Driving Report: Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic

At first glance, it looks like disarmament: Of course, the provisional top model of the A-Class comes from the Mercedes sports department and, at prices starting at 47.530 euros as the AMG A 35, actually does 75 horsepower less than the predecessor A 45. But that's it The most performance-hungry among the fans of the Baby-Benz do not have to grieve. The next 45 will definitely come and - for whatever reason - will break the 400 hp mark.

But it is not yet time, now the stage belongs to the "little one", who aufhübschte in Mallorca for the first test rounds. Quite enjoyable that the new entry-level model in the AMG world during a tour along the "Ballermanns" not by an equally attentive attentiveness. The sheet metal dress is pleasingly smooth, differs from the normal A-Class only by disguised side skirts. At the front the typical AMG face with the double louvers in the radiator cowling. Behind a narrow rear spoiler on the roof edge greets the overtaken. Who feels this Anpresshilfe as too small, can order a larger, free-standing "ironing board" in the aerodynamic package and is just about 1.845 Euro poorer.

A quick look into the interior: The seat covers look like leather, but no cow had to give his life for it. "Artico" is the name of the deceptively real replica of microfiber. Red splashes of color (eg seat seams, straps or framing of the air jets) ensure freshness in the otherwise dark ambience. Of course, the AMG has also adopted the novel display system with the two monitors linked under a common cover glass. In addition to the familiar displays, special AMG functions can also be called up, which then display different styles depending on the selected mode ("classic", "sporty" or "supersport"). In the wildest mode, a big rev counter is the dominant element.

This makes you hungry for the operation of the start button to the right of the steering column. The four cylinders, distributed over two liters of displacement, begin their work in a comforting whisper. An automatically controlled flap in the exhaust system allows the AMG to always start in the quietest mode. The neighbors will thank you. When one of the sporty variations is chosen on the open track, the pitch changes. No roaring as with larger AMG cars, but still powerful and desirable bollerig what mutated especially in tunnel passages to a classic automotive music.

Of course, all of this tempts you to lure the secret Hamilton spirit out of your core on the tight serpentines, the short straights or the still and again and again bumpy country roads. It is hard to admit it nowadays: The AMG 35 is a fun vehicle, thanks in part to direct steering, the firm grip thanks to perfectly controlled all-wheel drive and the finely adjustable brakes, which can also really grip on request. Since there is hardly anyone high up in the mountains before the Christmas tourist invasion, the guilty conscience remains in the frame.

But even an AMG is again the good A-class, if it goes on leisurely forward. Thanks lush power of passage to the relaxed island exploration reach the higher levels of the 7-gear double clutch. Then it's time to get to the bottom of the many assistance systems without stress. The automatic driving in traffic, the self-relegating when the center line gets too close to the left pair of wheels or sometimes the automatic parking, which can be marveled at on the big right monitor like a YouTube video. In the dark, the "Multibeam LED" light with 16 individually controlled segments per headlight turns night into day, automatically fades up and down, illuminates the roadside and turns the lights on autobahn, highway or city traffic, because it works with the Navi is in contact. But it costs a good 1.500 Euro extra.

The many niceties in the price list allow the base price of 47.530 Euro to grow quickly, if the persuasions of persuasion can not be resisted. That relativizes certainly the announcement of Mercedes, with the AMG 35 4Matic also to address younger target groups, since the "small one" is finally the most favorable AMG. A Playmobil with suitability for everyday use for well over 50.000 Euro with a little upscale equipment but remains for the vast majority of 30-year-olds a barely achievable dream.