Mercedes-AMG has revealed the first performance derivative of the new C-class with the new C 43. The AMG gets a mild styling update bringing more aggressive looks than the regular sedan though the biggest news here is the engine. Unlike its six-cylinder powered predecessor, the new C 43 has migrated to a smaller mild-hybrid four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine though power has gone up from before.
Starting with the engine, the four-cylinder turbo-petrol is the familiar M139 2.0-litre unit used by Mercedes-AMG in its range of small cars as well as in the new AMG SL 43. Like the SL, the unit in the C 43 is longitudinally mounted and features an electric turbocharger in place of a regular exhaust gas unit along with a belt-driven starter generator to provide a minor boost during hard acceleration. The unit develops 402 bhp – up from its predecessor's 385bhp – and 500 Nm of peak torque – down 20 Nm.
New 2.0-litre engine makes more power than the outgoing C 43's six-cylinder unit.
The unit is paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox as standard with power sent to all four wheels via a rear-biased AMG-specific 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The C 43 also gets rear-wheel steering as standard with a maximum steering angle of up to 2.5 degrees.
Mercedes claims the new C 43 sedan hits 100 kmph from a standstill in 4.6 seconds with the estate 0.1 seconds slower. Top speed is limited to 250 kmph though it can be bumped up to 265 kmph through the optional AMG Driver's Package.
C 43 gets a number of sportier design touches to stand out.
The C 43 sits on steel springs with adaptive dampers as standard. The AMG C 43 also gets a new exhaust to give it a more AMG exhaust note with buyers also able to option a performance sound pack that uses a synthesiser to augment the exhaust note via the car's speakers.
Moving to the styling, the C 43 gets some sportier design touches to help it stand out. At the front, it gets the AMG Panamericana grille along with a sportier bumper (the unit is similar to what you get on the AMG Sport package on the regular C-class). New side skirts and rear bumper along with a quad exhaust complete the sportier AMG look.
AMG steering and sports seats the most notable changes to the cabin.
The cabin too gets some AMG specific touches including some AMG-specific graphics for the touchscreen and digital dials, an AMG flat-bottomed steering and AMG sports seats up front.
The AMG C 43 will go on sale globally in two body styles, the standard sedan and an estate.
