Exclusive: Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC Review

Another massive exclusive from us at carandbike, and this time it is all-new Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC. This is one of the racier avatars of the GLA-Class compact SUV, that shares a platform and powertrains with the recently launched A-Class sedan - which too has its AMG model being made here. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 comes with that hallowed AMG badge; and it along with the more potent GLA 45 and 45 S models offers faster, edgier performance and hey - you know it - styling too. And we have it first! In fact we have got the whole GLA family with us, but we choose to focus in this review on the red hot AMG! (But you can read the review of the 'regular' AMG too). To begin with, the new generation of GLA has more of an SUV proportion when compared to the last car. It's a good looker, and the AMG version more so.

Also Read: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA & AMG GLA 35 Launched In India

(With the Bishangarh fort in the backdrop, the AMG GLA 35 makes for an imposing and an impressive photograph)

I decided to really spend the right kind of time with the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 - so lived with the car for a week. Everything from higher speeds on the highway, to some winding roads. And even the more coffee runs and mundane trips to grocery store - always on city traffic. And here is the headline - the GLA 35 is versatile, making it a potent combination of practical and powerful. The pictures you see are largely from the day trip I made with it to the impressive Bishangarh Fort that is now a luxury hotel under the Alila banner. Including detours and our shoot requirements - that meant driving over 550 kilometres in that one day. And it was time well spent.

Design

(The front end of the GLA 35 AMG looks more aggressive than that of the GLA, thanks to the new AMG grille and a sportier bumper)

The GLA 35 looks the part, as the AMG-ness becomes rather obvious on it. It has the signature AMG grille with vertical slats and a sportier bumper. The front apron and splitter are also different to the stock car. The rear apron and diffuser, bumper and spoiler also add to the look. 19-inch grey alloy wheels are standard, though in Europe you can opt for larger 20-inchers. The silver AMG brake callipers are also visible, and there is a Turbo 4Matic badge on the fender.

Also Read: Mercedes-AMG GLA 35: All You Need To Know

(The Turbo 4Matic badge on the fender adds to the gravitas of the car)

Most of the elements help add to the SUV stance of this softroaders - meaning the sportier model actually ends up looking more butch! There are six colours, and while that includes the Patagonia red I have, it costs extra - Rs. 6.70 lakh extra since it is a special design paint shade. The car gets a lot of things standard for India. And that list spans everything from those wheels to the panoramic sunroof.

Performance

(Despite being a performance oriented machine, the AMG GLA 35 gives you those SUV feels when you drive the car)

There was criticism of the first generation being too much like a hatch and not SUV enough. The good news on this generation is it drives like an SUV, you get into one and straightaway you have that SUV feel. Interestingly not all of that comes through on the GLA 35 though. A lot of people would want the AMG model to also feel SUV like. But not me. To me if you are buying this car, it is primarily for its performance. If you wanted a compact Mercedes-Benz SUV, you'd just buy the regular GLA 200 or 220d. The AMG model must be sportier, more direct, with the driver at the centre of its inherent character.

(The AMG GLA 35 is best suited for those who like being in the driver's seat)

And not being that way would also create a huge separation between the GLA 45 and 35. So it is not a sports car of course. But it is properly stiff and gives you the slight edge that you'd be looking for. So the throttle is responsive, sharp and the gearbox also comes to the party. The car responds well enough in Comfort Mode. But go into Sport or Sport+ and things start to get very interesting. The steering is not as sharp or stiff as I had expected though, but does the job. If you are expecting a typical Mercedes-Benz feel - think again! The GLA 35 is stiff, and best suited for those who like being in the driver's seat.

Engine

(The AMG GLA 35 gets a 2-litre 4-cylinder motor which is turbocharged. The USP here is the 400 Nm of torque that the engine generates)

The GLA 35 uses the Mercedes-Benz M260 engine (2-litre, 4-cylinder) that also goes into the range topping petrol GLA 250 overseas. The engine has been given an AMG tune, but is not made by AMG - that's only on the GLA 45. There's a minimal hint of lag, and so along with quick throttle response, and as I said earlier, you get a gearbox that will comply - even if you do not use the paddles. The reason the 35 is plenty is also because Mercedes-Benz India has played it smart by not offering the petrol GLA variants that use the M260. Instead we only get the GLA 200 that has the smaller 1.3 litre engine. So the performance difference is very apparent. And for me the 400 Nm of peak torque is the big story.

Ride and Handling

(The ride quality on the AMG GLA 35 is stiff, but can be made comfortable by choosing the comfort mode)

An adaptive suspension with variable damping is also standard for the India spec. It's a good thing too, because frankly if you look at our road conditions and marry it to the fact that this is a slightly stiffer car - it makes the car more comfortable. So you can have individualised drive mode settings, comfort, sport or sport+. In comfort mode in particular the ride will feel a bit more pliant. Yet on a car like this you want the growl and the instant response - meaning sport or sport+ are its best modes.

Tech and Interior

(The AMG GLA 35 gets all the typical trimmings of an AMG model in terms of colour palette and material)

The GLA 35's interior feels very much like an AMG. It's got all the typical trimmings and trappings of an AMG model in terms of colour palette and material. You get the dark treatment on seats, dash and roof. And the red stitching everywhere, trademark red seat belts (which I love), glossy black and metal finishes all around - drive home the AMG treatment. To me that is great - since the GLA 35 really is for those who want to drive themselves, and more often than not - like the edgier, sportier look. Being an AMG model you also get the flat bottomed steering wheel, and sports seats.

(The turbine-style AC vents are still a hit! Fit and finish is what you would expect from an AMG SUV)

The cabin gives you the latest single screen look infotainment touchscreen plus digital cluster. This lets you have customised views of the instruments too. The two screens work through the touch pads on the steering - as in all Mercedes models. The same goes for phone connectivity, wireless charging, and a Burmester sound system. The car has an inbuilt sim with Mercedes me connect app allowing you to use telematics function like remote unlock or geo fencing.

Safety

(In terms of safety, the AMG GLA 35 gets a variety of features and a total of 7 airbags)

On the safety front everything and more is standard. Collision warning, tyre pressure monitoring, Isofix, 7 airbags, including a knee airbag, active brake and brake assist. active bonnet, stability control, antilock brakes with brake force distribution and attention assist.

This is now the third AMG model to be assembled in India - after the GLC 43 and A 35. Even though some may argue the more potent GLA 45 would have been better to have, I think the 35 is the smarter way to go. Don't get me wrong - I'd have loved to have both! And the GLA 45 S too! But since that is not practical, and there needed to be a local assembly angle thrown in - the 35makes most sense. You see the 45 variant also needs to be made in AMG's own facility as that engine gets made by AMG. Not the case with the M260. This also allows the company to offer a GLA with that AMG badge - at under Rs. 60 lakh. The pricing for the GLA 35 makes it quite attractive given its dual personality and purpose.

(Bringing the AMG GLA 35 instead of the 45 and the 45 was a smart move by Mercedes-Benz India)

Yes, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is the car you can use every day. It is reasonably efficient - I managed a highway run averaging 14.3 kmpl, and got 9.2 in bad city traffic. So it is a blend of practicality and performance. It is relatively more affordable than a full blown AMG model and so I could not be happier that it forms an integral part of the GLA-Class portfolio in India - and not just a niche small batch of import units. I hope the GLA 35 is a big seller, as it and the A35 could together spark off a new segment of entry performance cars in India. I now wait and wonder how that will spur the rivals. Your move BMW and Audi.