Mercedes-Benz first introduced the C-Class nameplate in 1993 for the 1994 model year, offering it up as a compact luxury replacement for the outgoing 190 E. Since then, the C-Class has grown to become the most popular model in the Merc stable, no doubt thanks in part to sales of the pumped-up performance-oriented versions from AMG, which include the 43 series that launched in 2015. Now, there’s a refresh on the table for the go-faster C-Class, and it’s bringing extra power and new tech to the fight.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 390
  • Torque: 384 @ 5000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Exterior

- Multiple body styles offered - Revised styling to make it more AMG - Revised bumpers front and back - LED lighting for headlights and taillights - Aero-efficient wheel designs - 18- and 19-inch wheel sizing - Optional AMG styling package

While the most popular body style for the AMG C43 is undoubtedly the four-door sedan (or “saloon” for our overseas readers), Merc also offers the model in a wagon (otherwise known as an “estate”) and two-door convertible (or “cabriolet”), giving buyers a number of different ways to enjoy this entry-level AMG experience.

Moving onto the 2019 model year, the AMG C43 brings with it a fresh look that Merc hopes will help establish it more firmly as an AMG model, setting it apart from its lesser, un-AMG’d brethren.

The updated exterior includes a new grille with a twin-louvre design, with the dividers finished in a matte iridium silver. There are new bumpers as well, both front and rear, with additional flics added to the front bumper to spice things up a bit.

Revised side curtains help direct the flow of air around the car more efficiently, while silver chrome detailing adds an extra splash of premium appeal. LED lighting is used for the headlights and the taillights.

Moving around to the rear of the vehicle, there are twin rounded tailpipes with a high-gloss chrome finish. The updated rear bumper also gains a revised diffuser element and new side air curtains, while a body-painted trunk lid spoiler finishes it off.

Buyers can go for more aggression with the optional AMG styling package, which throws in a new front splitter and spoiler lip, bigger side skirts, and a sharper rear bumper, all of which is finished in high-gloss black.

Also new for the 2019 model year are the freshly redesigned AMG-specific wheels, which now come with aero-optimized features to help them cut through the atmosphere with a bit more ease. This includes new outer rings and a revised spoke geometry, both of which were shaped in the wind tunnel to increase aero efficiency. Merc also says the wheels seek to find “the optimum combination of aerodynamics, weight and brake cooling, together with maximum performance and reduced fuel consumption.”

The wheels once again enjoy a lightweight alloy construction. The two aero-optimized rim designs come as standard spec with a five twin-spoke design in tremolite grey and a high-sheen finish. Sizing is measured at 7.5 inches by 18 inches in front with a 225/45R18 tire, plus 8.5 inches by 18 inches and 245/40R18 tire in the rear.

The other wheel option also comes with a five twin-spoke design, plus a tantalite grey color and either a high-gloss black or matte-black color in a high-sheen finish. Sizing is measured at 7.5 inches by 19 inches in front with a 225/40R19 tire in front, and 8.5 inches by 19 inches with a 255/35R19 tire in the rear.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Interior

- Same general layout as before - Leather, carbon fiber, and aluminum throughout - Black headliner, red seatbelts - Multiple color options - Wood trim options - Optional AMG Performance seats - New AMG steering wheel - Touch-sensitive controls - Optional 12.3-inch gauge cluster - Loads of performance data to sift through - “Energizing comfort control”

Inside the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43, the cabin layout doesn’t change a whole lot. You still get the same broad center console and copious horizontal design features, mixing both performance cues and luxury in equal amounts throughout.

Materials include leather upholstery, Dinamica microfiber coverings, and aluminum trim pieces. You can also get yours with Artico man-made leather or Dinamica microfiber finished in black with red contrast stitching, with the color combo added to the door panels and the dash.

The trim pieces arrive in a piano black lacquer finish and a light longitudinal-grain aluminum. There’s also plenty of carbon fiber and fiberglass with a matte silver finish, which is traditional flair for an AMG model. Up top is a black roof liner, while red seat belts add some color. Drivers will enjoy the aluminum sport pedals, which get black rubber studs for added grip.

Color options include leather in either all black, black with red contrast stitching, cranberry red with black, or saddle brown with black.

The Individualization options are numerous. There’s trim in an anthracite open-pore oak wood, as well as open-pore walnut for the doors and open-pore ash wood for the center console.

Spring for the Designo range, and you’ll be able to get into upholstery with handsome diamond quilting and a saddle brown with black color combo. There’s also a white pearl and a black color option, both of which can be added to the AMG Performance seats if desired (more on those in a second).

