New AMG C43 arrives with 402bhp electrified four-pot
MERCEDES-AMG HAS LIFTED the veil on the hottest version of the new C-class yet, the C43 4Matic, as the first car to use a 48V mild-hybrid version of the performance division’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
Available in saloon and estate forms, both again with traditional AMG styling flourishes, the C43 has been comprehensively reengineered for the arrival of the new engine, which replaces a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6.
Employing an electric turbocharger and a belt-driven starter-generator to boost reserves under full load, the engine develops 201bhp per litre, lifting the output of the C43 40bhp beyond its predecessor to 402bhp. Torque has decreased by 15lb ft to 369lb ft, however.
Drive is channelled through a nine-speed automatic gearbox with a Race Start function and an Amg-specific four-wheel drive system with a 31:69 drive bias, front to rear.
AMG has yet to make any acceleration claims, but the 155mph top speed of the 1765kg saloon and 1810kg estate can be increased to 165mph through the specification of an optional Driver’s Package.
The C-class’s chassis has also been heavily upgraded.
Included is a revised front axle with model-specific steering knuckles and load-bearing joints.
The AMG Ride Control suspension, featuring double
wishbones up front and multilinks at the rear, gets adaptive dampers as standard.
Also included on every C43 is a four-wheel steering system that provides up to 2.5deg of steering angle to the rear wheels, dependent on the driving mode.
The brakes are beefier, too: there are 370mm steel discs with four-piston calipers up front and 320mm steel discs with single-piston floating calipers at the rear.
The C43 will go on sale later this year, likely costing slightly more than its £50k forebear.