Mercedes Benz C43 AMG

AMG is changing. The in-house powerhouse performance arm of Mercedes-Benz is no longer focused on solely on fire-spitting V8s.

While I love one of these fire spitting AMG V8s as much as the next person, I have become rather interested in how Mercedes are able to extract similar levels of power from a smaller displacement engine. Enter the new Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, the first C-Class saloon with an AMG badge to be powered by a four cylinder engine.

Before you shout “sacrilege” at the idea that an AMG saloon gets its grunt from a four pot, remember this four-cylinder is the same 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder engine from the wicked quick A45 S AMG hatch. Also, the C43 gets a 48v mild hybrid system and electric turbo, a feature which is noticeable to passers-by upon reading the fine print on either front three quarter panel.

As a result, power sits at 300kW and torque at 500Nm. This is available at very low in the rev range thanks to the mild hybrid system which is happy to store energy and use it wherever it is needed most and that Garret 48v electric turbo saving energy through exhaust gasses. Furthermore, it actually produces 13kW more than the outgoing C43 with its 3.0L V6. An AMG 9-speed dual clutch automatic transmission sends drive to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4MATIC AWD system. With that extra electric oomph and assistance, combined fuel consumption sits at 9.1L/100km and CO2 emissions of 229g/km.

Outside it certainly hasn’t lost its AMG muscular lines and haunches. Everything, from the AMG-specific radiator grill with vertical struts to the blasting quad tailpipes and rear diffuser all come together, along with a plethora of black accents and AMG badges, to make a certainly handsome saloon. Standard alloy size is 18-inches but you can spec 20-inch alloys with grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.

Slide inside and the C43 offers an uber-refined cabin. Being the C43, you have AMG sports seats with the choice of either artico and faux leather or Nappa leather trim, AMG doorsills, AMG shift paddles and an AMG sports steering wheel, which does feel good in your mitts.

You get everything you would imagine for a car costing $145,900. This includes features like the latest generation MBUX touch screen interface with “hey Mercedes” function, which uses voice commands like Siri or Alexa to operate various features within the cabin.

You also get a tonne of ambient lighting colours to choose from, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head up display, heated seats, a 360-degree rear view camera, a head up display blind spot assistance, Pre Safe accident detection, adaptive cruise, electric boot lid which opens up to reveal 400L of boot space, a panoramic sunroof and a sweet sounding Burmester sound system to name but a few. The sports seats are supportive, but I found them to be a tad firm in places. However, the driving position is good, and it isn’t long before you get in the zone for a drive.

On the move, it’s easy to see just how well the C43 puts the power down. Around town it’s docile and that electric turbo spools up some solid low down power and torque. However, I found myself deactivating the stop-start function as it tends to cut in when creeping along in traffic more than I would have liked.

With a zero to 100km/h time of 4.6 seconds, this “mild” AMG sports saloon sure as heck doesn’t feel mild when you give it stick. Making use of every ounce of energy available, you can dial up the oomph when selecting Sport mode or Sport Plus, the latter of which really quickens up the shifts and throttle response. It might produce 300kW, but for the briefest of moments, that extra electric go can give power increases by 10kW if needed.

AMG ride control also drops the C43 down by 5mm. Electrified Turbo even provides a half-decent soundtrack and when you lift off the throttle, it even crackles and burbles like an AMG Mercedes should. Sure, I love a burbling AMG V8, but the C43 does sound sweet, particularly from 2000rpm up.

I was also impressed by the C43s ability to change direction despite a kerb weight of 1769kg. The incorporation of four wheel steering not only gives you a very tight turning circle but very immediate steering and in the corners, you can turn in really hard with that AWD system and 50-50 weight distribution leaves you hanging on mid corner like a cat on shag pile carpet. This also doesn’t compromise on ride comfort, as the C43 still feels supple and compliant when you have finished clowning around.

Some may scoff, but the fact remains the C43 AMG remains a good looking, capable and even relatively economical performance saloon. The clever engineering for me is the highlight, after spending considerable time in its company, I am all four this combo of electric turbo and four cylinder power. It makes the most sense for every day and you can have a few laughs on the long way home on a Friday.

With refinement, performance and fun, the C43 is very good indeed.

Info 

2023 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG 4MATIC

PRICE: $145,900 + ORC

Engine: 2.0L Electric Turbo Four Cylinder Petrol Engine

Transmission: 9-speed dual clutch automatic

Power: 300kW

Torque: 500Nm

Drivetrain: AWD

Fuel Consumption: 9.1L/100km combined

CO2 Emissions: 226g/km

0 to 100km/h: 4.6 seconds