- Highs: Upscale interior, powerful twin-turbo V-6, sedan and two-door options.
- Lows: Overly firm suspension, expensive add-ons, coupe and convertible models offer limited storage.
- Verdict: While not as powerful as other products wearing the AMG badge, the C43 offers everything else an AMG car should.
Overview
As a mid-way point between the sedan Benz-branded C300 and the raucous AMG-branded C63,
the 2020 Mercedes-AMG C43 hits the sweet spot, nicely blending civility
and athleticism. Three different body styles are offered—a sedan,
coupe, and convertible—one to suit everyone's taste. All C43s are
powered by the same twin-turbo V-6 engine, which makes 385 horsepower
and provides plentiful power for all but the most discerning car
enthusiast. Inside, the cabin is richly equipped and does its best
impression of the larger E- and S-class sedans, but its smaller scale means less passenger and cargo space.
What's New for 2020?
The
C43 comes with extra standard equipment for 2020 in the form of a
Burmester sound system, a 64-color ambient lighting system, and
illuminated "AMG" doorsill protectors. A customizable,
steering-wheel-mounted drive-mode selector pioneered on the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car is also now offered as an option on the C43.
Pricing and Suggestions
- Sedan: $56,945
- Coupe: $59,495
- Cabriolet: $65,745
If
you prefer a two-door or drop-top look, then we'll leave that decision
to you, but we prefer the sedan for its extra utility and easier access
to the rear seat. Plus, the four-door has a lower price tag. We can't
resist a few options here, though, and we'd pick the Driver Assistance
package, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
We'd also add the 12.3-inch digital gauge display and the heated and
ventilated front seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Carried over from 2016's C450 sedan,
the C43's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 is a gem. Powerful and torque
rich, the 385-hp engine pairs with a new nine-speed automatic
transmission that swaps cogs with both speed and precision. The boosted
six has deep wells of power and never feels overwhelmed or overworked
when you call upon it. Despite the boost in power from 362 to 385
horses, the 2019 C43 sedan delivered the same 4.1-second zero-to-60-mph time at our test track as the 2017 model we last tested.
While Mercedes-AMG equips the C43 with a pair of steering-wheel-mounted
paddle shifters, we found the nine-speed gearbox a competent enough
companion when left to its own devices. Befitting its AMG badging, the
dynamically adept C43 is a joy to pilot through twisty two-lanes. Credit
its quick steering that's both direct and precise, as well as its
rear-biased all-wheel-drive system that allows a dollop of chassis
rotation before requesting additional assistance from the front wheels.
The suspension can be adjusted between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+
settings. All three modes are needlessly stiff, however, and make
driving over rough pavement a bone-jarring experience.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The
C43's fuel economy won't put you in the good graces of your local
Sierra Club. Still, the twin-turbocharged engine is quite thrifty given
its heady performance. Any car that can leap to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds
and also deliver 29 mpg in long-distance highway cruising is an
impressive player. The C43 sedan we tested did just that; the coupe
managed the same result but the convertible fell slightly behind in our
real-world testing at 28 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The
C43's interior is finely detailed and crafted of rich materials that
meet the expectations set by the model's lofty price. As in other other C-class models,
the C43 features a contemporary dashboard design with a flowing center
stack that hides a deep storage well with a pair of cupholders. Largely
devoid of buttons, the C43's center stack is anchored by a row of
expensive-looking knurled rocker switches for operating the standard
dual-zone automatic climate control. While ergonomically arranged, the
climate-control panel sports small graphics that can be hard to read on
the fly. The C43's trunk space is average; we fit four carry-on
suitcases inside the trunk with the rear seats in use and 15 with the
rear seats lowered. Wide door pockets and a pair of generously sized
console bins provide the C43 with adequate interior storage. Still, the
C-class is short on interior stowage compared with mainstream sedans
such as the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.
2020 Mercedes-AMG C43
2020 Mercedes-AMG C43
All
C43 models come with a 10.5-inch infotainment display running the
latest version of Mercedes-Benz's COMAND infotainment software; Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto integration is also standard. Commands are
completed using a rotary controller or a touchpad that's inconveniently
placed atop the controller. Response times were no better or worse than
your average smartphone.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The
AMG version of the C-class hasn't been tested by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS); the regular Benz-branded C-class managed to snag a
Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS in 2019, though. Every C43 comes
equipped with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning
along with automated emergency braking. Additional driver-assistance features
are available as well. However, adding these items requires spending
thousands on high-priced packages. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG's
warranty is shorter than a number of its competitors'. The brand also
forgoes providing its customers with complimentary scheduled
maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance