainly improved the exhaust, sounds much nicer now. Love the driver dashboard too, so customisable as always.
Unfortuantly what you're hearing is A TON of fake exhaust sound effects piped in through speakers. I had the fake sounds coded out and it's no louder than the old A35.
That sound is INCREDIBLE 🔥
It's fake sound pumped through the speakers.
Finally it sounds so much better. I was confused as to why the Hyundai Elantra N had a better exhaust note than the AMG 4 cylinders. Here’s hoping the 45 sounds better too
I am DYING for a driving review on the 2024 CLA 35!!
Really enjoyed this episode I have just bought A Class 220 AMG it my first Mercedes-Benz and I love it.The A35 looks like a lot of fun and sounds great. I play BOTB for the Brabus B45 I would love for you to review one in the future 🤞
As someone who owns an A35 pre-facelift the upgrades on the facelift are quite good. I especially like the 8 Speed DCT Gearbox which I think should have been in the A35 from the beginning having experienced it in the A45. The dynamic select controls are also a welcome feature and it was annoying how you could only spec them on European cars previously. Definitely would consider having the facelift but I am also interested to see the review on the CLA 35 which I was originally planning as a potential next car.
As a previous owner of the 35, and now 45s I'd say push the boat out. Totally different car, and more deserving of the amg badge!
@@tonymuir I've actually driven the A45s at Mercedes Benz World and was very impressed. I nearly bought a 45s but after thinking about it I couldn't justify the price for the extra bhp.
@@liamtaylor14 mine was a 2020 35, well know for cylinder problems, and I lost one so know!. Coming out of warranty I couldn't take the chance of the same thing happening again!. I can tell you as a 45s owner they are worth the extra expense, it's not just horsepower, it's a totally different car!
What a in depth review. Thank you! You were talking about a updated MBUX Version. Does the CLA 35 from 2020 also get the excact same MBUX Version?
I test drove one and the sound was amazing, I cancelled my M240i order and ordered one of these, coming next week, can’t wait!
Oh no! Get the bm back 😱 not for this
@@ct4928 the A35 was in a sales promotion and works out so much cheaper than the M240i, the PCP’s these days are obscene 😂
@@cjhhhhhhh23😭😭 how to mess up whit out saying you messed up but if you like the car thats the most important part
@@havefun1226 I loved the M240i pal but the price difference with the PCP was insane, plus 4 doors when you have 2 kids will always win, if the PCP deal wasn’t so good I’d have stayed with the M240i, long term goal is an M3 anyways
@@cjhhhhhhh23hahha wel i guesss it was the smarter choice than im rocking a stage 3 m140i xdrive and the m3 touring is the goal for me
It's a dream car, and it has been since the first A-Class. They keep making it better!
I was waiting and dreaming about this car 3 years and I'm owner this year sedan AMG and it is really worth!! Amazing car, sounds awesome, drive perfect ( acceleration and corners), really comfortable and on cruise control 120km/h it takes around 5,7 L/100 km! It's really fun and luxury car!
I lile the A class, last 2 gens. I also like the B class as a daily. People roll their eyes on it but it's a very functional car. It has loads of space and isn't huge on the outside.
Great review! Got mine xx
Just ordered my A35 AMG Touring! Great videos keep up the good work 👍🏻
Absolutely love the A class. I've had the pleasure of driving multiple models. Most recently I've been driving the facelift A250e. Great car, lovely to drive, has enough punch for a daily for me. But the interior is definitely a step back. I lived with the previous A250e and the center console, the steering wheel and software were a lot better. I have to admit that the updated interior LOOKS awesome, but in terms of usability it went backwards. The lack of customizability of the drivers display is unfortunate but it's fine. The steering wheel buttons however are not too good. Where before the little touchpads lived you now have these weird capacitive buttons, they sit at an angle, have little to no feedback. Since the customizability is different, the swiping for songs f.e. is different. up/down switches what is shown in the middle, left right is prev/next song. While swiping left or right you often accidentally swipe up or down. You don't immediately notice, have to look down, figure out if you should swipe down or up to find your music player again, try again to swipe left/right. Super annoying. The cruis control/speed limit slider is also not good. Previously you could do a small tick for 1 km/h or mph more less and a big "click" for adding 10/rounding up/down to the nearest factor of 10. You could easily do that without looking, purely on feel. In the facelift to add/subtract 1 you have to swipe up and down on the slider. There's NO feedback so you don't know if it worked. Adding 10 is done by clicking at the top or bottom of the slider which is fine. The touchpad deletion is really sad, but not as bad as the steering wheel. I would've loved the touchpad, some dial or anything to be there, but I got used to it. However, the buttons that used to live around the touchpad I really do miss... Easily switching to radio from navigation and back. You can't do that anymore. When I'm in carplay/satnav, I have to hit home on the touchscreen or the steering wheel, then by using either scroll to radio, select the station. Then to the same again to go back to carplay satnav. Previously it was 1 button to go to radio, select station through steering wheel, touchscreen or touchpad, click navigation and boom you are back where you left off. On the good side of the facelift are of course the looks, I think it comes with more options as standard and it feels like the ride is a bit smoother than before. I really hope Merc rethink their interior, steering and software changes.
