2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG tuning arm has created the all-new 2023 C43 sports sedan, which is set to hit dealerships by the end of 2022. The C43 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 402 horsepower and is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system. The engine’s turbocharger setup is partially derived from the company’s F1 racing-engine tech. Acceleration is brisk, and the car handles well, with ample cornering grip. All models come with a large 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs the latest MBUX software interface. The C43 also comes with a sport steering wheel which features a flat bottom, a leather-and-suede wrap, and the AMG logo in the bottom spoke.

Mercedes’s AMG tuning arm has given the C-class an overhaul, resulting in the all-new 2023 C43 sports sedan. The C43 is set to hit Mercedes dealerships by the end of 2022. The latest model has been downsized, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that replaces the previous model’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. The new engine’s power is anything but downsized, however, with a healthy 402 horsepower, which is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system that can temporarily contribute up to 13 more ponies at lower rpm. The turbocharger incorporates an auxiliary electric motor to spin up the compressor quicker, which in turn reduces turbo lag.

The C43’s handling is as spry as expected, with ample cornering grip. The car comes with all-wheel drive, a rear-wheel steering system, and adaptive dampers as standard. The car’s acceleration is brisk, and during initial test drives, the four-cylinder’s punch and lack of turbo lag were noted. The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy figures for the 2023 C43 sedan yet, but the car’s predecessor was rated for 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Inside, the C43 is similar to the Mercedes-Benz C300 but with a sporty twist, using racier materials such as optional carbon fiber trim. The car’s seats are performance seats, and a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, and noise-insulating window glass are available. All models come with a large 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that is seamlessly integrated into the center console and canted slightly toward the driver. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display is also standard, and the system runs the latest MBUX software interface that allows for voice activation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should both be standard for wireless connectivity.

The C43’s cool tech features include an adaptive cruise-control system that utilizes navigation data to adjust the vehicle’s speed for upcoming curves and roundabouts. Unfortunately, this feature is optional, and not all models come with it. Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection is included, as is available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise.

The car’s exterior design is elegant, with the front grille featuring Mercedes’s logo, and the car’s exterior paint colors can be customized to suit individual preferences. The C43’s interior is sophisticated and sporty, with a leather-and-suede-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel that features the AMG logo in the bottom spoke. The car’s seats are performance seats, with optional carbon-fiber trim covering most of the dashboard. The car’s infotainment system features the latest MBUX interface and a portrait-oriented touchscreen that is angled toward the driver.