Mercedes-Benz has decided to unleash the new AMG C43, which is more powerful than the previous-gen though it has done away with the fire-breathing twin-turbo V6. Does this mean the C43 has lost its edge and has become domesticated? Is the sports sedan even a genuine AMG? Before you judge the C43 by its turbocharged 2-litre inline-four powertrain, we decipher its performance, capability and its new F1 technology.
Mercedes-AMG C43 First Drive: Fast and Furious
Let’s get the specifications out of the way. The new 2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine has a total output of 402bhp and 500Nm torque. Before the sceptics start reminiscing about the good old V6 days, the new engine is more powerful and the current C43 does 0-100 kmph in 4.6 seconds. How has Mercedes managed to squeeze out so much power out of the new inline-four? There is a touch of wizardry involved or rather borrowed technologies developed by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team to further enhance its performance. It comes equipped with an electric-exhaust gas turbocharger in the small electric motor, which spools up the turbo, hence, eliminating turbo lag. Now this may sound all nerd talk, but bear with us for a couple of minutes more. The C43 also comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system that gives a power boost of 14bhp at low rpm.
Enough about the specifications and the technology, let’s get behind the wheel and find out if it will knock the socks off in pure AMG fashion. The C43 has four driving modes — Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. Comfort is the default mode and the power-packed sedan has seamless power delivery without trying to rush you or intimidate you. There’s more than enough power available on the tap for both urban traffic snares and highway cruising. The engine responds in a linear manner if one doesn’t put the pedal to the metal. A touch of turbo lag can be felt under 2,000rpm, but there’s only a hint of it.
Time to unleash some serious power and switch to Sport+. The bass quality of the engine is enhanced as the throttle response is effortless from the word go. With each upshift, the powertrain’s growl becomes more audible or in my opinion some serious hard rock music to my ears. Truth be told, Mercedes has added additional speakers to enhance the sound of the motor in the cabin. To some it may sound mind-blowing as for others it could be too artificial. Check out our C43 video, listen to the cabin acoustics and let us know what you think of it.
The straight-line acceleration is very addictive in true AMG fashion as the C43 throws you back into the very well-contoured and comfortable seat. Before you know it, the sedan is coasting at top-range engine speeds.
The 9-speed transmission makes the driving experience memorable as it upshifts quicks and holds on to the gears. It’s also quick to downshift as well. There are times when the gearbox feels clunky at low speeds. On the whole, the 9-speed transmission multi-clutch transmission offers immediate throttle but more importantly it continues to deliver power even when it’s shifting gears. This happens in both Sport and Sport+ modes.
Watch Video: Mercedes AMG C43 First Drive Review
Mercedes-AMG C43 First Drive: Handling and Ride
The C43 comes standard with 4Matic tech and as it is an all-wheel-drive, there’s 69 per cent of the torque delivery to the rear axle and 31 per cent to the front. It easily sweeps past corners while staying glued to the tarmac. The C43 comes standard with rear-wheel steering drive. This makes the sports sedan weave past the traffic like a compact sedan and lets you take U-turns with ease. At a brisk pace, it changes direction as per the movement of the steering wheel and darts around like an arrow.
The C43’s Achilles heel is the ride quality. Whether the sedan is in Comfort, Sport or Sport+ mode, the suspension set-up is very firm. This doesn’t make it ideal for a daily commute as the overly stiff ride can rattle your spine and when it encounters a pothole, it is best to either avoid or say a little prayer for your body. In hindsight, this power sedan will be right at home on a race track as there will not be a hint of side or vertical wallow movement.
Mercedes-AMG C43 First Drive: Sporty Cabin
The C43’s cabin’s blueprint design is based on the C-Class but gets its unique AMG tweaks and features. The first thing that will catch your attention are the red seat belts and the additional sporty faux carbon-fibre panel. The front bucket seats offer excellent side bolsters, under thigh and back support. The C43 sports the AMG steering wheel which has a slew of function buttons including drive modes and suspension settings. From the standard C-Class, the C43 borrows the 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen and an all-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.
Mercedes-AMG C43 First Drive: Verdict
If you’re in the market to buy a sports sedan in an Armani suit then look no further than the Mercedes-AMG C43. It not only has the power but backs it with track-oriented handling. The new 2-litre inline-4 engine is more powerful than the erstwhile V6 and is a worthy successor. What may go against the C43 is its high price tag of Rs 98 lakh, ex-showroom, which is a lot higher than the BMW M340i and the Audi S5.