Widescreen Apple CarPlay at last though is a welcome and needed addition.
It sounds really impressive
As a 2022 A45 S AMG owner I’m jealous of how that A35 sounds… my car doesn’t produce any sound at all while parking. I’m wondering if the FL A45 improved in that part as well?
Don’t think it did
Buy an exh then. My 45s has the miltek non res. Perfect.
The Elantra N sounds better 😂😂😂
I took my 2020 AMG A45S to PCW exhaust mods, here in the UK. The guy mods the standard system, and it sounds so much better, with louder bangs on the gear changes and when letting off the power. Best thing is, it still retains the manufacturers warranty, and the exhaust flap still works. All in it only cost £340, which was worth every single penny 😊
@@TheTechGiantKZheadbasically a resonator delete lol
The sound even esembles the first gen a45. In your opinion, which is the best sounding 4 pot AMG?
Wish we get the A hatchback in the US. I would buy that in a heartbeat!
Was this a cold start? Also how did you get the engine start to be louder now they have removed emotion start from the facelift? I have recently collected my A35 and hoping after my break in period I can get similar sounds!
Agreed, that centre console section is rediculous. Was designed and agreed on in a meeting on a Friday before a long weekend. Sad!
I currently have an A35 sedan 2022 and Im wondering if I can fix this panoramic grill to my car.. is it the same size and placement of holes
I like the old taillights 4:59 ❤
I am picking up my new a35 premium edition on Thursday. Will the premium edition be just as good? Not too bothered about the aero package or sun roof. Will the sound be the same as the premium plus?
Please help me understand. So the previous gen was the 7 speed DCT correct? And this car is the 8 speed MCT? The MCT being the multi clutch and not the dual clutch. The DCT was better was it not?
Pre facelift is just out of range im looking for a a45 facelift 2018 or golf 7.5r but i would love to own a a35 perfect combo
Love it
Do you know if the exhaust is different or it just a crackle tune? I have 21 cla35.
I used to own an A35, very capable and fairly practical car. But my god was it loud in the cabin and the suspension, especially in the back, was appalling. Also, I’m comparing that suspension to the M2 Comp I had after, not like I am comparing it to a non hot car.
Is the Apple CarPlay is wired or wireless?
6:40 It actually uses an 8 speed DCT, not an MCT.
So MCT or DCT?
@@MrMattCalifornia DCT
This is sooooo cool 👌👌
Why does this sound louder than the previous A35?
Fake piped in sound through the speakers, had it coded out on mine, it's no louder than the old A35.
best review i see this more more more times .... from Italy
does the cla35 facelift sound the same?
I love this but would want to remove the rear wing, dont like it at all
the A series is now unaffordable here @ AU..... a basic A200 is nearly $2k more than a basic Tesla 3.... the A35 is $5k cheaper than model Y performance
Thankss!!!
I need your help.. just got a 2024 cla45s I been told that emotion start won’t work on newest models until after run in period is this true?
may ask you please a test of the new cla amg 35 as well?! I'm buying one ansd i hope that RBR to do a coplere test, thanks
Lovely car, and imo the only AMG that can get away with a 4 cylinder engine
Video editor deserve a raise
Can you please tell me how it is possible to install 'Race' mode in A35? I've bought 2 months ago 2023 AMG 35 saloon model and I would make couple of modifications :). It sounds great but im wondering to even improve more an exhoust to sounds more 'deeper'. And 4.3 sec 0-60 mph? o wow, so how much powert it can have on roller performance tester?
