By Otsile Kadiege

The C-Class range has undeniably become a runaway success for Mercedes-AMG. With the 205 series, Mercedes-AMG reintroduced the C43 nameplate. This model derivative was designed to cater to those who don’t need the full-blown performance of the C63 derivatives. With the latest 206 generation the new C43 is brimming with new hardware to help make it faster. These include an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, an extensively modified M139l engine, a 3-stage AMG parameter steering and standard rear-axle steering to list a few.

Exterior design

The exterior design boasts numerous AMG-specific details underscoring the dynamic character of the new C43 4Matic. Tell tales that differentiate the potent new C43 4Matic include the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts in chrome, the AMG front apron with flics, sporty air intakes and chrome-plated trim element, the matching side sill panels, the diffuser-look rear apron and the two round twin-tailpipe trim elements. The C43 4Matic is fitted with AMG light-alloy wheels and 18-inch tyres as standard, with 19- and 20-inch tyres available as options.

Interior design and technology

Inside, the new C43 4Matic features AMG seats with a distinctive upholstery layout and seat covers in Artico man-made leather/Microcut microfibre in black with red contrasting stitching and red seat belts. Further options include leather and nappa leather seat covers. Added to this is the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather, with flattened bottom section, perforated in the grip area and with silver-coloured aluminium gearshift paddles. The two round AMG steering wheel buttons allow fast and unerring operation of various dynamic driving functions and of the AMG Dynamic Select drive programs. The instrument panel and the beltlines are upholstered in Artico man-made leather with red topstitching. The sporty-luxurious atmosphere is rounded off by AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sill trims with AMG lettering.

The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG-specific displays and functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, in the portrait-format multimedia central display in the centre console and in the optional head-up display. Added to this is the shortcut button for the AMG Dyamic Select drive programs. AMG Track Pace, the data logger for use on the race track, is also integrated. The software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal actuation ten times per second while the car is being driven around a race track. In addition, there is a display of lap and sector times as well as additional training and analysis tools.

Performance

The new C43 4Matic ditches the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine for a more powerful longitudinally aligned 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine which premiered on the new Mercedes-AMG SL 43. The engine produces 300kW (an additional momentary 10kW with overboost) and 500Nm. It’s paired to AMG’s Speedshift MCT 9G transmission with wet start-off clutch and power is fed to the rear-wheel bias AMG Performance 4Matic AWD system. Mercedes-AMG claims that the C43 4MATIC Saloon accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

The powerplant is mated to a 48-volt on-board electrical system and a Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team sourced electric exhaust gas turbocharger making the new C43 4Matic the world’s first series-production unit to feature this sophisticated technology which is said to guarantee a particularly spontaneous response across the entire rev range and thus offers an even more dynamic driving experience.