I've just been to look at the A35 this morning. Feels very premium inside which I suppose it should be considering how much it is
I seriously looked at the A35 AMG when was selecting my changeover from the R and there is a lot to like
Really like the styling myself, but the Aerodynamic Pack is a must as it looks very plain without it and the packs in general are a problem, as to have some of the items you would wish, you have to option them (such as the twin 10" screens) and its minimum the middle premium pack to bring car to a level likely seeking and even then you are likely forsaking the media pack
Have been on the AMG forum for a few months now, long before the first one landed and now they are arriving the consensus is that the adaptive suspension is an absolute must as the standard set up is just too firm.
The main feedback at the moment seems to be build quality in terms of creeks and squeaks, and a variety of random ghost error messages that come and go.
Seems that its a good drivers car though and seemingly very comparable to the R - Its 300 BHP AWD so no surprise there really and all more than enough for a satisfying real world drive, along with some nice, but not over the top exhaust notes.
I went to see the one in the local dealer many times, in monsoon grey and with the Aerodynamic Pack and always walked away liking it, but not loving it and think that was because that despite the wow factor of the interior on first look it did start to go all PS 4 and Formula 1 2019 on me, and also, I was not overly impressed with some of the switches, they had a plastic coated chrome cheap feel.
The interior is a huge lift over the outgoing A series which hated
Think its more than a decent stab by Mercedes to hit a market that the A45 AMG was too rich for and sure the facelift version would be a great car to select as some of the early issues are ironed out and some of the options that like maybe become standard.
The main blocker for me was not the actual car, think I would have been very happy with it despite some of the early feedback it was the price, as even being quite careful and sticking to what I felt was must have to make car attractive to me, I easily broke £41,000
At the time, my choice had narrowed to A35 AMG vs staying with a Golf R and had already decided the Golf R on this time around had won, with the feeling that it was a car at the top of the curve - However the GTI TCR then surfaced and though its not really a direct competition to either due to the lack of AWD, the heritage pull won me over as if did not scratch that itch now it would likely be never.
In summary, the A35 AMG is a genuine choice, Mercedes have pitched it well