The Merc C43 coupe Starting at $57,450, the C43 AMG coupe 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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe Latest Updates
Apr' 28, 2022 : New (2023) Mercedes-AMG C 43 Sedan Makes 402-HP And Comes With F1-Derived Electric Gas Turbocharger Read More »
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe Front View
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe Rear View
Features
8.0/10
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.
Trims
C43
MSRP
$57,450
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 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.
Engine and Performance
8.0/10
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 coupe than on the sedan. - Car connection
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe Engine Bay
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.
Models
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Chevrolet Camaro 2SS
BMW M2 Competition
Kia Stinger GT
Cadillac ATS Coupe
Mercedes AMG C43 4Matic coupe
MSRP
$39,995
$46,595
$41,995
$58,900
$40,095
$39,990
$57,450
Engine
392 V8 SRT HEMI Engine
5.0L V8 Coyote
Gas V8, 6.2L
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6, 3.0 L
3.3L V6
2.0L i4
3.0L V6
Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded
Transmission
6 Speed Manual TREMEC
6-speed manual
6-Speed Manual
6-Speed Manual
8-speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
9 Speed automatic
Horsepower
485 @ 6100 rpm
480 hp @ 7000 rpm
455 hp @ 6000 rpm
405 hp @5230 rpm
365 hp @6000 rpm
272 hp@ 5500rpm
385 hp@ 6100rpm
Torque
475 @ 4100 rpm
420 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm
455 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
406 lb.-ft. @ 2350 rpm
376 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm
295 ft-lbs@ 3000rpm
384 ft-lbs@ 2500rpm
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe In Acceleration Mode
Models
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Chevrolet Camaro 2SS
BMW M2 Competition
Kia Stinger GT
Cadillac ATS coupe
Mercedes AMG C43 4Matic coupe
0-60 MPH
3.8 sec
4.2 sec
3.9 sec*
4.0 sec
4.7.
5.3 sec
4.1 sec
Quarter mile
11.7 sec
12.4 sec
12.3 sec @ 118 mph*
12.5 sec @ 113 mph
12.9
N/A
12.6 sec
Engine
6.4 Liter
5.0 Liter
6.2 Liter
3.0 Liter
3.3L
2.0L i4
3.0L V6
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
TBD
TBD
TBD
8.4
NA
N/A
N/A
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe Steering Wheel
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe Wheel
Models
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Chevrolet Camaro 2SS
BMW M2 Competition
Kia Stinger GT
Cadillac ATS coupe
Mercedes AMG C43 4Matic coupe
Brake Front (in.)
14.2
13.9
13.6
15.7
13.8
12.6
14.2
Brake Rear (in.)
13.8
13
13.3
15
13.4
12.4
12.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4232
3850
3685
3600
3829
3418
3877
70-0 MPH (ft.)
N/A
N/A
149
N/A
104 (60-0)
N/A
160
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.
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.
Models
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Chevrolet Camaro 2SS
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
BMW M2 Competition
Kia Stinger GT
Cadillac ATS coupe
Mercedes AMG C43 4Matic coupe
MPG (city)
15
16
14
18
19
22
19
MPG (highway)
24
25
23
26
25
30
27
MPG (combined)
18
19
17
21
21
25
22
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.
Interior
7.0/10
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
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe Cockpit Area
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.
Models
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Chevrolet Camaro 2SS
BMW M2 Competition
Kia Stinger GT
Cadillac ATS coupe
Mercedes AMG C43 4Matic coupe
Passenger capacity
5
4
4
4
5
4
4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
39.3/58.5/42
37.6/56.3/44.5
38.5/55/43.9
40.1/54.4/41.5
38.3/56.4/42.6
37.6/54.1/42.3
38.8/54.8/42
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
37.1/53.9/33.1
34.8/52.2/30.6
33.5/50.3/29.9
36.5/53.4/33
37/54.8/36.4
35.1/51.1/33.5
35.6/51.7/32
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.
Models
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Chevrolet Camaro 2SS
BMW M2 Competition
Kia Stinger GT
Cadillac ATS coupe
Mercedes AMG C43 4Matic coupe
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
16.2
13.5
9.1
13.8
23.3
10.4
10.5
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
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupe Front Angle View
Models
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
Ford Mustang Bullitt
Chevrolet Camaro 2SS
BMW M2 Competition
Kia Stinger GT
Cadillac ATS coupe
Mercedes AMG C43 4Matic coupe
Curb weight (lbs.)
4232
3850
3685
3600
3829
3418
N/A
Length(in)
197.9
188.3
188.3
176.2
190.2
183.6
184.8
Width(in)
75.7
75.4
74.7
73
73.6
72.5
71.3
Height(in)
57.5
54.4
53.1
55.5
55.1
54.8
55.3
Ground clearance (in)
5.3
TBD
TBD
4.8
NA
N/A
3.6
Wheelbase (in)
116.2
107.1
110.7
106
114.4
109.3
111.8
Track width (in) F/R
63.4/63.8
62.3/64.9
63.0/62.9
62.2/63
62.8/63.7
60.3/61.7
63.1/61.3
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.
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
Competition
9.0/10
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.
2020 BMW M2 Competition
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.
2020 Kia Stinger GT
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.
2020 Cadillac ATS
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.
Final Verdict
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.