2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43

The C43 sedan explores a very niche sedan segment, nonetheless gets greeted by stiff competition from the likes of the Audi S4, BMW 330i.as well as the Genesis and Infiniti Q60. Let's see how well the Mercedes can hold in the turf war.

The C43 sedan is available as either a rear-wheel drive sedan or an all-wheel drive 4Matic sedan. A 7-inch infotainment is standard with dynamic select as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

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The 4Matic all-wheel drive is a must have in the C43 sedan, perfect for fun rides as well as seamless handling in adverse conditions. The Mercedes-Benz C43 sedan is the best bang for your buck in this segment combining performance with luxury.

Mercedes grafts new front and rear ends on all models, and graces them with LED headlights and taillights, with multi-beam technology offered as an option. The silhouette remains the same, with a long nose, a tall glass area, and a stubby trunk that integrates better on the lissome sedan than on the sedan. - Car connection

Engine and Transmission

The entry-level AMG sedan comes with a pair of turbochargers attached to a 3.0L V6 producing 385 horses along with 384 lb-ft of torque. Despite the lack of the V8 growl, the cacophony that ensues from the rising revs is pure bliss. As you step on the gas, the V6 screams with all its might and guns the sedan with brutal acceleration, worthy of the AMG badge. The V6 will not be available in the upcoming year.

The 9-speed transmission carries over from the last-gen, however, the way this shift leaves no room for complaints. Even though the V6 has forced induction, there is no turbo lag associated with it. The power band spans a large rev range, with plenty of torque at the lower revs.

Acceleration

The tiny AMG engine responds quick to the throttle and the revs climb through the gears. With enough tarmac to stretch its wings, the C43 takes flight all the way to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Onwards through the quarter mile, the Merc takes 12.6 seconds. The brutal acceleration pushes you back into your seat like a jackhammer.

The American muscle cars with massive horsepower under their hoods are thoroughbred to decimate the drag strip and the Merc has a tough time keeping up. The C43 makes it first to 60 in 4.1 seconds with the Audi S4 and Jaguar XF close at its heels, next followed by the Infiniti. However, the difference is too small to matter in real life.

Ride and Handling

The all-wheel drive 4Matic system, makes the ride fun and dynamic with the rear bias to the power delivery. The suspension keeps up with the excellent engine, keeping the handling dynamic and engaging. The bumps and undulations are kept in check with the new adaptive dampers, but the roughest roads baffle the the multi-link suspension.

The steering is precise and direct, with great feedback from the road. In the Sport+ setting, the ride is firm enough to rattle your internal organs into a smoothie, but the improved throttle response and traction.

Braking

Jab at the brakes and they chip away speed with amazing effectiveness with the help of the 14.2-inch discs at the front and the back. The brake modulation is precise and is customized to suit your need based on your driving mode.

In comparison to the competition, the Audi S4 has the most massive discs - 14.2 up front and 13 at the back. Most of the sedans have similar sized brakes, except for the Infiniti, with 12.6 inch discs.

The 3.0L engine gives you great economy, although only marginally better than the beastly V8s in the C63. You get up to 27 miles to the gallon on the highways and quite decent 19 miles in the city premises.

The mileage from the V6 engine is much better than the V8s from American muscle cars, which manage of barely make 15 miles to the gallon in the city. The Lexus GS 300, with the most underpowered engine has the best fuel economy - you win some, you lose some. The Merc manages to strike the best balance between power and economy.

Where the C-Class excels unabashedly is in fit and finish. The glamorous look of the current Benz sedan lineup all but obliterates any memories of tacky, plastic-filled cockpits from the turn of the century - Car and Driver

Seating and Comfort

The leather clad seats in the sedan are relatively comfier than the microfiber suede and alcantara you find in most sporty sedans nowadays. The seats provide great support to your torso through the corners, as well as keep you comfortable in the longer rides. The sport seats with power adjustment for their thigh bolsters and headrests, let the driver dial in a perfect spot behind the AMG three-spoke, steering wheel. The rear seats aren't as roomy as the ones in the C-class sedan, but they're certainly better than the unusable rear in the sedans, like Camaro and Mustang.

Infotainment System

The C43 incorporates a 5.5-inch infotainment standard, while the 12.3-inch screen is offered as an optional upgrade. The steering, redesigned for the 2020 model, comes with cruise and audio controls at your fingertips. The interface is high-res and intuitive to use, unlike most infotainments which leave you confused which menu to open, with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available as standard. The Burmester surround sound system is an audiophile's dream, which fills the cabin with crisp clear sound.

Cargo Capacity

At the back of the sedan, the cargo volume is not that great, primarily because of the sloping roofline. However, on the inside you'd find plenty of cubby holes to put your starbucks cappuccinos in.

The award for the biggest cargo bay goes to the Jaguar XF which boasts a massive 17.8 cubic feet volume, followed by the Genesis G80. The Merc has the least capacity of the bunch along with the Lexus and the S4, not far ahead.

Mercedes says it's replaced as much as 50 percent of the C-Class in the 2020 model year. A lot of it's invisible, but one of the more important changes is a new base engine. The 2.0-liter turbo-4 mirrors last year's displacement, but with a more effective twin-scroll turbocharger - Edmunds

Design and Dimensions

Elder brother, the C63, this AMG does not get the Panamericana grille, and thus blends in with the rest of the Merc models. Along with the understated looks, the C43 sedan has fluidic curves and shapely body panels that make the Merc look like a pebble washed ashore. The classy and elegant styling gets a muscular undertone with the wide rear haunches and aggressive elements.

The silver arrow is longer than most German sedans and the Jaguar, however the trio of American muscle are wider and bulkier than the C43 AMG. It sits low to the ground, which enhances the handling characteristics, but speedbumps could scrape your precious bumpers, or underbody.

Safety and Reliability

• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• mbrace Secure Emergency Sos
• Active Brake Assist Forward Collision
• Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot Sensor
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag
• First Aid Kit
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Pretensioners
• Back-Up Camera

Mercedes-AMG C43 vs Audi S4

The Audi S4 is one of the most underrated Audi cars, with a 3.0L inline-6 engine which makes 349 horsepower, compared to the AMG C43 also with a 3.0L V6, making slightly more 384 hp. Compared to the Audi, the Merc has better and comfier interiors, with leather clad seats and rear that is actually usable. The infotainment on the Audi is leagues ahead of the tiny standard screen in the Merc. In terms of driving dynamics, the C43 is an absolute thrill, unlike the mellowed down Audi.

Mercedes-AMG C43 vs Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF, a good looking sedan with an efficient engine, strikes the perfect balance between practicality and performance. Not only does it have the best passenger and cargo capacity, it doesn't need to sacrifice its sporty character in the process. However, unlike the AMG, neither does it growl like a beast, nor has it the power to match one. Similarly in terms of driving feel, XF is a treat, but the AMG is a feast.

Mercedes-AMG C43 vs Infiniti Q70

As an entry level sports sedan the Infiniti is an excellent choice, with enough power for the price and also a sporty character that most entry levelers fail to inculcate. The AMG on the other hand stretch the term entry level a bit further, however, with the higher price tag comes a better engine making 384 hp, an amazing transmission, flawless 4Matic drivetrain, and better interiors than most sedans can manage; well worth the extra investment.

The C43 AMG is the perfect balance between performance and luxury and gives you the best of both worlds. With the AMG working their magic on the engine and powertrain and Mercedes taking care of the interior and infotainment, you'd find it hard to find faults in this sedan. It is the perfect daily driver for your garage and makes every ride fun, yet practical when you need it to be.