Mercedes-AMG has turned its attention to the revamped C-Class. The all-new C 43 is radically different from the ride it replaces, but it remains a true sports car in every sense. It is fast, it devours corners, and it arrives with a plush cabin. It also hints at what to expect when the AMG C 63 arrives — some of the electrification and electronic trickery found in the C 43 will be amped up to produce an even more outrageous hybridized ride.
Perhaps the biggest change is found under the hood. You see, the C 43 now has two fewer cylinders and one less litre of displacement. Gone is the 385-hp 3.0L twin-turbo V6 in favour of a 2.0L turbo-four that makes 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
This new engine works with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. As well as helping to improve fuel economy, this system also bumps the available power by 13 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque at low speeds. Its input does not add to the overall output, but it does improve the low-end punch by bolstering the initial response.
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
The really neat part is found in the turbocharger technology. It’s loosely related to the unit found in M-B’s F1 car. The large turbocharger incorporates an electric motor, which makes its response faster and more efficient. The turbo’s electric assist not only spins the turbo up to speed when the flow of exhaust gas is low, it helps to maintain the boost pressure when the driver momentarily lifts off the gas. The oversized turbo blows the air into the engine at an incredible 47 psi. The speed of the boost delivery not only banishes turbo lag, it makes the response so much crisper over the entire operating range. This helps to explain the 4.6-second run to 100 kilometres an hour from zero.
While the acceleration number is handy as a reference point, it does not explain how responsive the engine feels whenever the driver demands power. The unspoken bonus is the energy in the spinning turbo (it can reach speeds of up to 175,000 rpm!) is harvested and used to charge the battery. While it’s not self-sufficient, the six-kilowatt electric motor can return up to four-kilowatts of power to the battery, so it really is a win-win situation.
The engine drives a nine-speed automatic transmission that uses a wet-plate clutch instead of a torque converter and all four wheels. The gearbox is sharp and the shifts are crisp. It also gives the driver access to a launch control system.
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
The 4Matic system splits the power 31 per cent front and 69 per cent rear, so it has a full-time rear-drive bias, which is a good thing from a dynamic perspective. Easing off the traction nanny allows the tail to twitch, which is always good for a smile. That aside, the manner in which it puts the power down means there’s nothing in the way of unwanted wheel spin.
So far, it’s everything expected and demanded of an AMG. The icing comes in the manner in the C 43 handles when it’s pushed down a twisty road.
It starts with AMG’s Ride Control suspension with steel springs and adaptive dampers. The suspension continually monitors each wheel and adjusts the damping accordingly, so it soaks up road ripples without letting the body roll through a corner. It can also be set in Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes (read cushy, firm and firmer). The best mode proved to be Sport, as it walks a fine line. It retains some compliance while sharpening the driving dynamics at the same time.
Where things are different is the addition of a four-wheel steering system that can turn the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees. In a different move, the setup turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds up to 100 km/h. This action effectively makes the wheelbase shorter and the car feel more alive. The rear steer also works with the three-stage front steering. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the setup delivers better feedback. Again, Sport mode proved to deliver the best overall balance.
Where things get overly complicated is the choice of driving modes. There are Slippery, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, along with a mix-and-match Individual mode. Now, if only it were this simple. Within each of the main drive modes there are sub-modes. These modes are accessed through steering wheel-mounted controls or the multimedia screen.
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
In simple terms, the best combination proved to be Sport for the main mode. In the sub-modes it was Sport for the powertrain and suspension with the dynamic mode being set for Advanced. This combination seemed to work the best. The dynamic mode changes the steering feel, which makes the C 43 feel precise and sharp without making it seem twitchy. The bottom line is the driving dynamics are very good.
The cabin also takes some big steps forward. The optional sport buckets are fabulous. They boldly bolstered without feeling confining. Ahead of the driver is a reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital display with a much larger 11.9-inch touchscreen anchoring the multimedia platform. It gives access to all of those driving modes, the navigation and works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with the optional Burmester sound system. This proved to be a bit of a toss-up. Do you listen to the exhaust burble or crank up the tunes? I picked exhaust. It’s a bit of a cheat, as sensors in the exhaust system pick up the sound and then relay it through the speakers. Thankfully, it does not sound fake.
2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Photo by Graeme Fletcher
Move rearward and there is plenty of space for a pair of adult riders and a 490-litre trunk.
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic is a delightful piece. It’s very fast, the fancy suspension and four-wheel steering give it superb handling, and the cabin is very tastefully attired. For many, me included, this will be more than enough car. The key here is the driving dynamics deliver a powerful ride that does not overwhelm the driver.
Full specification and pricing will be announced ahead of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43’s late fourth-quarter launch.
Keyword: First Drive: 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43