2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe

The C43 coupe explores a very niche coupe segment, nonetheless gets greeted by stiff competition from the likes of BMW with the M2 Competition and the Kia with a Stinger GT. the C43 also fares off against muscle coupes from America like the Mustang Bullitt and the Camaro 2SS. Let's see how well the Mercedes can hold in the turf war.

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

We Recommend

The 4Matic all-wheel drive is a must have in the C43 coupe, perfect for fun rides as well as seamless handling in adverse conditions. The Mercedes-Benz C43 coupe 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 coupe than on the sedan. - Car connection

Engine and Transmission

The entry-level AMG coupe 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 coupe with brutal acceleration, worthy of the AMG badge.

The 9-speed transmission carries over from the last gen, however, the way this shifts 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.

The competitors, primarily the American muscle, boast massive power figures, which cross well over 450. The Deutschlanders like the BMW M2 Competition also has a bit more oomph than the C43. The Kia Stinger GT has quite comparable stats to the C43, with a similarly powered V6.

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 4.5 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 Challenger R/T Scat Pack makes it first to 60 in 3.8 seconds with the Camaro 2SS and BMW M2 Competition close at its heels, next is the C43 followed by the Mustang Bullitt. 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 BMW M2 competition has the most massive discs - 15.7 up front and 15 at the back. Most of the coupes have similar sized brakes, except for the Cadillac, 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 Cadillac ATS, 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 coupe are relatively comfier than the microfiber suede and alcantara you find in most sporty coupes 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 coupes, 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 coupe, 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 Stinger GT which boasts a massive 23.3 cubic feet volume, followed by the Challenger R/T Scat Pack. The Camaro has the least capacity of the bunch along with the Cadillac ATS and the C43, 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 coupe 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 coupes and the Cadillac, 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 BMW M2 Competition

The BMW M2 is one of the best M cars, with a 3.0L inline-6 engine which makes 405 horsepower, compared to the AMG C43 also with a 3.0L V6, making slightly less 385 hp. Compared to the BMW, the Merc has better and comfier interiors, with leather clad seats and rear that is actually usable. The infotainment on the BMW is leagues ahead of the tiny standard screen in the Merc. In terms if driving dynamics, the M2 Competition is an absolute thrill, unlike the mellowed down AMG.

Mercedes-AMG C43 vs Kia Stinger GT

The Kia Stinger GT, a good looking coupe 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, the Stinger GT is a treat, but the AMG is a feast.

Mercedes-AMG C43 vs Cadillac ATS

As an entry level sports coupe the Cadillac 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 385 hp, an amazing transmission, flawless 4Matic drivetrain, and better interiors than most coupes 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 coupe. It is the perfect daily driver for your garage and makes every ride fun, yet practical when you need it to be.