Car Expert ReviewsMercedes-AMG C43 cEven though it has two fewer cylinders, the C43 AMG is still more powerful and has a gorgeous red exterior. Does that make it any more enjoyable or a better purchase than it was before, though?
The 2023 C43 AMG from Mercedes-Benz is currently available for Rs 98 lakh (ex-showroom). This aggressive sedan, based on the C-Class, goes after the BMW M340i and the Audi S5 Sportback. Despite having two fewer cylinders and a smaller displacement than the six-cylinder engine in the previous generation, the new C43’s engine thankfully produces more power. Is the asking price of more than Rs 1 crore justified? How does driving feel like? Does it belong in your garage? Let’s investigate.
Looks
The C43 AMG’s aggressive appearance is a result of the new Panamericana grill, which sets it apart from the standard C-Class. Stylish Adaptive LED headlights on both sides can change their beam to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. When you turn on the car, they even perform a little dance.
When compared to the normal C-Class, the C43 AMG is slightly lower. It has a stylish lowered stance thanks to its sporty black side sills and 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Patagonia Red Bright is one of ten paint colors available for selection.
Interior
The interior of the new 2023 C43 AMG looks sleek and contemporary despite sharing the same basic dashboard design as the standard C-Class. Both the large 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system and the driver’s 12.3-inch digital display are incredibly beautiful, feature crisp graphics, and are simple to operate.
It has a few unique upgrades because it’s an AMG. First, for aggressive driving, you get sporty front seats with thick side bolstering. The AMG-specific graphics on the driver’s MID and touchscreen are excellent. The touchscreen allows you to operate a number of the car’s functions. It also includes a digital stopwatch with the F1 sponsor’s logo for timing laps on a racetrack; it’s a little gimmicky but still pretty cool.
And then there is the special two-spoke AMG steering wheel that houses the steering controls. It also features two dials that allow you to adjust the drive mode settings while operating the vehicle. Red seat belts, red stitching, and sleek carbon fiber-like inserts on the dashboard and center console all contribute to the aggressive theme.
A special mention should be given to the ambient lighting setup. When music is playing or the temperature is changed, it changes color—blue is for cold and red for hot. 64 single colors and pre-defined dual-tone colors are available for selection.
Regarding quality, soft-touch plastics are used in the upper portions while still-high-quality hard plastics are used in the lower portions. It feels good to operate even the stalks and switches. You may discover some areas of the cabin, particularly those near the rear AC vents, that could use improvement if you look around.
Features
In terms of features, the C43 AMG is quite equipped. Features include wireless charging for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, a powerful 15-speaker Burmester sound system, heated and memory-equipped front seats, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a powered tailgate.
Safety
The C43 AMG is low, so getting in and out could be a little challenging, but once you’re inside, it’s really comfortable. With their strong side and underthigh support, the sporty front seats are ideal for those with larger frames. The steering and seats can be easily adjusted to provide the ideal driving position.
Enough space is provided in the rear for two adults and a small child in the middle. I could have easily stretched out behind the driver’s seat, even at my 5’10”. The seat back is fairly upright, and the side and underthigh support in the back are sufficient but not generous. For added comfort, there are rear sunshades, rear AC vents, and a center armrest with cup holders.
A one-liter bottle and other tiny objects can fit in the front door pockets. Your wallet and drinks can be stored in the center console, and the glove box is a respectable size. The narrow rear door pockets’ limited capacity is the only drawback.
With its spacious interior, the trunk is ideal for accommodating a sizable amount of luggage during your weekend trip. To the detriment of some storage space, the space saver lacks a separate compartment beneath the floor.
Engine
Let’s now discuss the engine, which is the hallmark of AMG vehicles. Instead of the previous 3-liter six-cylinder petrol engine, the new C43 AMG is equipped with a smaller 2-liter four-cylinder engine. The new engine is the same as the one found in the A45 S AMG and has an electronically driven turbocharger.
It feels easy to drive this four-cylinder engine in the city and has a smooth pull. When in comfort mode, it behaves like a standard C-Class and shifts through gears fairly smoothly. It’s easy to pass other vehicles; simply press the gas and the gearbox will shift down, providing you with more power when needed.
It’s fast as well—a claimed 4.7 seconds to go from 0 to 100 mph—but this is peak performance. As a result of the smaller engine, you must rev the motor and engage the gears to maximize engine performance. It certainly is exciting, but you have to put in a little more effort to get that excitement
Compared to the stock car, the exhaust note is louder, but it’s only noticeable and never gets bothersome. There is also a loud button, but it never gets too loud even when it is engaged.
Ride And Handling
The C43 AMG’s handling is improved by larger brakes than the standard C-Class, grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, rear axle steering, and adaptive dampers.
The ride of the C43 AMG in comfort mode is still pleasant even with the lower-profile tires and sportier suspension. However, these are extremely slow speeds on smooth roads. The comfort mode seems a little too mushy at faster speeds, and there is often some movement over undulations. You will feel the sharper bumps more when you switch to sport mode, though. Overall, it consistently has the feel of a sporty sedan that is occasionally fairly cozy.
The C43 is a lot of fun to drive and has excellent handling. Despite being a long sedan, the rear axle steering allows for extremely sharp turns. With the amount of performance available, driving a sports car is enjoyable and rewarding. Additionally, the C43 is content to just cruise when you want to.
Verdict
The Audi S5 and the BMW M340i are two vehicles that offer comparable performance at a lower price point, making the C43 AMG a difficult choice. What’s even more thrilling to drive is the A45 S AMG, which sports the same badge on the bonnet.
Even so, the C43 offers everything a high-performance sedan ought to: thrills, exclusivity, opulent interiors, and a respectable level of comfort. This is why we won’t straightaway suggest it. Therefore, if you’re determined to have a gorgeous sedan along with high performance and the prestige of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG luxury, the car is unquestionably something to think about.