‘Stretched’ Mercedes-AMG A35 L revealed for China…

By: CAR magazine

Like the look of the new Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan, but crave a little more rear legroom? Well, the Affalterbach-based firm has the answer … provided you live in China, that is.

Built “exclusively for the Chinese market”, the A35 L 4Matic has a wheelbase stretched by some 60 mm, allowing passengers in the rear to enjoy a “particularly high level of spatial comfort”. Yes, the distance between this China-only four-door notchback’s axles measures 2 789 mm, rather than the standard model’s 2 729 mm.

As with the A35 Sedan (and the hatchback version plus the CLA35) on which it’s based, the A35 L is powered by a turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine offering 225 kW and 400 N.m. Mated to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard, this unit allows a claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 4,9 seconds (one-tenth slower than the standard-wheelbase model) and a top speed of 250 km/h.

All the usual styling cues, from the twin-louvre grille and AMG Line front apron (complete with “flics” on the air intakes) to the front splitter, glossy black trim elements and 19-inch alloys, remain.

“The compact class segment continues to grow dynamically at AMG. With the new A35 L 4Matic, we have developed a highly attractive entry-level model that ideally meets the needs and wishes of our Chinese customers in their local market, and will enable us to address new target groups,” said Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes-AMG.

The newcomer will be produced exclusively at Beijing Benz Automotive Company, a joint venture between Daimler and its Chinese partner BAIC Motor, with the powerplant coming from the AMG engine factory in Kölleda.

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