At the very end of 2021 Mercedes-Benz SA introduced the new (W206) C-class into the local market (read more here). The line-up will soon expand to include the first of the AMG variants. The all-new Mercedes‑AMG C43 was introduced internationally this week.

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Turbo four-pot

Some time ago Mercedes announced that the W206 AMG offerings would all feature four-cylinder power. We covered that story in this article. The very first of the range is the Mercedes‑AMG C43. The C43 debuted in sedan and stationwagon guises. However, we don’t expect the latter to go on sale in SA.

Check out the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 testing by clicking here.

The new Mercedes‑AMG C43 features a version of the company’s potent turbocharged 2,0-litre powerplant. This is in contrast to the outgoing C43 which had a turbocharged V6. The W206 version has 300 kW of power and a maximum of 500 N.m of torque. Depending on the situation, an additional boost of 10 kW is on tap through a belt-driven starter generator. The engine of the new C43 sits in longitudinal orientation, as opposed to the transverse mounting in the A45S (which we drove and wrote about here).

F1 tech

The four pot motor features an F1-style turbocharger. This unit is spooled up by a small electric motor. This ensures instant power even from low engine speeds, before there is enough energy in the exhaust gases to spool up the turbo. Drive is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain features a 31:69 front to rear power split.

This engine is similar to that found in the latest SL43, which you can read about here.

The C43 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4,6 seconds thanks to a launch control function. As is traditional, top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but it can be raised to 265 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

An AMG sports braking system with silver-painted brake calipers and black “AMG” lettering is standard fare. The front brake discs measure 370 mm. Four piston calipers clamp the internally ventilated and perforated items. The rear discs are 320 mm and feature single-piston floating calipers

AMG bespoke touches

The Mercedes‑AMG C43 has several exterior and interior design cues to help differentiate it from other C-class derivatives. On the outside there is AMG’s Panamericana grille with vertical slats. A restyled lower front bumper is more bold with larger air intakes.

Black trim around the windows replaces chrome. The C43 has four round exhaust pipes poking out of the rear bumper. In addition there is a slim spoiler on the trunk. 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels are standard, with 19- and 20-inch options available.

Inside there is the new C-Class interior treatment with a massive MBUX infotainment screen. Figure-hugging AMG seats hold occupants in place. The driver gets to caress a flat-bottom AMG steering wheel and dance on AMG sport pedals. There is also red topstitching throughout the interior.