2023 MERCEDES-AMG C43

AMG C43 CHALLENGES NOTION

THAT BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER

The traditional mantra when it comes to getting more get up-and-go from your car is that bigger is better. Mercedes-Benz, however, is going the other way with performance-oriented versions of its popular C-Class sedan.

After a year’s production hiatus, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is back for 2023 with a smaller engine that packs a bigger punch than its predecessor.

A 2..0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine replaces the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that powered 2021 models. It puts out 402 horsepower compared to the 385 ponies from the V6, though torque is slightly reduced to 369 pound-feet from the V6’s 385 lb.-ft.

The smaller engine in the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 features what the company says is the first electric exhaust gas turbocharger and comes from the same technology used by the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 team. Turbo lag is reduced, and the mild hybrid system provides a boost of up to 13 horsepower at lower RPM in certain driving conditions. (It does not add to total horsepower, however.)

Fuel economy is rated at 19 miles-per-gallon city, 26 highway, and 22 combined using premium fuel.

Other mechanical features found in the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 include a 9-speed automatic transmission, rear-axle steering, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and AMG Ride Control Suspension with adaptive damping system.

In other words, this is not your ordinary Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Further evidence of that is a starting MSRP of $59,900 for Premium (base) trim models and $62,600 for top-of-the-line Pinnacle models.

In its fifth-generation, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 is offered only as a 5-passenger sedan. C-Class coupes and convertibles still on the market are from the fourth-generation models.

This review is based on the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 Premium that totaled out at $70,020 with options and the $1,150 destination and delivery charges added on.

Standard equipment on the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 includes an 11.9-inch touchscreen display for infotainment features and a 12.3-inch selectable instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, power tilt-and-sliding sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power heated front seats with memory and lumbar support, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Infotainment features also work with the “Hey, Mercedes” voice recognition which is fortunate since fiddling with the touchscreen can be distracting if you don’t have a tech-savvy passenger along.

Safety features include Attention Assist, blind-spot assist, LED headlights with adaptive high beam, active brake assist, and surround view camera system and active parking assist.

Optional extras on my week’s test vehicle included a Driver’s Assistance Package (active lane-keeping and change assist, active emergency stop assist, etc.), AMG 10-spoke wheels, the AMG Track Pace system to tally your racing data, navigation, and a couple of AMG Night Packages to add to its appearance. The red and black interior and grey exterior paint also added $2,370 to the bottom line.

If the C43 doesn’t satisfy your power appetite, soon to come is the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain offering a combined 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque. It is almost a quicker from zero to 60 mph with a closing of 3.3 seconds, according to Mercedes.

What I liked about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C43: Plenty of power that kicks in instantly with no noticeable turbo lag. The cabin is luxurious with premium materials throughout, and seats are comfortable. Carbon fiber trim dominates the dash. Trunk capacity is 16.1 cubic feet. The Eco Start/Stop system can be deactivated by pushing the bottom half of the start button.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C43: High-strung throttle reaction can give you somewhat jarring takeoffs if you don’t ease into the accelerator. Tech features may be a bit too plentiful and various functions can be hidden behind several different menus. Buttons to operate the infotainment system are very small. The ride is very firm even in Comfort mode. The leather-wrapped AMG steering wheel can get extremely hot when vehicle is left in the sun.

Would I buy the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C43? Extra oomph is nice, but I’m not sure I would lay out an extra $17,000-to-$20,000 more for the C43 over the typical cost for the base C 300.