2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan

The Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan can be seen as Affalterbach's first big step towards standardizing electrification throughout its range. Based on the brand's MRA II rear-wheel drive architecture, the most accessible rear-biased AMG comes in the shape of this fast Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which employs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with the assistance of a mild-hybrid 48-volt EQ Boost motor. Working with the AMG Speedshift MCT nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, this drivetrain produces a claimed 402 horsepower which gives it a massive edge over the Mercedes-AMG C43's main competitors in the USA, the BMW M340i xDrive and Audi S4.

The Mercedes-AMG C43 embraces gas-electric hybridization and breaks AMG's traditional heritage with the inclusion of so many new technologies. As a sign of things to come, it's either a bold or depressing foreshadowing, but in the mid-tier performance realm of the premium compact sedan, it might just be a sweet balancing act that sets the gold standard.

At the time of compiling this review, there is no confirmed starting price for the Mercedes-AMG C43 even though it is due to be released to the market in the coming weeks.

Based on the now all-hybrid C-Class lineup, the bragging rights of having one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines ever might dominate proceedings here. But that power means nothing if the suspension isn't up to scratch. AMG-specific items like adaptive dampers, stiffer bushings, and thicker bracing make this a firmer beast, but it's surprisingly neutral, despite a rear-biased (69% to the rear) all-wheel drive system. It feels like a bigger CLA 45, which is high praise, but surprisingly, the front-drive-biased sedan is more playful at the limit. This is predictable, grippy, and, a little boring.

It'll do all the point-and-shoot things you want, including a 4.6-second 0 to 60 mph sprint time (slower than the old model) thanks to a dedicated launch control, but it lacks the true precision and thrill of the old one.

But it is easy, especially in day-to-day driving scenarios where the rear-axle steering makes the C43 handle like a much smaller car. It's a big machine, this, but at 3,900 lbs, it still handles well. It's a sublime all-rounder that's highly capable, but it's not the sharpest driver's tool.

This one is tricky to answer. In isolation, the C43 is a good car, but as an AMG it does fall a bit short. It ticks all of the boxes when it comes to having a sharp chassis, engaging steering system, and phenomenal grip levels, but the new four-pot engine just lacks the traditional AMG character and muscle that many have come to associate with the badge. Even though the W205 model didn't pack a V8, it still had an element of grunt with that twin-turbo V6 unit. Based on numbers alone, The C43 achieves its goal of being a fast family sedan. In Comfort mode, while the ride is jittery and the transmission a bit delayed, the engine is quiet and responsive to throttle inputs. With the electric motor, it can also produce power right on demand which pretty much eliminates turbo lag altogether. Interior space is also generous as it offers generous head and legroom, provided you don't specify the AMG Performance seat package, with a fair amount of trunk space. Technically, it does all the things, but it's a case of winning on paper and not in practice.

There is only one option of the Mercedes-AMG C43 that you can consider, but thanks to the way the packages and options are set up, you really can create a trim that is tailored to your liking. Many comfort features come standard, but there is a bundle of visual, safety, and performance-minded options that you can choose from. Must-have options consist of the Driver Assistance package which adds semi-autonomous safety features such as adaptive cruise control and emergency braking intervention. We also strongly recommend the Real Performance Sound package because the standard engine and exhaust note seriously lacks enthusiasm. If you value a high-end entertainment system, we suggest you tick the Pinnacle Trim. This is unlikely to be one of the cheapest options but given that it completely uplifts the infotainment experience with a better sound system and more functionalities, it would be a package that you make use of frequently. As noted, we are unaware of how much these packages may cost as pricing is still yet to be announced by Mercedes-Benz USA.