2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA35 Letter From Europe Review

Letter From Europe
By Andrew Frankl
European Bureau Chief
The Auto Channel

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA35 was the first car I’ve had a chance to drive in California since my just completed European Grand Tour which involved  the Ferrari Roma Spider, the highly desirable Lamborghini Urus and the magnificent BMW M2 which took me to and fro the Hungarian Grand Prix.

After all this I didn’t quite know what to expect from the baby Merc. Well, not exactly a baby but smaller than the big brothers I have been driving before my summertime trip.

Lots of things were welcome.

First of all the 302 horsepower engine which took me from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, a pretty reasonable figure. Getting to over 100 miles per hour in just 13.4 seconds was even more impressive aided by the 8 speed duel-clutch transmission.

Must admit that the fuel consumption was a disappointment at 22 mpg but I did not get a chance to do a long run which would have improved it considerably.

AMG implies firm ride and handling so the 35A is by definition a far car from a softly softly sedan. You hang on to the AMG steering  wheel at all times unless you are on a very smooth recently relaid stretch of tarmac. The warning signals are excellent, saved me from a big prang outside Ross Publishing’ s offices.

The dashboard was a very familiar sight having driven the rest of the range. The map is excellent as is the typeface. The sound system team is fine but you have to have delicate fingers to get the volume absolutely right.

With the massive new badge the 35AMG looks expensive and it is.

The tires are nearly as good as Michelin's, the Continental Sport Contact 6 is a first class product. Prices, as I have mentioned are a bit on the high side peaking at 72 thousand dollars  starting at around 57. Having said that the 35AMG seems to hold its price well, most, I’ve seen advertised were in the high 50s region.

Now comes the question readers have been asking from me for the last 30 years since I’ve been The Auto Channel’s European Bureau Chief, would I buy one, would I like to own one?

The answer has to be yes, but if I were in the market, waiting for a virtually brand new one with just a few thousand miles would be my choice. At 50 thousand a great buy, at 72 it isn’t worth the money but don’t forget at 72 it comes with the kitchen sink and most of those extra's you probably won’t need.

Next month I will report on our second Best of the Bay extravaganza . I was one of the pioneers at the first B o B and part two will be even more fascinating. It will be held in Santa Cruz and just like last time I will be one of the judges.

Which brings me to the final point.

In all these years The Chief Executive of The Auto Channel, Bob Gordon did not delete a single word, did not censor a single story. Which explain why I am so happy working for him after all these years., Bob Gordon note: And Andrew after almost 30 years of collaboration Marc and I are so happy with your insightful, audience desirous and meaningful understanding of just what our viewers appreciate and benefit from... thanks...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK..