The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC models have undergone major facelift, that brought them a digital cockpit, new displays and extra power. With four body variants and three output levels, the C-Class proudly stands as the most versatile and successful model series ever built by Mercedes-AMG.
The 3.0-liter V6 has just received 23 extra horsepower going all the way to 390. The new power guarantees a faster run from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph), stopping the clock at 4.7 seconds for the Saloon and the Coupe and at 4.8 seconds for the Estate and the Cabriolet. The top speed remains electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The C 43 4MATIC has received more expressive looks, with changes on the AMG radiator grille with twin lovers in matt iridium silver and on the aerodynamically optimized AMG light-alloy wheels, with specifically designed outer aero rings and spoke geometry, thus reducing fuel consumption and taking the performance to a whole new level, together with the weight reduction. The AMG wheel with five twin spokes, painted in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish is standard, while the customer can optionally select the five-twin-spoke design in tantalum grey, high-gloss or matt black.
There are two round twin tailpipes in high-gloss chrome adorning the rear, together with an apron with side air curtain look, a more expressive diffuser and a spoiler lip in the vehicle color, present to improve air flow. For looks and aerodynamics, the car also gets the standard-fit spoiler lip, the broader skirt inserts and flicks in the rear bumper in high-gloss black.
The Carbon Fibre package II brings exterior mirror housings and the spoiler lip on the boot lid a in black carbon-fibre. The Night package integrates a trim strip in the front splitter of the AMG front apron in high-gloss black, inserts in the louvres of the AMG front apron in high-gloss black, black-chromed exhaust tailpipes and dark-tinted thermal insulation glass from the B-pillar to the rear.
Sporty materials such as leather, DINAMICA microfiber and aluminum have found room inside the C 43 4MATIC family, that gets optional AMG Performance seats with improved lateral support and integrated head restraints. For the first time in the C 43 4MATIC, the Performance seats can not only be heated, but now also climatized in three levels. The Cabriolet model also receives the AIRSCARF neck-level heating.
The C 43 4MATIC can be conveniently and quickly controlled via touchpad and Controller, touch control buttons located on the multifunctional steering wheel or by voice control. A fully digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch display shows relevant information and can be configures in three AMG specific manners: “Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport”.
The AMG menu also allows the driver to benefit from a few features that make his experience sportier. When in manual transmission, the letter “M” in yellow shows up on the display, while the driver shifts gears using the galvanized gearshift paddles.
The new AMG steering wheel in nappa leather, with a flattened bottom and perforated in the grip area, gets extra sporty with a heavily contoured rim and intuitive operation, available as standard.
There is a shift in power as well, as the 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine gets a power boost thanks to the larger turbochargers, installed close to the engine, especially spontaneous in their response. The engine cover in red aluminum insert and AMG lettering make the power unit easily recognizable.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission gets the specific tuning and model-specific software application for a dynamic driving experience and shorter shift times.
It only takes a simple tap of a finger to switch from “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual” via the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, thus modifying the key parameters such as the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. There is also a fifth mode, “Slippery”, accompanied by a snowflake symbol, to be activated in slippery or snow-covered road conditions.
For enhanced driving dynamics and higher lateral acceleration, there comes as standard the AMG Performance 4MATIC 4-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, with a front/rear axle split of 31 to 69%.
The AMG RIDE CONTROL steel suspension takes dynamics and comfort to a whole new level, thanks to the 4-link front axle and independent multilink rear suspension, with very high camber stability when cornering at high speeds. The C 43 4MATIC models standardly get the adjustbale damping, which improves safety and comfort. The driver can select between three different settings of the damper characteristics: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”.
The AMG TRACK PACE can be ordered optionally for the COMAND Online infotainment system. When this function is engaged, a wealth of vehicle-specific data (e.g. speed, acceleration) are recorded ten times per second while driving. The lap and sector times are meanwhile displayed, while certain display content lights up in green or red. This means that by peripheral vision, and without reading any figures, the driver is able to see whether the car is faster or slower than the best time.
Via GPS data and sensors, TRACK PACE is also able to detect when the circuit is departed from or shortened. Laps can also be recorded and the map display can be switched from 2D to 3D and updated online.
The optional ENERGIZING comfort control is also available for the new C 43 4MATIC. Depending on the mood or requirement of the driver, the system generates a special wellness set-up to enhance well-being and performance.
