- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
3.0TT, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
287kW, 520Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 9.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2018 Mercedes-AMG C43 review
It’s an AMG but not as you know it.
The growth and popularity of Mercedes’ performance division has been one of the German brand’s greatest success stories in recent years, particularly here in Australia where we snap up the performance-fettled machines at record rates, so much so there is now a stand-alone AMG dealership in Sydney.
But that growth has been driven by the proliferation of AMG as a brand across Mercedes’ range. AMG styling packs are now common and can be had on even the most humble A-Class.
Mercedes upgraded the C-Class range in 2018, adding more technology and sharpened looks. So what better time to take another look at the Mercedes-AMG C43 and see how it measures up.
- Punchy engine
- Improved cabin
- Plenty of creature comforts
- Lacks finesse at low speeds
- Doesn't wow like an AMG should
- Priced higher than natural rivals
Is it right for me?
The C43 is really a car for those who want both the looks of an AMG and increased performance, without wanting to either spend the extra money for the C63 or simply don’t want its hardcore V8-powered performance.
Can I afford it ?
Priced from $107,900 (plus on-road costs) the C43 neatly fills the gap between the $71,400 C300 and $159,900 C63.
That also means it's slightly more expensive than what are considered its natural rivals, the Audi S4 (from $99,240), BMW 340i (from $91,200) and Jaguar XE 35t S (from $92,700).
What do you get for your money?
The C43 gets a number of unique elements to help it stand out from the rest of the C-Class range, including 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, different front and rear bumpers and tweaked LED headlights and taillights. Inside there’s a flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel and sports pedals, sports seats, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system.
That’s on top of other standard gear that includes genuine leather upholstery, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 10.2-inch infotainment screen with new interface that has come with this mid-life C-Class upgrade.
How much does it cost to maintain?
Not only does it cost more upfront, the C43 is also more expensive to service. The first three years will set you back $2580, compared to $1980 for the C200.
Is it well built?
One of the key differences between the C43 and C63 is the former is built in the same factory as the rest of the C-Class range, whereas the latter gets finished off by the specialist AMG team at its Affalterbach headquarters.
Still no matter where it’s built it lives up to the three-pointed star’s usual high standards of quality. There were no squeaks or rattles or any sign of imperfection in our test car.
What are the Standout features?
In addition to the previously mentioned standard gear the C43 comes loaded with safety equipment. There’s nine airbags, surround view parking cameras, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, speed sign recognition and active cruise control.
What does it have that others don't?
The AMG badge is the real unique selling point of the C43. As I said at the beginning those three letters have a lot of appeal to Australians who are craving high-quality performance cars.
While it may not get the same neck-snapping behaviour as the C63 it has above average performance and it looks the business.
How practical is it?
The beauty of the C43 is it’s built on the current C-Class which is an excellent compact luxury sedan. It offers good space for its size which makes it an ideal car a broad range of buyers as it will suit singles, couple or families.
Is it comfortable?
A big part of the appeal of AMG is that its cars play the dual role of both performance and luxury. For example, aside from the leather seats and premium finish to the cabin, you can option what Mercedes calls its Energizing Comfort system, that alters the temperature, in-built perfume dispenser and even the music to try and alter the mood of the driver, between pepping them up or calming them down - depending on the situation.
Easy in, easy out?
One criticism of the current C-Class sedan is the rear door openings are a bit small. Adults in particular need to hunker down to get in and avoid banging their heads on the aperture.
Space and versatility?
A generous boot is another selling point for the C-Class. There’s a wide opening and a flat floor that allows you to load the C43 up with luggage. It makes it an ideal car for a road trip, blending practicality with performance.
What's the engine like?
Engines are what AMG is famous for - big, powerful, angry engines. The C43 doesn’t have that, instead of the C63’s twin-turbo V8 it has a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6.
Producing 287kW of power and 520Nm of torque it has excellent performance, providing a real kick when you put your foot down. It lacks the aural drama of the AMG V8 but has a pleasant V6 soundtrack that makes it feel different - in a good way.
The problem with the engine is the way it marries with the nine-speed automatic transmission. The two don’t get on smoothly at low speeds, particularly when the engine’s stop-start system is in operation. We endured several clunky starts during our time in the C43, enough to force us to switch off the stop-start function, but even that didn’t completely remedy the jerkiness we felt as the gearbox searched for the right cog as you pull away.
How much fuel does it consume?
Fuel economy is rated at 9.4-litres per 100km on the combined urban/country cycle. That’s obviously not especially frugal for a modern mid-size luxury car but given its performance it a good effort.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
If you’re looking for outright AMG performance then the C43 isn't as energetic compared to its bigger brother. But if what you’re after is a luxury car that’s equally adept at negotiating car parks as it is country back roads, then the all-round qualities of this machine are for you.
It’s a far easy proposition to live with than the more raucous C63, with its more compliant (but still sports tuned) suspension and subtler exhaust note.
It also gets all-wheel drive traction, which makes it unique in the local C-Class range. That helps it transmit the engine’s power to road with a minimum of fuss, which in turn makes it a more liveable machine than the C63 in a broader range of conditions - dry, wet, etc.
As you’d expect from AMG the steering is nicely weighted and direct and the chassis is responsive to your every input. What it lacks in power compared to the C63 it makes up for with poise.
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Does it perform as you expect?
While some may dismiss it as ‘Diet AMG’ it actually offers something very different than the C63, which gives it a unique place in the C-Class range. Unlike the rowdy C63, which can be too brash at times, the C43 is an everyday AMG.
2018 Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan pricing and specifications
Price: From $107,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol
Power: 287kW at 6100rpm
Torque: 520Nm at 2500-5000rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 9.4L/100km