Mercedes-AMG C43.
Mercedes-AMG has revealed the new C43.
TWO FEWER CYLINDERS, NEW TURBO
Top story for the new car is the fact that it has lost the V6 of its predecessor. Instead, the venerable 2-litre 4-cylinder M139 engine now does service in the new Mercedes-AMG C43. Further making up for the displacement loss by force-feeding this engine is an electric turbocharger, which was first unveiled in the SL43.
Thankfully, the performance of the C43 has not been compromised. This new junior AMG now produces a total of 402bhp, up from 390hp previously. Maximum torque, however, has dropped by 20Nm, from 520Nm to the current car’s 500Nm maximum twisting force.
The Mercedes-Benz C43 Estate will complete the zero to 100km/h sprint in just 4.7 seconds.
All this power in the new C43 is put onto the road via a multi-clutch 9-speed gearbox, which works alongside a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. This all allows the Mercedes-AMG C43 to set down a century sprint time of just 4.6 seconds.
Opt for the C43 Estate, and this time is increased by only a hair, at 4.7 seconds.
COMPACT CAR, TIDY HANDLING
You’ll also have plenty of help harnessing all this power. The new car comes equipped with steel springs coupled with an adaptive damping system. AMG states that the C43 gets specially designed steering knuckles and suspension joints at the front axle, alongside altered elastokinematics at the rear.
Power in the C43 is now provided by a 2-litre engine that’s force-fed via an electric turbocharger.
And if more handling prowess is needed still, there’s now also all-wheel-steering to rely on. The one on this Mercedes-AMG C43 can turn the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction at low speeds for increased manoeuvrability, and up to 0.7 degrees in parallel with the front wheels at high speeds for increased stability.
JUNIOR AMG, BIG VISUAL AGGRESSION
You’ll be able to identify this new C43 from the regular variants of the C-Class thanks to the vertical struts of the AMG-specific grille up front. Look closer and you’ll also notice the different front bumper, which is adorned with additional air flics and sportier air intakes.
AMG Performance steering wheel will allow you to quickly switch between different driving modes via the two round AMG buttons.
Walk towards the rear of the Mercedes-AMG C43 and you’ll also spot the diffuser-look rear bumper, which houses twin-tailpipe trim elements. The C43 gets 18-inch wheels as standard, although customers can still opt for 19 and 20-inch rims.
In the cabin, there are AMG seats covered in black MB-Tex/Microfibre with red contrasting stitching and red seat belts. The flat-bottom AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather also features here, along with silver-colored aluminium paddle shifters and two AMG buttons for quickly switching between the various drive programmes.
The dashboard and upper door trim are also here upholstered in leather with red topstitching, and the sporty atmosphere rounded off by AMG sport pedals, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sills with AMG lettering.
