First Test Drive Mercedes-AMG C43: The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 is like a top-notch sports sedan—super powerful, loaded with cool features, and great at handling. The only thing is, it’s a bit pricier than its competition.
Mercedes-Benz just released the new AMG C43, and it’s stronger than the previous model, even though they ditched the powerful twin-turbo V6. But does this mean the C43 has lost its edge and become more ordinary? Is it still a real AMG sports sedan? Before you decide on the C43 with its turbocharged 2-liter inline-four engine, let’s check out how it performs, what it can do, and the cool new F1 technology it has.
First Test Drive Mercedes-AMG C43, Review
Mercedes-AMG C43 First Drive: Fast and Furious
Let’s talk about the engine specs first. The new 2-liter turbo-petrol engine in the C43 gives a whopping 402 horsepower and 500 Newton-meters of torque. Before you start missing the old V6, know that this new engine is even more powerful, taking the C43 from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.6 seconds. Now, how did Mercedes pull off such power from a four-cylinder engine? Well, they used a bit of magic—or you could say, technology borrowed from their F1 team, Mercedes-AMG Petronas.
They added an electric-exhaust gas turbocharger with a small electric motor, making the turbo kick in without any delay (that’s turbo lag). It might sound a bit techy, but stick with me. The C43 also has a 48V mild-hybrid system, giving it an extra 14 horsepower at low speeds.
Enough about the tech stuff. Let’s get behind the wheel and see if it lives up to the AMG name. The C43 offers four driving modes—Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. In Comfort mode, it’s easygoing with smooth power delivery, suitable for both city traffic and highway cruising. If you don’t floor it, the engine responds smoothly. There’s a bit of turbo lag below 2,000rpm, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
Now, let’s kick it up a notch and switch to Sport+. The engine sounds beefier, and the throttle response is quick. Every time you shift gears, the engine growls more, almost like enjoying some intense rock music. Mercedes even added extra speakers to make the engine sound cooler inside the car. Some may love it, others might find it a bit too artificial. Check out our C43 video, listen to the engine noise, and tell us what you think.
The acceleration is addictive, true to the AMG style, pushing you back into the comfy seats. Before you know it, the car is cruising at top speeds.
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The 9-speed transmission in the C43 makes driving pretty awesome. It shifts up fast and stays in the gears, and when it needs to shift down, it does it quickly too. Sometimes, at low speeds, the gearbox might feel a bit clumsy, but overall, it gives you instant power. And here’s the cool part—it keeps delivering power even when it’s switching gears, whether you’re in Sport or Sport+ mode. Fun, right?
Watch Video: Mercedes AMG C43 First Drive Review
Mercedes-AMG C43 Drive: Easy Handling
The C43 comes with 4Matic tech, making it all-wheel-drive. It sends 69% of the torque to the rear wheels and 31% to the front. This makes it handle corners smoothly, sticking to the road. It also has rear-wheel steering, making it nimble in traffic and easy to do U-turns. It changes direction quickly, almost like an arrow.
But there’s a downside—the ride quality. Whether you’re in Comfort, Sport, or Sport+ mode, the suspension is quite firm. It might not be the best for everyday commuting; the stiff ride can be a bit jarring, especially over potholes. On the flip side, it’s perfect for a racetrack, with minimal swaying.
Mercedes-AMG C43 First Drive: Sporty Inside
The C43’s cabin follows the C-Class design but adds some sporty AMG touches. The standout features are the red seat belts and the extra sporty faux carbon-fiber panel. The front seats offer great support. The AMG steering wheel has lots of buttons for different functions, including drive modes and suspension settings. From the regular C-Class, it borrows the 11.9-inch touchscreen and a digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.
Mercedes-AMG C43 First Drive: Final Verdict
If you’re in the market for a sports sedan with a touch of luxury, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is a solid choice. It’s not just powerful; it handles like a dream on the track. The new 2-liter engine outperforms the old V6. The only downside might be the high price—Rs 98 lakh, ex-showroom, which is more than the BMW M340i and Audi S5.
