Mercedes' new mid-sized hatchback is a nod to growing AMG footprint

Say the word AMG and it conjures up images of a large sedan or muscular SUV with massive tyres, an aggressive grille and sporty flair cues that set it apart from everything else that also carries the badge of the star. With the AMG 35, however, it’s a break from that tradition, and what Mercedes-Benzes India has launched recently is a mid-sized hatchback that looks every bit a regular luxury car but even with its sporty engine and tuning can be driven daily.

This is in at least one part of Merc’s “Five Finger Death Punch” strategy that includes SUVs, large sedans like the S Class, electric cars, compact cars such as the A class and B class, and finally the sportier AMG range of cars.

Like other foreign cars that are being sold in India, this is a made in India product — that is to say, it has been assembled in India.

Inside the cockpit of the GLA it is impossible to miss the accents that tell you this is a sports car and not a traditional Merc designed just for luxury.

On the outside there is the signature AMG badging as well as the 19-inch spoke wheels that give what is a smallish car a larger more upright stance, muscular shoulders, and a wide broad grille that features the star logo prominently. What also sets it apart is that it’s accompanied with vertical chrome plated lamalle.

The dynamic athletic touches continue on the inside and include a thick, meaty steering wheel with a flat bottom and in Napa leather. Sports seats that are both edgy in design and upholstery feature red stitching that plays up the racy DNA of AMG cars.

While a lot of these elements are not entirely new to AMG, top features for this new car include multibeam LED headlamps, a smooth Burmester surround sound system, special AMG suspension and a keyless entry package.

Sports seats that are both edgy in design and upholstery feature red stitching that plays up the racy DNA of AMG cars

Merc says its car is an SUV with racing genes and that’s fairly accurate given the manner in which the engine jumps to converting as much as 300 bhp into quick bursts of speed that translate into stretches of exhilarating driving even in the city. The 2-litre four-cylinder engine backed by a turbocharger can match the fleetest of pedal-heavy feet with reactions that are just as swift and responsive.

Acceleration is seamless as the 8-gear automatic transmission system moves up and down through the speeds with little discernible change making a drive both optimal as well as super-smooth.

Like all top Mercs, this one also features the latest bells and whistles in technology, software and hook-ups that allow you to integrate your digital devices with the car. The car sports a large touchpad that a driver can use to operate the display of the infotainment system akin to a smartphone.

Different drive modes that range from dynamic to sport and more give the car a versatility in driving experience for different conditions on different trips.

For owners wishing to embark on long-haul trips, picnics and shopping excursions, the rear seat backrests feature a 40:20:40 split, which means that if you fold down the centre section, the two outer seats can still be used without restriction, and when fully folded, the backrests transform the rear into a large area that can carry substantial cargo.

While every German car is expensive when it comes to repairs and maintenance and general cost of ownership, Mercedes-Benz is clearly going all out in a bid to retain customers and sharpen its sales strategy. To that effect, the company offers an unusual 8-year engine and transmission warranty. It’s also fully transferable to the next owner and is valid across the entire dealer network, and can be bought in addition a 3-year standard warranty. Ultimately while the warranty is going to be an add-on feature, the point is for driving enthusiasts an AMG car is more than a mobility device that takes you from point A to point B. It’s a function of lifestyle and sport combined together.