`The Merc C43 sedan is halfway between thrifty C300 and the monstrous C63 sedan. Trimmed with rich leather and a boat-load of features, you'd be impressed by the luxury that this sedan offers, however, that ends when it comes to the ride. The stiffened sport suspension completely contrasts the initial impression you get from the cabin. Unlike the C63, the engine would leave the performance seekers unsatisfied and wanting more from the V6.
Starting at $57,450, the C43 AMG sedan is the evolution from 2016s C450. With the AMG badge comes lightning fast acceleration and amazing handling characteristics. The infotainment is top of the line and you can spec your interior with optional AMG Performance seats which come with heating and ventilation.
Optional AMG Performance seats with heat and ventilation
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$55950
bodystyle
4dr Sedan
passenger capacity
5
drivetrain
all wheel drive
engine type
displacement
183
horsepower
385 hp @ 6100 rpm
torque
384 lbs.-ft. @ 2500 rpm
transmission
9-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
chassis
suspension front
Independent front strut suspension
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension
dimensions
wheelbase
111.8 in.
length
185 in.
width
71.3 in.
height
56.3 in.
curb weight
3825 lbs.
ground clearance
3.5 in.
capacity
cargo volume
12.6 cu ft.
payload
1080
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
19/22/27 mpg
highway range
469.8 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
4 yr. /50000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
4 yr./ 50000 mi.
corrosion warranty
4 yr. /50000 mi.
roadside assistance
Yes
Pictures
exterior
interior
Trims and Configurations
MSRP
Base
power
385 hp @ 6100 rpm
fuel
Premium unleaded
mpg
22 combined
$55,950
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
Starting at $55,950 MSRP
(19/22/27)
385 hp @ 6100 rpm, 3 L, V-6, premium unleaded
9-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
all wheel drive
5
Colors and Styles
Black
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Engine And Performance
9.0
Fuel Economy
7.0
Interior
9.0
Exterior
9.0
Final Verdict
8.8
8.6
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.6
Overall Rating
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.
9.0/10 Engine and Performance
7.0/10 Fuel Economy
9.0/10 Interior
9.0/10 Exterior
8.8/10 Final Verdict
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Features
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.
Trims
C43
MSRP
$55,250
Features
9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission
7" COMAND display screen
DYNAMIC SELECT
All-Season Tires
ECO Start/Stop
Power sunroof and extendable sun visors
KEYLESS START
Rearview camera
Wood trim with analog clock
FrontBass 5-speaker Audio System
Bluetooth technology
40/20/40-split folding rear seats
ATTENTION ASSIST
Active Brake Assist
PRE-SAFE
We Recommend
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Engine and Performance
9.0/10
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.
Models
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG sedan
Audi S4
Lexus GS 300 sedan
Jaguar XF 25t Premium Sedan
Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
Infiniti Q70 3.7LUXE sedan
MSRP
$55,250
$50,200
$47,635
$50,960
$43,045
$51,295
Engine
Twin Turbo V-6, 3.0 L
Intercooled Turbo 3.0L V-6
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
3.8L V6
3.7L V6
Transmission
9-Speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT Automatic
8-Speed Automatic Tiptronic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
7 Speed automatic
Horsepower
384 hp @ 2500 rpm
349 hp @5400 rpm
241 hp@ 5800rpm
247 hp@ 5500rpm
311 hp@ 6000rpm
330 hp@ 7000rpm
Torque
385 lb-ft @ 6100 rpm
369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
258 ft-lbs@ 1650 rpm
269 ft-lbs@ 1200rpm
293 ft-lbs@ 5000rpm
270 ft-lbs@ 5200rpm
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.
Models
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG sedan
Audi S4
Lexus GS 300 sedan
Jaguar XF 25t premium Sedan
Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
Infiniti Q70 3.7LUXE sedan
0-60 MPH
4.1 sec
4.3 sec
7 sec
5 sec
6.3 sec
5.6 sec
Quarter mile
N/A
12.8 sec
N/A
13.5 sec
14.6 sec
14.2 sec
Engine
3.0L V6
3.0L V6
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
3.8L V6
3.7L V6
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.3
8.9
8.4
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.
Model
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG sedan
Audi S4
Lexus GS 300 sedan
Jaguar XF 25t premium Sedan
Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
Infiniti Q70 3.7LUXE sedan
Brake Front (in.)
14.2
14.2
N/A
12.8
13.6
12.6
Brake Rear (in.)
13.8
13
N/A
12.8
12.4
12.1
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3825
3858
3805
3590
4195
3876
70-0 MPH (ft.)
-
-
174
170
167
167
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Fuel Economy
7.0/10
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.
Model
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG sedan
Audi S4
Lexus GS 300 sedan
Jaguar XF 25t premium Sedan
Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
Infiniti Q70 3.7LUXE sedan
MPG (city)
19
21
22
25
19
18
MPG (highway)
27
30
32
34
27
25
MPG (combined)
22
24
26
28
22
21
Tank Capacity (gal)
17.4
15.3
17.4
19.5
20.3
20.0
Range (miles) (city/highway)
-
-
383/557
488/663
386/548
360/500
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Interior
9.0/10
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.
Model
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG sedan
Audi S4
Lexus GS 300 sedan
Jaguar XF 25t premium Sedan
Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
Infiniti Q70 3.7LUXE sedan
Passenger capacity
4
4
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
40.9/55.3/41.7
38.9/55.9/41.3
38.0/57.3/42.3
37.5/NA/NA
41.1/58.3/45.7
39.1/58.4/44.4
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
37.1/55/35.2
37.4/54.5/35.7
37.8/55.7/36.8
38.2/NA/NA
38.2/57.1/35.0
37.7/56.7/36.2
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.
Model
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG sedan
Audi S4
Lexus GS 300 sedan
Jaguar XF 25t premium Sedan
Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
Infiniti Q70 3.7LUXE sedan
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
12.6
13
14.3
17.8
15.3
14.9
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Exterior
9.0/10
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.
Model
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG sedan
Audi S4
Lexus GS 300 sedan
Jaguar XF 25t premium Sedan
Genesis G80 3.8 sedan
Infiniti Q70 3.7LUXE sedan
Curb weight (lbs.)
3825
3858
3805
3590
4195
3876
Length(in)
185
186.8
192.1
195.0
196.5
196.1
Width(in)
71.3
72.5
72.4
78.2
74.4
72.6
Height(in)
56.3
55.3
57.3
57.4
58.3
59.1
Ground clearance (in)
3.5
-
5.1
4.1
5.3
6.0
Wheelbase (in)
111.8
111.2
112.2
116.5
118.5
114.2
Track width (in) F/R
63.1/61.3
61.6/60.9
62/62.6
61.4/61.8
64.1/65.3
62/61.6
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Safety
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
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Competition
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Final Verdict
8.8/10
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.