- Smaller motor, but still as fast
- Plush Mercedes-esque luxuries galore
- Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Fast Facts
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Locally produced in Mzansi for the world, the all-new Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC was unveiled at its home in East London to members of the media. Built at the Mercedes-Benz East London plant that employs over three thousand people and churns out five hundred cars a day, the latest 300 kW performance sedan from the German automaker will now form part of local production writes Kumbi Mtshakazi.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
Smaller motor, but still as fast
The newcomer is powered by a 2,0-litre in-line four-cylinder engine, although smaller in displacement than its outgoing sibling, it now develops more power. With a grand total of 300 kW and 500 N.m of torque channelled to a 9G-Tronic transmission that drives all four wheels. The C43 4MATIC also features an electric exhaust gas turbocharger that is said to guarantee particularly spontaneous response across the entire rev range. This is said to offer an even more dynamic driving experience – no turbo lag in other words. It is also claimed to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.6s before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. For those wanting more, the optional AMG Driver’s Package will see the speed raised to 265 km/h.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
In terms of looks, upfront, it gets the AMG style radiator grille with vertical struts in chrome, sporty air intakes, and AMG light-alloy wheels while the rear is then rounded off by quad tailpipes that are encapsulated in the rear diffuser and this really accentuates the rear. Wheels range from 18-inch with 19- and 20-inch versions available as options. In the interior, potential buyers can look forward to sportier elements such as AMG seats with a distinctive upholstery layout, and racier materials such as optional carbon fibre, and contrasting stitching while the flat bottom AMG multi-functional steering wheel fitted with the German tuners logo at the bottom feels pleasant to hold. The steering wheel also comes fitted with two round AMG steering wheel buttons. These buttons enable fast operation of various dynamic driving functions and of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs.
Plush Mercedes-esque luxuries galore
All models will come with a large 11,9-inch vertically laid out infotainment touchscreen that is seamlessly integrated into the centre console and tilted towards the driver who can enjoy smartphone mirroring capabilities on it. The driver also has a 12,3-inch digital gauge display which can also show various AMG displays. Having reviewed several C-Class models, we can attest that the displays are crisp and work reasonably well. AMG TRACK PACE, a data logger dedicated to track driving, is also included. The system records 80 vehicle-specific data pieces ten times per second, such as speed, acceleration, steering angle, and brake pedal actuation, as the driver tackles the challenging racetrack. In addition, AMG TRACK PACE displays lap and sector times and provides training and analysis tools.
We were not given a chance to pilot the C43 and had passenger rides instead. The first thing that we observed was how capable the model is. The downsizing of the power plant has led to a lack of exterior exhaust noise, which its predecessor demonstrated very well. Instead, you get a mild sound on the exterior as well as a lot of pumped-in cabin audio; alas this is where the world is heading now.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
The 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine that is assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system makes a healthy 300 kW and a whopping 500 N.m of torque and can sprint from a standstill to 100kph in 4,6 seconds. It is mated to a nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission with various driving modes, including a Race Start mode. Acceleration is brisk and painless because of the race start mode. Although we sat on the passenger side, we hardly noticed the German backing down. Launch after launch resulted in the same 0-100 times while manoeuvring around the corners on the track was also made easy by the rear wheel steering. The German automaker has also taken some of its F1 wizardries and slotted them into the car. The engine’s turbocharger incorporates an auxiliary electric motor to spin up the compressor more rapidly, which in turn is said to reduce turbo lag. It is also said to significantly improve the response directly from idle speed and across the entire rev range and also said to respond even better to the accelerator input.
Overall the Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC retains its quick attributes while looking really sporty. It also seems like a great daily driver for the entire family. The model will officially be launched in Q1 of 2023 with pricing to be confirmed closer to the time.
Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Fast Facts
Price: TBC
Engine: 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Power: 300 kW @ 6750 r/min
Torque: 500 N.m @ 5000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 4.6 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Fuel consumption: 9.1-8.7 L/100 km (claimed)
CO2: 206-196g/km
Maintenance Plan: Four-year/120,000km warranty
Words: Kumbi Mtshakazi – @iamkumbi
Keyword: Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC initial review