During the 1990s, German tuning company AMG was doing very well with their unofficial upgrades to certain Mercedes-Benz models at the time. Two former Mercedes engineers started the company in the 60s, and the primary focus was on powertrain development. In 1999, Mercedes-Benz's controlling stake in AMG transformed into full ownership of the brand, and AMG suddenly found themselves under Mercedes' roof. They became the official performance arm of the three-pointed star that same year.
A few years ago, Mercedes spun off AMG into a separate entity, creating Mercedes-AMG, and since then, all high-performance Mercedes models are officially known under that name. At the tail end of the 2010s, AMG decided to try out a different kind of high-performance Mercedes model, reviving an old badge from over two decades ago. One that would not use a V8 engine and wouldn't be all about sheer power. Enter the Mercedes-AMG C43.
Overview Of The 2021 C43
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 is a different take on the AMG formula. It's the cheapest and least powerful AMG model, although it still slots below the C63 AMG in the lineup. Even though it's a 2021 model, it's based on the previous generation C-Class, which first went on sale 2014. We're probably not going to see another C43 AMG like this, as the next C-Class will have four-cylinder power only. The front end features a more aggressive lower intake array, the big three-pointed star in the middle, and the signature lights.
The rear end is typical Mercedes, with the quad round exhaust tips distinguishing the C43 from both the regular C-Class and the C63 AMG as well. The C43 competes with the likes of the BMW M340i and the Audi S4. As mentioned previously, the C43 AMG technically counts as its own trim level, with the only one above it being the out-and-out C63. Like the other C-Class models, Mercedes offers the C43 AMG as either a sedan, a coupe or a convertible.
2021 C43 AMG Powertrain And Drivetrain
The C43 has a different powertrain than what you would expect from something with an AMG badge. Instead of a V8 of some description under the hood, the C43 uses a V6 engine. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo unit, specifically, with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. That power means that the C43 can do 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds, on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 130 mph.
The engine sends its power to all four wheels via a conventional nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. You can't get the C43 with RWD, although the AWD system is rear-biased, allowing you to have a little fun once you disable the stability control. While it's not outright lunacy like a 63 AMG car would be, the C43 is still a lot of fun, and it's a different kind of animal; this one is more about balance than out-and-out power, and that gives it a different personality. Not to mention, the V6 under the hood is lighter than the V8 and it behaves differently, which contributes to its different character. Be warned though; the ride is pretty rattly.
2021 C43 AMG Comfort And Quality
On the inside, the C43 is typical Mercedes-Benz fare. The interior of the pre-facelift C-Class got outdated pretty quickly, but the facelift brought along some welcome additions. The gauge cluster is fully digital, and there's a larger infotainment display in the middle. Although not the very latest version of MBUX, it still has all the features you would expect, not to mention the various redundant ways that you can control it. There's also a new steering wheel, which receives a 12 o'clock marker, and you can also get red seat belts as standard. For a small extra, you can swap them out for regular black ones.
There's a variety of options available for the C43, most of them sold as packages. Parking assistance packages and driver's assistance systems are available, but there are also a few individual options, like ventilated seats and a heads-up display, as well as SD card preparation for the nav system. The $1,700 Driver Assistance Package includes things like distance control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, auto emergency braking and more. The C43 seats five passengers, and it boasts 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space, which is pretty average for the class. The rear seats do fold down to give you a bit of extra room.
2021 C43 AMG Pricing
As of December 2021, the C43 AMG (all three body styles) is still available for purchase. The sedan has a base MSRP of $56,500, the coupe starts at $60,050, and the convertible is the most expensive at $66,500. Considering that no one is really buying the C43 AMG, and the fact that the new generation C-Class will be in dealerships soon, you may be able to get a better deal than that.
Is the C43 AMG a good deal on its own? In a way, yes. It has the three-pointed star and the AMG badge, but it offers a different driving experience compared to its V8-powered sibling. If balance over outright grunt is more your thing, and you don't want to spend quite that much on a C63, then the C43 could be the one for you. Buy one now, before the 2022 C-Class arrives.