The baby S-Class subbed its 6-cylinder engine for a more powerful 4-cylinder that makes 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. New turbocharging technology is derived from Formula 1 car, bringing an electric turbocharger on board nested with a 48-Volt electrical system that powers a belt-driven motor which AMG claims to reduce turbo lag.

This is not the first AMG 43 to get a turbo-electrified four banger. Its topless sibling, the SL 43 AMG was the first to get this technology. The engine is the same as found on the A45 AMG which we have explained it’s one of the most powerful 4-cylinders in production.

This is Mercedes-AMG's iteration of the newly developed W-206 chassis, marking the death of its V6 and V8 powered AMGs. A full-fledged C63 AMG will arrive soon which will also pack a 4-cylinder hybrid system.

Until it arrives, lets take a closer look at everything you need to know about the 2023 C43 AMG.

Related: Eagle Eyes Spot A 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 At The Nurburgring

The 2023 C43 AMG Is More Powerful Than Its Outgoing Model

2023 C43 AMG
via: Mercedes-Benz

The new era of injecting lesser cubic inches and squishing more air has arrived. The 2023 C43 AMG will only be available as 4-Matic all-wheel-drive versions. Power distribution will be 30:70 and there is no other option, regardless of what drive mode is selected. The engine from the 2023 C43 AMG pumps out 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine as the one found on the 2022 A45 AMG. Mounted longitudinally and nesting an electric turbocharger it does result in better numbers. Here is how.

Mercedes-AMG-electric-turbocharger-diagram
Via: Mercedes-Benz

The F1 electric-turbocharger technology reduces turbo-lag. In between the intake side and exhaust side, Mercedes-AMG has nested an electric motor. This electric motor matches the speed of the turbine wheel and compressor wheel before achieving full-operating speed. The result is low-peak torque and no turbo lag. The 2023 C43 AMG will do 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 165 mph.

The 2023 C43 AMG has got more power but is technically slower than its outgoing model which carried a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and produced 385 horsepower. Top speed for the outgoing C43 was limited to 130 mph, but it reached 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

Related: 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43: Costs, Facts, And Figures

A New Body That Mimics The S-Class

2023 C43 AMG
Via Mercedes-Benz

We have already seen the newly developed W206 C-Class. With every generation, many claim it to be a shrinked S-Class, at the fraction of the price, nevertheless, the C-Class is the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model to date across the globe. Mercedes-AMG didn’t get the update for 2021 and 2022, and it continued to offer its C43 and C63 with the outgoing W205 chassis.

2023 C43 AMG
via: Mercedes-Benz

The 2023 C43 gets AMG touchups that set it aside from the C300. A new grille, exclusive AMG wheels, and a quad-tipped exhaust with a more sporty diffuser are some of the new elements that were added. The 2023 C43 AMG rides on 20-inch wheels and comes standard with steel springs and active dampers responsible for controlling the ride height when switching between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.

2023 C43 AMG Interior
Via Mercedes-Benz

Inside the 2023 C43, AMG gets a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, sports seats with red stitching, and red seat belts. All in all, this new generation of C43 is more luxurious, packing the same design language as the S-Class. The high-tech cabin now carries a large 11.9-inch vertical infotainment system backed by the latest version of MBUX. It’s got a bag full of premium features too. Digital gauge cluster, touch-sensitive controls, heated and memory seats with a bunch of other amenities make this the most luxurious C-Class to date.

Related: German Four-Door Drag Battle: BMW M340i Vs Audi S4 Vs Mercedes-AMG C43

Pricing For The 2023 C43

2023 C43 AMG Station Wagon
Via: Mercedes Benz

There hasn’t been an official price reveal for the 2023 C43 AMG yet. From what we know so far the already-in-sale W-206 C300 starts at $45,000 and we expect that the 2023 C43 AMG will start at around $60,000. The 2023 C43 will be offered as a sedan in the US, but a wagon will be available globally. But it drops the two-door coupe model, letting the sportier coupe body style to the full-fledged 2023 C63.

The C63 gets us even more excited. From what we know so far Mercedes-AMG will use the same 2.0-liter engine with electric-turbocharging technology and a full hybrid system that includes a 201-hp electric motor. Mercedes-AMG claims this combo will match the power output of its twin-turbo V8 found on the 2022 C63 AMG.