4 cylinders as an alternative of V6, however 18 PS extra. Is that this downsize a minus? With 408 PS, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 AMG 4Matic combines respectable sporty efficiency with top-class consolation, because of the superb adaptive suspension.
Picture: Adrian Barbu, Răzvan Măgureanu
In comparison with the outdated AMG C 43, the brand new technology has an inline 4-cylinder engine (M139l – l for longitudinal set up) as an alternative of a V6 and is a 100% AMG mannequin, whereas the outdated mannequin was a part of the AMG Efficiency sub-division, briefly arrange by Mercedes in response to BMW M Efficiency. Nevertheless it’s not simply the engine configuration that’s completely different, it’s additionally the turbo that’s electrically pushed. A small, solely 4 cm-thin motor pushed by the 48V delicate hybrid system, is built-in on the turbo shaft between the turbine wheel on the exhaust aspect, working as much as 175,000 rpm, and the compressor wheel on the consumption run. The result’s a direct and linear response throughout the rev vary.
Refined and spontaneous
With 408 PS in comparison with 390 earlier than, the variations in efficiency are small (0-100 kph in 4.6 seconds in comparison with 4.7) however the brand new electrically pushed turbine engine is rather more refined and linear. There’s not the slightest delay in energy supply, whether or not we’re speaking about ranging from a standstill or accelerating from 100 to 160 kph, for instance. The engine twists and turns as easily as an electrical one, and the spontaneous response makes you imagine it has greater than 408 PS on show.
The 9-speed computerized gearbox doesn’t fairly reside as much as the engine, although. It has an extended gear ratio between first and final gear, which helps with economical freeway driving the place you will get 9 l/100km at freeway speeds, however in Consolation mode, it has some breaks in shifting, and in Sport mode, it’s generally indecisive. Nevertheless, its indecisiveness is hidden in some way by linear torque supply in all situations, however not on a regular basis.
Though it has solely 4 cylinders, the engine has a full, bassy, typical AMG sound that may be additional enhanced by the engine’s flappy exhaust system, not artificially by way of the audio system, and you’ll modify the tonality of the engine from a knob on the steering wheel. The exhaust is actual regardless that there’s a single exhaust pipe on all sides that terminates in two pipes.
Superb steering
The AMG C 43 model comes normal with variable, all-wheel steering with the rear wheels angled in the wrong way to the entrance wheels by 2.5 levels as much as 100 kph and in the identical path by 0.7 levels over 100 kph, and AMG Lively Journey Management adaptive suspension. All-wheel drive with a 69/31% predominantly rear-wheel distribution can also be normal.
The driving force has Slippery, Consolation, Sport, Sport+, and Particular person applications at his disposal, that are operated from the rotary knob on the decrease proper of the steering wheel, however he also can individually modify the drivetrain dynamics, suspension, and engine response both from the touchscreen of the multimedia system or from the second rotary knob on the steering wheel on the decrease left.
With the suspension in Consolation mode, the AMG C 43 rides easily and comfortably, decently damping even brief bumps and bridge ruts, with the average 18-inch aero wheels shod with 245/45 R18 tires contributing to the excellent trip consolation.
On the Sport+, the suspension visibly stiffens and is a serious distinction from the Consolation, with roll diminished considerably. This chapter is strictly the place the AMG C 43 excels, because the suspension makes a giant soar between Consolation and Sport+, satisfying very completely different necessities.
On the restrict, the automobile is barely understeerable, and with solely a lighter 4-cylinder engine positioned longitudinally, positioned half behind the entrance axle, the understeer impact is average. The variable and integral steering is exact and direct and, not like the BMW, it doesn’t have that nervousness round heart level, being extra linear. In Sport mode, the steering pressure is elevated and is perfect for sporty driving.
The inside is the acquainted C-Class however adorned with AMG-specific parts. Along with the 2 rotary knobs for controlling the driving modes, we discover the AMG Efficiency steering wheel flattened on the backside, coated in nappa leather-based, perforated within the grip space, with imitation aluminum pads, AMG sports activities pedals and AMG seats coated in synthetic leather-based upholstery and a sort of black Alcantara with pink stitching and pink seat belts.
The digital instrument cluster has two further attractively designed layouts – Supersport and Monitor Tempo (features a library of the world’s prime race tracks and data over 80 parameters). Sadly, because of the aero, virtually closed rims, you’ll be able to’t see the silver-painted AMG calipers that guarantee a prime deceleration as shortly as acceleration. The AMG Efficiency seats are positioned very low, haven’t very onerous upholstery, and provide excellent lateral assist for the backrest and common for the cushion.
Verdict
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic affords an excellent compromise between two worlds: it’s tremendous snug in Consolation mode and sporty in Sport+, and the engine with electrical turbo is refined and spontaneous in response. The graphics supplied by the digital instrument cluster are engaging, and the worth is 30,000 euros beneath the AMG C 63. Is every part good? It might have been if the gearbox had additionally risen to the extent of the engine.
Linear engine response all through the rev vary
Snug suspension on Consolation mode
Small roll in Sport+ mode
Beautiful graphics for the digital instrument cluster
Variable integral steering and adaptive suspension as normal
Affordable value in comparison with the efficiency and the highest AMG C 63 mannequin
Genuine AMG sound, even when it is just a 4-cylinder
MAX vs MIN
Indecisive gearbox in Sport mode and with pauses in adjustments in Consolation mode
MannequinMercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic
Engine kindL4, turbo
Displacement (cc)1,991
Max.energy/revs (PS/rpm)408/6.750
Max. torque/revs (Nm/rpm)500//5,000
Electrical engine (delicate hybrid 48V)
Max. energy (PS)14
Max. torque (Nm)na
Tractionfour wheel drive
Transmission9G-Tronic
L/w/h (mm)4,791/1,824/1,450
Wheelbase (mm)2,865
Boot capability (l)455
Kerb weight (kg)1,840
0-100 kph (s)4.6
Prime pace (km/h)250
Gasoline consumption (l/100 km)8.7
CO2 emissions WLTP (g/km)197
PRICE
Mercedes-AMG C 43 AMG 4Matic (euro, with VAT)84,246