Monday 5th March 2018

Mercedes-AMG C43 facelift for Geneva

No electrified AMG model for the C-Class, but the new C43 does have nearly 400hp...

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Not so long ago, 390hp and 4.7 seconds to 62mph would have qualified your executive saloon for a spot in the big boy performance division. As it is, in 2018 that's only sufficient to be competitive in the burgeoning group of sub-flagship sports saloons, of which the new Mercedes-AMG C43 aims to be the best.

The C43 name was revived two years ago, this latest car bringing the AMG model in line with the most recent C-Class facelift. And yes, you're right, it really is a very subtle overhaul. New features for this latest C43 include an AMG grille, a "powerfully sculpted" front apron and a "significantly more expressive" rear diffuser. The wheels are also brand new for this facelift, and said to be aerodynamically optimised for improving air flow. Standard wheels are still 18-inch, with 19s on the options list.

The aforementioned 23hp power gain is accompanied by an unchanged torque peak of 384lb ft; both C43 saloon and estate reach 62mph in less than five seconds, with 155mph top speeds. The nine-speed auto and 4Matic all-wheel drive are carried over unchanged, as well. Perhaps the biggest change to the C43 drive is the introduction of the 'Slippery' drive mode, designed for traction limited conditions with a softer throttle response and ensuring the car always starts off in second gear.

Inside the C43 comes as standard with a new steering wheel that boasts "intuitive operation", with an alternative wheel on the options list. Joining it there are a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and the 'Energizing' comfort control, which generates a wellness set up to "enhance well-being and performance." Right...

Prices and UK availability for the new C43 have yet to be confirmed, but expect that information soon. Furthermore, if you can do without the comfort control, the Slippery drive mode and the modest visual changes, C43s are available in the PH classifieds from £37k now. This estate sneaks in at less than £40k and looks rather fetching in Selenite Grey, if you're interested...

[DJT14]

The diffuser/exhaust combo is a big improvement, looks much more W204. Hopefully those exhaust tips are real and they've done away with those awful chrome fake tips on the recent AMG models

[ganser]

Agree about the fake exhaust tips- really hate that feature. I was surprised to find out the tips on a C63 (current one) were fake. I remember people used to laugh at the ISF tips but it seems it's cool on an AMG. Anyway, this C43 looks ok. Would want to wait and see the bmw equivalent new 3 series

[David87]

The estate one would make a lovely daily. Not as lovely as a C63, mind, so where's the facelift for that?

[tgclowes]

David87 said:

The estate one would make a lovely daily. Not as lovely as a C63, mind, so where's the facelift for that?

I've posted this very question in another thread. The dials and a few other bits really let the current C63 down for me, hopefully the face lift gets this interior.