Leaked: 2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 Details Shared Before Paris Debut
While the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A35 hatchback was supposed to be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show next month, Australia’s Redline released details and images a little prematurely. Normally, a leak this premature would leave us feeling overwhelming suspicious. But the accompanying imagery, all of which is appears to be sourced from Daimler’s marketing department, seems valid.
Unfortunately, this AMG variant is assured to remain in Europe to duke it out with the Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R. But when/if Mercedes decides to bring a sedan version stateside, it’ll probably boast similar figures.
The initial A-Class AMG is said to receive a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder capable of generating 300 hp between 5,800 and 6,100 rpm. Meanwhile, 295 foot-pounds of torque begins at 3,000 revolutions per minute. Redline also claims Mercedes will begin production on the new, beastly A45 sometime in 2019. Output is rumored to surpass 400 hp.
While still front-drive biased, power is sent to all wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an AMG’s Performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive setup. Up to 50 per cent of the vehicle’s torque can be sent to the rear wheels whenever the system sees fit. Enthusiastic acceleration is expected to yield a zero-to-60 time of just 4.7 seconds, which is right where you’d want it versus the competition.
Physically, the car has undergone a mild transformation. The most noteworthy change is an rather substantial rear wing and subtly lower ride height. But we’re also noticing a more-aggressive lower fascia and unique rear bumper. The interior showcases AMG sport seats, a flat-bottomed leather and microfiber steering wheel, paddle shifters, and Mercedes’s hulking dual-screen setup. There also might be some color matching happening between the exterior paint and interior accents.
Again, this is all unconfirmed. But it sure looks legitimate. We’d expect Mercedes to verify these details as genuine before Paris. Otherwise, confirmation is about a month away.
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Every "leaked" Mercedes picture is professional and taken by them, and has for the last 10 years. C'mon guys. They do this with every new car.
I would consider the hatchback, not a sedan.