Just remove the glass wool from the factory exhaust no mods and this is so good, i removed everything from my stock exhaust and it sounds soo muchh better 🎉🎉
Owner of a cla 45s shooting brake, and previous 35 amg, Mercedes have had to upgrade the battery assistance due to cylinder problems. Many have lost the cylinder 2 problems as have I!!. I'm no expert but pre face lift models had too much power for the engine!. . Doing away with touchpad is just scrimping imo, why would they do that?🤷♂️🤷♂️
I have an a35 2020 and I have just received my a35 2024. Does anyone know if the new models still have the startup exhaust trick were you had to hold a gear lever to make it sound stronger as you pressed ignition ? In my new car it doesn't happen anymore
The fact C63s are now £100k is a total joke. I remember within the last 10 years then being £65k cars all day long. Even that’s an expensive vehicle. They are simply not worth £100k. The E class used to be the £80k monster, now £120k? Fucking joke. Merc need to wind it in.
I just love the exhaust sound of this A35 and wish my GLA35 sounded as such. I always wanted to drive an A35/45 to compare it against my 2022 GLA35, but we do not get the A35 in the US.
my GLA35 sounds fantastic after my custom exhaust. Only thing is, due to the stock tune on the car it still doesn't pop/bang/burble when car is stationary.
I agree. There’s no program. My son put an armytrix exhaust on his gla45 and it sounds insane. Huge dif over stock. It really cool car for sure.
Hi is it expensive to run the fuel ?
I own a 2021 A35 Saloon pre-facelift, based in Sweden. I can inform you that my car does have the belt-driven 48V system. It's just that for some weird reason, Mercedes didn't advertise it before the facelift. I am curious what the 8-speed feels like. The old 7-speed is quite clunky in town, although massively cool and violent when hooning it on backroads.
That can’t be possible 🤔48V System first came with the facelift
Portland, JAMAICA in the Building!!! 👑🇯🇲🔥💥🌟⭐💯💎
😂this sounds better than the A45s
im getting one in October!!!
Is the facelift CLA35 also sounding like that?
Probably
Yes
The a180 se trim hands down the most diabolically vile car on the road
Aslm Raz. Great content as always. Any chance you could include engine power output in kw too for those of us at the tip of Africa? Greetings from Cape Town South Africa
You have a smart phone, download a unit converter and work it out for yourself, lazy man.
Are these changes coming to a new cla35?
Yes I got the new cla 35 1 week old now
Mashallah GREAT review!
All them things you said to get because we can't live without. I'd literally never use lol standard a35 with aero kit would do me
Is it handcrafted like the a45s? or keeps the old one?
Still the same tuned up a250 engine
all engines are hand crafted but not from only one guy i think.
My cla 35 premium plus has no HUD anyone has this on premium plus in the UK or do you have to pay for it now ?
Depending on when your car was built it was removed due to the chip shortages along with Burmester and the Augmented Navigation.
Mercedes changed the centre console's touch pad into a hand-holding pad. Finally, someone listened. 10:09
F* the "hand holding pad" give us back the center console.
I have the CLA version, and ordered premium package. Let me tell everyone, Mercedes told me 1 day before I received the car after waiting 9 months, it wouldn't come with thr sound system, wireless, and auto boot open. Compensation? Not really. Just 2 years free service. Shocking. Be warned people. They blame CPU shortages.
It literally is down to the chip shortages. My A35 pre-facelift was built in May 2022 and it didn't have Burmester or the Augmented Navigation despite it being a Premium Plus car. For a time I also believe they temporarily removed the electric seats from all A Class models. This isn't specific to Mercedes and was happening across all manufacturers. Porsche were shipping their cars to the dealers without TPMS fitted.
So you think that is okay then...let the customer wait 9 months for the car, and 1 day before they tell me to either accept or tough luck? You think that is acceptable by Mercedes? And also, it didn't happen to everyone. No compensation. Remember that all!
@@walshiedee I never said that, clearly you have no concept of the current state of the automotive industry and how badly affected it is by the chip shortage. It isn't just Mercedes but all manufacturers. Some people are still waiting for their Golf MK8s with no eta.
I don't particularly care mate. Don't sell something and then don't deliver nor adeequately compensate for.the uplift in price of the package. You do seem to be justifying Mercedes. Especially as my car cost £48,000. Don't sell something and renege on it. Simples!
