Mercedes-AMG C43 revealed without V6 engine

Following the recent launch of the non-AMG Mercedes-Benz C-Class variants, the AMG fold is now presenting its C43 sedan. 

Possibly the saddest news to bear, the new Mercedes-AMG C43 ditches the previous model’s 3.0-litre V6 powerplant for a 2.0-litre four-cylinder M139I engine as the downsizing trend continues, in addition to electrification, most manufacturers are now starting to once again adopt this philosophy of less is more.  

Coupled with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the engine pushes out 300 kW and 500 Nm with an additional 10 kW available for short bursts. A 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in 4.6 seconds en route to a top speed of 250 km/h – if you think that’s not enough, the optional AMG Driver’s Package raises the top speed to 265 km/h. 

The new Mercedes-AMG C43 features an AMG 9-speed transmission that sends power to all paws through a rear-biased 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive system. The system ensures torque distribution between the front and rear axles of 31- 69% for enhanced dynamic handling and improved traction.  

Underneath, the C43 comes standard with an AMG Ride Control steel-spring suspension with an Adaptive Damping System plus rear-wheel steering. 

The Mercedes-AMG C43 sits on standard AMG light-alloy wheels that measure 18” and those are optionally upgradeable to 19” or 20”.  

Like most AMGs, the C43 features numerous AMG-specific details to set it apart from the regular C-Class, thanks to an an AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts in chrome, AMG front apron with flics, sporty air intakes and chrome-plated trim element plus matching side sill panels. There is a diffuser-look rear apron and two round twin-tailpipe trim elements.

Inside, there are AMG seats with distinctive upholstery layout and seat covers in artico man-made leather/Microcut microfibre in black with red contrasting stitching and red seat belts. Leather and Nappa leather seat covers can be fitted as options.  

The interior further features an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, with a flattened bottom section, perforated in the grip area and with silver-coloured aluminium gearshift paddles. The instrument panel and the beltlines are upholstered in artico man-made leather with red topstitching complemented by AMG sports pedals, floor mats and illuminated door sill trims with AMG lettering. 

The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG-specific displays and functions such as special displays in the instrument cluster, portrait-format multimedia central display and in the optional head-up display. 

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