UPDATE: 2026/09/14 13:00 EST BY SEAN MCMANUS
Mercedes-AMG A35 Reliability
We added a section to discuss A35 sedan recalls and owner complaints.
Buyers in the market for an affordable four-door sedan typically look at the latest offerings on the new car market. Despite most brands focusing their lineup on crossovers and SUVs to meet demand, there remain a few options in the shrinking sedan segment for those who find the large size and elevated driving position unnecessary.
The latest Toyota Camry is one of the options they can choose from, and with a starting price of just under $30,000 (excluding destination or any applicable fees), it is reasonably priced. But while it ticks the boxes as affordable, safe transportation, it doesn’t exactly prove to be exciting in other areas, like performance and driving excitement behind the wheel.
Those who want something more exhilarating within the same price range as a 2026 Camry LE are hard-pressed to find alternatives, but if they are open to exploring options in the secondhand market, there are currently a few candidates that can deliver more performance qualities for the same as, or less than, the asking price of a new Toyota Camry. A number of European sports cars have depreciated to this price range, such as the smallest AMG model, the Mercedes A35 AMG sedan. But no matter how attractive the badge can be, what exactly do you get for your money’s worth?
All information on the featured models has been sourced directly from the manufacturer and are correct at the time of writing; manufacturers reserve the right to update this at any time.
Mercedes-AMG A35: What Is It?
Affalterbach’s (Short-Lived) Entry-Level Performance Sedan
2021 Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan, OverheadMercedes-AMG
The A35 AMG was based upon the fourth-generation Mercedes A-Class, the brand’s entry-level model in most of its markets outside of North America. Normally sold as a five-door hatchback, it was also sold as a four-door sedan for the first time in the nameplate’s history, along with debuting in the United States, taking the CLA-Class’s position as the cheapest model within their lineup.
An AMG variant was introduced once more on this version of the A-Class, now expanded to two versions: the A35 and the A45, both using four-cylinder engines with varying power outputs. This generation also marked the first time a sedan A-Class AMG model was available alongside its hatchback counterpart. While Canadian buyers received these two A-Class AMG models in sedan and hatchback form, those in the US only got the A35 AMG in four-door sedan form, positioned as the flagship model of the A-Class sedan range, and the most affordable way to enter AMG ownership.
While it was sold alongside its slightly larger, but closely identical, compact sedan siblings, the CLA 35 and CLA 45 AMG, the A35 AMG was positioned towards younger, more restrained buyers who didn’t feel the full extent of the AMG-drivetrain enhancements and performance numbers touted by the CLA equivalents were necessary, but were content with a ‘toned-down’ AMG compact sedan that focused more on everyday drivability rather than hardcore track performance.
“The new A 35 Sedan expands the current AMG model range by providing an additional attractive entry-level model. It appeals to young customers who are looking for a high level of performance along with a comfortable amount of space for passengers and luggage.”
This Mercedes-AMG sedan, though, lasted in the US for less than two years, appearing in Mercedes-AMG’s US lineup from 2020 to 2021 before its discontinuation, with the A-Class Sedan nameplate retired entirely from the US lineup the following model year (2022).
Performance: The AMG Sedan Delivers High Performance For Camry Money
2021 Mercedes-AMG A35 Engine BayMercedes-AMG
Mercedes A35 AMG Key Specs
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-four
Power Output
302 hp
Transmission
7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT
0–60 MPH
4.6 secs (est.)
Drivetrain
All-wheel Drive
The A35 AMG’s selling points are evident under the hood, where you see what powers this compact German performance model. Even as the most affordable model to be given the treatment by Mercedes-AMG’s engineers, the Affalterbach-based division made sure the A35 AMG Sedan was worth its badge compared to the standard A-Class sedan, with a more powerful engine and tuned chassis/suspension, accompanied by its subtly upgraded styling cues and features to make identifying it as an AMG model clearer to the most observant.
Quoted A35 AMG hp and acceleration figures were respectable for a sports compact car, with the turbocharged four-cylinder pushing out 302 hp and 0–60 mph achievable within an estimated 4.6 seconds. Complementing this is a series of drivetrain and chassis upgrades which the A35 AMG benefits from over the non-AMG A-Class sedans, including AMG-specific suspension tuning to improve cornering stability, paired with more powerful brakes and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard.
A small fraction of enthusiasts may bemoan the A35 AMG Sedan for not being available with a manual transmission, but given the nature of modern forced induction AMG powertrains, the enhanced dual-clutch automatic transmission is perfectly suited to handle the power loads and delivery generated from this four-cylinder unit.
Mercedes-AMG A35 Reliability
2021 Mercedes-AMG A35 rear close upMercedes-AMG
Since the AMG A35 was only on sale for two model years (2020 and 2021), and so few units actually sold, we’re not surprised by the lack of reliability data available. That said, the NHTSA records four recalls affecting the 2021 model year. One pertains to a rollaway risk due to a door switch failure; a tiny switch in the driver’s door lock may corrode, preventing the electronic parking brake or “Auto-Park” feature from engaging automatically. Two other recalls pertain to software issues, including a disabled emergency call system and the rearview camera may not display. Finally, the least impactful only affects 231 A-Class units, and pertains to a missing child seat anchor bar.