@@walshiedee I'm not your mate, here's a tip. Don't factory order a car during a well publicised global shortage of components and then suddenly be surprised that you don't get the exact spec you want. Yes it's shit, but there's nothing that can be done about it. Prices of premium German cars are increasing irrespective of the spec due to the increased manufacturing costs as a result energy prices so margins on cars are squeezed. I'm sorry you were informed of the change last minute but that is probably a combination of poor communication by your dealer and the fact that the spec changes are more frequent due to the current situation.
haha that a35 lift sounds better than my a45s pre-lift what the f
😂😂😂this is not okay.
Any news on the whereabouts (health) of his SL? 😂
Not just me then,feels like it’s been ‘prince Harry’d’
I hate the centre console. I’ll probably choose a model that maintains the touch pad. Not a good move Mercedes.
Is the sound real ? Or through the speakers .
Through the speakers, even has the sub play it outside the car, had it coded out and it's no louder than the old A35
This has a DCT not an MCT.
I own a Golf R Mk8 and was watching this vid with keen interest. Well, up until the point he said the Golf is better dynamically and quicker ...... I'll be keeping the Golf. 🙂
Get an RS3, destroys all. I just got mine after a long wait, had a Golf R, which now seems lame compared to what I have now.
Its so sad that this entry level feels the same inside and sounds better than the top dog A45s it should be more toned down on the AMG stuff like get rid of the dials on the steering wheel for the 35 and reserve them for the 45 and the 45 should sound better than the 35
Is it a real drivers car though? 🤔
The steering wheel buttons are only available in other european markets. Not UK
That was the case on the pre-facelift but they are available on the facelift. The car he is driving is a UK spec car.
Can’t you see this is a Uk plate right hand drive car before you typed that?
That’s great but can you put some fuel in pls 😬😂😂
😂❤
The wheels on most new Mercs, with that large lip, is so ugly. I really wish they'd offer some OEM alternatives as they ruin the look of the new A, C, CLE and E. Also, I wish they'd provide A & CLA with open pore dash interior. The plastic piano black looks so cheap, and is a nightmare to keep clean.
Raced a Stage 2 PRe-FL A35 and the FL beat it (Stock)
* when do you think the 45 is going to be available in the united states.? The 2024 of course 😅
its still a A250 tuned
There should only be one model of each class of an amg. The pinnacle of Mercedes engineering. All this watering down of lower models and calling them amg’s is doing my head in. It’s a marketing ploy to sell a car pretending to be the top marque when it’s not. What’s the point?
i think the new a-class generation was overall a fail visual wise, with the facelift it got much better though... but i still think, at least visual wise, the old a-class from 2016/2016 looks way better... like i said before, the new facelift looks finally good though...
Quick but it doesn’t sound great. I20N and i30N sounds so much better
It's mostly fake sounds pumped through speaker and sub, no louder than the old A35 once you get it coded out. Trust me I own it
Interior is still the same. Come on, Mercedes. Selling us a couple of extra software updates on the LCD is taking the piss.
if It is not broke dont fix it. The a35 is still a class above the golf R and m135i for interior. I did wish that the piano balck on all the german cars would go away though.
@boomdaus You haven't owned one, and that's why you made such a comment. When you're paying 35k plus for a hatchback, by the 3rd time, you're pretty pissed off being sold the same car. Wake up, yah sheep, these manufacturers are making more profit than ever, and we can all see why. Spend some of it in redesigning the interior.
It’s not a new model is it, so why would you think there would be a new interior
Roll in a CLA35/45S...
These screens are just too much.
that wing looks so tacky
Why are they still using that stupid glossy piano black, enough MB
Lol late to the party with this one sir!! Been out for a while now, Golf R still drives better an alot quicker, drove both cars back to back thanks.
😂😂 of course you did 😊
@@MizzkanI have destroyed your golf r stage 3 😅 Golf still placed 2nd in the event tho beating the Audi rs6, Golf and rs6 had same driver pro racer
"AMG" lol no matter what they do, it's not a real AMG.
1st
Overpriced shitbox to be honest. Sat in one a few times, interior quality is HILARIOUSLY bad.
I think the new style wheels look terrible
IT SEEMS MERCEDES ARE SET ON DEMOLISHING THE AMG BRAND
Why it’s a great car and there has to be an entry level AMG
not worthy of the amg badge
It’s worth every penny of it. I guess your just jealous you can’t afford one….😝
@@Mizzkan I have an amg. A real one. With a 6.2l v8
@@ammankalyan7460 Of course you do 😂😂
Yeah... mora AMG 😂 with this golf GTI like tiny weak engine