New C43 ushers in four-cylinder AMG hybrids

Thought hot hatches were bold for Mercedes-AMG? Wait until the next generation...

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 11 March 2020 / Loading comments

Think of the obstacles overcome by AMG in recent years. Everyone was worried about the switch to turbo V8s, but they emphatically proved the 6.2 could be replaced. The GT R Pro has shown that an ostensibly front-engined Mercedes can mix it with the best supercars. They now do a great hot hatch, as well as a really good dual-clutch gearbox. But four-cylinder hybrid saloons? That will be difficult.

It's happening, though. There were rumours last year - surely now confirmed by Aston's switch away from AMG powertrains - of a four-cylinder C63 to replace the current V8 rocketship; this car isn't that, instead the C43-shaped toe in the water. Out will go the turbo V6 found - and liked - in the current car, to be replaced by a hybrid system, likely with some form of the A45's M139 2.0-litre as the combustion engine. Expect power and torque to match or slightly surpass the current car, which has totals of 390hp and 384lb ft respectively. It likely won't got much further, though, given the 435hp '53' hybrid straight-six models on the next step of the AMG hierarchy. It's even been suggested these four-cylinder cars could become 53 badged, too, so they surely wouldn't get close to that 435 figure.

Enough conjecture; what can be seen here is a facelifted C-Class with some sporty add-ons. Note the more angular headlights, wider grille (potentially in Mercedes' Panamericana style), the drilled brake discs and quad exhausts. There's even a mild diffuser arrangement lurking begin the tow car, all of which suggests this isn't just a C220d. Quite what to make of those rear lights, we're not sure yet.

But regardless of the details, the AMG heartland - i.e. 'bahnstorming saloons - will soon have four-cylinder power. From 2021, if the rumours are to be believed, so not all that far away. Best get your fill of the new ones now, then, and hope to high heaven that Mercedes-AMG pulls off another masterstroke; this could be their most demanding challenge yet.

Photos | S.Baldauf/S.B.Medien