2022 Mercedes-AMG C43 Has Two Cylinders Less, But There’s More Power On Tap

The inevitable downsizing of engines has now caught on to the Mercedes-AMG C43. Once sold with a 3-litre, six-cylinder engine, the model comes with a four-cylinder turbo-petrol motor in its latest iteration.

But, let's not get fooled by the number of cylinders the C43’s engine has, since we all know how good the motor is in the Mercedes-AMG A45 S. So without further ado, let’s get cracking about the new C43 AMG.

The C43 gets Mercedes-AMG’s new 2-litre turbo-petrol engine developing 403PS (-18PS from A45) and 500Nm. Drive is sent to Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system via a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. So yeah, it doesn’t get the crown of the world’s most powerful 4-cylinder petrol engine, but the figures are better than before. 

 

Mercedes-AMG has fitted an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, which relies on power from the onboard 48 volt mild-hybrid system, to the motor. Adopted from Mercedes’ Formula 1 car, the small electric motor in the turbocharger’s shaft significantly improves the performance car’s engine response at low speeds.  

As a result, performance is strong and identical to the old C43. Nought to 100kmph comes up in 4.7 seconds and with your foot flat to the floor, the car will achieve 250kmph tops (limited). You can pay extra to be able to clock 265kmph. For best acceleration results, there is launch control, or ‘Race Start’ in Mercedes speak. 

Other wizardries that aid handling are rear-wheel steer and performance-based suspension with adaptive dampers. Plus, it gets five drive modes (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual) that alter various parameters of the car. 

One important point to address is the exhaust note of the C43. A four-cylinder motor sure sounds less harmonious than a six-cylinder mill and Mercedes has tried to make amends by fitting the car with a performance exhaust with adjustable valves. Also, there is a sensor in the exhaust system which relays the sound into the cabin through speakers. 

And finally, the design. Being an AMG model, the C43 gets the panamericana grille, aggressive-looking bumpers, and AMG-specific alloys. Also, while the coupe body style was offered before, this time around, it can be had either as a sedan or an estate only.  

Inside, the C43 features a AMG-specific steering wheel and sports seats in the front to keep up with the racy theme. Furthermore, the digital driver display and MBUX touchscreen infotainment system feature AMG-specific graphics as well.  

Mercedes will eventually bring the C43 AMG to India after the standard model goes on sale from May 10 onward. When launched, the performance car will lock horns with the BMW M4 and Audi RS5 Sportback.