Recalls aside, we can find out more about the car’s reliability by consulting real owners across forums online. According to one owner in the A-Class Club, his A35 had issues with condensation/water in the oil, the drive belt came off while in motion, the gas door failed to open after just a year of ownership, and he reported a warning light that the 4Matic AWD was non-functional. Other owners in the forum reported similar issues, in addition to loud rattling sounds in the trunk despite no cargo being stowed there.
A Luxurious, Highly-Equipped Cabin For New Camry Money
2021 Mercedes-AMG A35 DashboardMercedes-AMG
For an affordable sports sedan, the A35 AMG is not short of cabin features and amenities when you compare what it features as standard versus what is found in the cheapest 2026 Toyota Camry model.
For the Mercedes-AMG A35’s price range when new, this entry-level luxury sports sedan still came well-equipped for what it was asking for. While these only featured MB-Tex artificial leather material and not premium-grade leather, the digitalized instrument cluster-combination infotainment setup seen in more expensive Mercedes-Benz products still took center stage within the A35 AMG’s cabin, which also featured the MBUX infotainment system with a voice assistance feature.
“Customers can choose between three AMG display styles for the instrument cluster. The Supersport mode is particularly striking with a central, round tachometer… Via the AMG menu, the driver can choose various special displays such as Warm-up, Set-up, G-Force and Engine Data.”
The range of luxury features continued beyond the connectivity onboard, including configurable interior ambient lighting and keyless ignition with push-button start.
Mercedes-AMG A35 Pricing
2021 Mercedes AMG A35 Front 3/4Mercedes-AMG
When new, the A35 AMG sedan carried a base MSRP of around $45,850, before the application of destination fees and any optional extras.
While some may believe the implied rarity of the Mercedes-AMG A35 has affected its price on the used market (given its short run in the US market), following similar trends to other sports cars with limited production runs/units, this hasn’t been the case for the A35 Sedan. Ultimately, this car doesn’t carry any qualities to appraise as a future classic like some of its more premium AMG counterparts, and like other premium European luxury cars, the A35 AMG has continued to depreciate after its final model year, with the latest examples reported to have lost at least $10,000–$15,000 off their original value.
That being said, it’s true that, for the same amount of money you can expect to pay for a base 2026 Toyota Camry ($29,600 for an LE trim), there are plenty of A35 AMG Sedans on the used market within ranges just below or even far cheaper than what the Toyota currently asks for.
The most affordable A35 examples start from as low as $18,000–$19,000, but these are primarily high-mileage ones with more than 110,000 miles reported, or carry a branded title, meaning the vehicle was previously subject to a mechanical defect that resulted in a manufacturer buyback. The more valuable ones, worth secondhand buyers’ attention, that report acceptable mileage, unmodified, along with clean titles and ideally with good service histories, start from the $25,000–$28,000, with some accepting best offers at a significant discount from as low as $21,000–$22,000.
Several used 2025 Toyota Camrys are starting to become available within this same price range, but considering how much performance and luxury the Mercedes offers for similar money, if not less, it’s worth considering one as an alternative, even if it is a bit older.
What Else Can You Buy?
A35 AMG Sedan Is Not Short Of Equally Attractive Rivals
If buyers are already considering a used sports compact over a new Toyota Camry, it’s worth considering the other options aside from the A35 AMG, which has a number of competitors in the used segment – largely from rival European brands.
Used 2020–2021 BMW M235i Gran Coupes, similarly-styled luxury compact sports sedans, share a lot of similarities with the Mercedes, including a turbocharged inline-four with comparable power and torque figures, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive on the xDrive models. Badge aside, some critics feel the BMW doesn’t offer the same amount of engagement behind the wheel as the AMG, and while examples are far cheaper, it suffers far more serious long-term depreciation.
The Volkswagen Golf R may not be a sedan, but the hot hatch offers a comparable turbo four-cylinder and all-wheel-drive combination that is on the same level as the A35 AMG. Early models (2022–2024) also have the attractive option of a manual transmission to cater for enthusiasts who value its inclusion. Golf Rs are also proving to be more resilient against depreciation, but this means they still come at a higher premium than what used A35 AMGs currently ask.
Early, pre-facelift models of the fourth-gen Audi S3 Sedan can also serve as a comparable rival. As one of the most affordable ‘S’ models of the Volkswagen luxury marque, it also utilizes a turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel-drive setup, and more unique styling to differentiate it from standard Audi A3s. Trends on the used market though, highlight decent and unmodified states reporting slightly higher premiums compared to equivalent A35 AMGs.
It’s also worth considering the A35’s sibling, the CLA 35 AMG. While the two share the same powertrains and roughly the same performance figures, the CLA 35 is slightly larger in terms of occupant space onboard, and has a more stylish coupe-sedan profile, with the option for the more powerful CLA 45 AMG available if buyers are open to spend more.
Ultimately, an A35 AMG can continue to provide good performance qualities as a sports sedan for entry-level amounts of money in the used market. But as with any used Mercedes product, it’s highly advised to target ones that are clearly looked after and with no detrimental modifications, given these cars are easy victims for careless or neglectful owners as they become more affordable.
Sources: Mercedes-AMG, NHTSA, A-Class Club Forum
