Hot saloon and estate get more power with electric boost
The sixth-generation C class saloon and estate variants get there first taste of the AMG treatment in the form of the new Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic, the models are also the first to obtain a recently developed mild-hybrid version of the Mercedes performance division’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol power unit containing a 48V electric construction and electric turbocharger, ditching the older c43’s turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine.
The new AMG engine is based on the standard M270 engine, as used across the Mercedes-Benz range. It's constructed partly by hand at AMG's Affalterbach headquarters near Stuttgart in Germany. The new C43 utilises an electric turbocharger replacing the traditional exhaust-gas turbocharger and a newly designed belt-driven starter-generator to lift reserves momentarily under full load, the powerplant develops a 40bhp boost on its predecessor to 402bhp, however torque is down by 15lb ft to 369lb ft.
Any 0-62 times have yet to be announced by AMG but expect a few tenths off the previous models time of 4.7 seconds, however the 155mph top speed of the C43 saloon and estate can be increased to 165mph through the specification of an optional Driver’s Package. Drive is directed through an MCT nine-speed automatic gearbox which features a Race Start function.
AMG has modified the exhaust to give it a distinctive ‘AMG’ sound, plus customers can also choose an optional AMG Real Performance Sound package that uses a synthesiser to increase the exhaust note through the interior speakers.
The chassis of the C-Class has been greatly upgraded, this Comprises of a modified front axle with model-specific steering knuckles and load-bearing joints, the AMG Ride Control suspension, with a combination of double wishbones up front and multi-links at the rear, receives adaptive dampers as standard. Also included as standard on the new C43 is a new AMG-tuned version of the C-Class’s all-wheel steering system, providing a maximum 2.5deg steering angle to the rear wheels if the correct driving mode is selected.
The brakes are the additional alteration on the C43, receiving 370mm steel discs with four-piston callipers up front and 320mm steel discs with single-piston floating callipers at the rear.
In styling the new C43 is distinguished from the regular C-Class by a string of AMG styling traces. Incorporating a new Panamericana-style front grille with vertical louvres, a new front bumper, bigger side skirts and a revised rear bumper which adds chromed tailpipes into a new diffuser. In terms of wheel options you get standard 18in wheels but can be specified with optional 19in or 20in wheels.
Inside, AMG exclusive visuals for the instrument cluster and infotainment displays, an AMG Performance flat-bottom steering wheel, AMG sport seats, AMG pedals and red seatbelts.