Meet Mercedes AMG family’s newest member, the all-new C43 4Matic

KUALA LUMPUR: After a long wait, the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class entered our shores back in February. It is offered to us in two variants - C200 and C300, both fully-imported units, which are likely to be soon replaced by the locally-assembled ones. While we are waiting for the C-Class CKD versions, the German automaker added one more member to the upgraded lineup, which is none other than the AMG C 43 4Matic loaded with a new engine.

Let's compare the new AMG C-Class to the non-AMG variants to see how powerful it is.

The all-new 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-pot, turbocharged mill with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This setup delivers a maximum power output of 402 hp and a peak torque of 500 Nm. The power is sent to the ground via a 9-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.

With that grunt, the car completes the century sprint in 4.6 seconds and achieves a top speed of 265 kmph.

Coming to the non-AMG trims available in the local market, the C 200 Avantgarde Line runs on a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine and a 48V integrated starter generator, producing 204 hp and 300 Nm. The C-Class C 300 AMG Line, on the other hand, is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo unit and 48V motor, good for making 258 PS and 400 Nm.

Not only in power numbers, but the AMG C43 is also much ahead of the regular models in terms of performance. The C200 runs from zero to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 246 kmph, while C300 completes the same task in 6 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph.

Moving on from the powertrain and looking at the design and features of the newly revealed C-Class. The performance sedan boasts a refreshed look and an updated cabin with a bucketload of tech features. The key highlights are -

• A sloping roofline with a sculpted bonnet
• Large Panamericana grille teamed up with swept-back headlights and a wide air dam
• New 18- to 20-inch wheels on the sides
• Wraparound tail lights, sleek trunk-mounted spoiler, and four circular exhaust tips on the rear

• Sporty AMG seats with red stitching inside the cabin
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 
• 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific displays and functions
• A flat-bottom multifunctional steering wheel.
• AMG sport pedals
• Multiple airbags
• AMG Ride Control suspension
• AMG sports braking system
• AMG Dynamic Select system with five drive modes - Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual)

Price & availability

Mercedes has not announced the 2023 AMG C43 price yet; however, it confirms that its US deliveries will be commenced in late 2022.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz EQS makes its global debut