New for the 2019 model year is an updated AMG steering wheel. Standout features include a contoured rim, flat bottom, perforated grips, and a red top center mark. The performance wheel is covered in nappa leather as standard, while the gearshift paddles are made from galvanized metal. The wheel is also optional in a nappa leather and Dynamica microfibre combo, or with nappa leather and black piano lacquer trim.

The thumb-length Touch Control buttons on the wheel are new for the model as well. These take a swiping motion for inputs control of the various features displayed on the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Further inputs are made courtesy of the touchpad and controller on the center console and voice command feature.

Buyers looking to up the performance potential of their Merc even further can select the optional AMG Performance seats for extended bolstered lateral support. These up-rated sitters come with the option for adjustable side bolsters that can be either inflated or deflated thanks to the built-in air cushions. They also come with integrated head restraints, an optional heating feature, and optional leather upholstery as well.

In terms of uprated tech stuff, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 gets the option for a fully digital cockpit and AMG display, much like the Merc S-Class. This provides an exceptionally large digital readout behind the steering wheel, with a multiple display settings on hand, including “Classic,” “Sport,” and “Supersport.”

The C43 provides a plethora of information at a touch, such as temps for the engine and transmission oil, turbo boost pressure, the current drive system settings, the suspension settings, the variable exhaust noise settings, the electronic stability control, and the transmission settings, as well as more standard car info like the current road speed and the gear selected. There’s even an animated display of the driving assistance systems, and the vehicle and communication systems. Autonomous systems include Active Distance Assist and cruise control.

Further performance data is provided by a G-Force meter, plus there’s a race timer with lap times, average speed, distance covered, current engine torque, and horsepower levels.

Standard spec throws in a 7-inch display with a resolution of 960 by 540 pixels. Alternatively, buyers can upgrade to a new 10.25-inch display, which is larger than last time. The larger screen comes with a high-definition resolution of 1920 by 720 pixels, and comes bundled as standard with the Comand Online package, or as an option for the Audio 20 GPS system. A heads-up display rounds it all out.

Finally, the C43 comes with the option for “Energizing comfort control,” which networks a variety of onboard systems and their functionalities to offer a more cohesive comfort experience. Air conditioning, seat heating and ventilation, lighting, and even the music selection work together to create more comfort in the cabin.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Drivetrain

- Twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 - Bigger turbos make 16 psi of boost - 23 more horsepower, up to 390 hp total - Torque static at 384 pound-feet - 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds - Nine-speed automatic gearbox - Manual shifting mode - Rear-biased AWD

Take a peek under the hood of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 and you’ll find a standard AMG engine cover, complete with the traditional AMG badging and red aluminum inserts. Under the cover, Merc mounts a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine, the same lump offered in the previous model year. This time around though, the engine makes more power, consumes less fuel, and produces fewer emissions.

The big update in the powertrain department is the new pair of turbos, which are larger this time around, making a maximum of 1.1 bar (16 psi) of boost. Once again, Mercedes mounts the turbos close to the engine, which helps to reduce spool time when digging into the loud pedal. Power sees a jump, with peak output rated at 390 horsepower, an increase of 23 horses overall. Torque remains unchanged, with a maximum of 520 Nm (384 pound-feet) created between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm.

Properly motivated, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the wagon takes a bit longer at 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph).

As for efficiency, the C43 drinks 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 km traveled (or 26 mpg), while combined emissions come to 214 grams per km.

Making the connection to the engine is an AMG SpeedShift TCT 9G automatic gearbox, which now offers quicker shift times. It’s also got a multiple-downshift feature and double-declutching function, plus multiple driving modes such as “Sport” and “Sport+.” For those who wish to have a more hands-on approach to the cog swaps, the nine-speed comes with a manual mode that won’t automatically upshift when you hit the redline. Switching to manual mode is indicated by a yellow M in the display.

The C43 is offered with Merc’s 4Matic AWD for the drive configuration. In addition to extra grip, this rear-biased system distributes torque with a 31/69 front-to-rear split, which should make it handle much sportier than a straight 50/50 split. Standout features include a single-stage transfer case that’s flange-mounted to the transmission as a separate system, which helps it to offer more variable torque splitting without compromising interior space.

2019 Mercedes-AMG Chassis And Handling

- Multiple drive modes - New “Slippery” drive mode - Variable steering assist - Standard adaptive dampers - Loads of track-oriented components

While it certainly has the power to back its claim to sporting intentions, the 2019 C43 also has the right stuff to help it handle like a proper AMG should. It all starts with a four-link front axle and independent multilink in the rear, with the AMG tuning adding in extra high-camber stability for high-speed chops. There’s also an axial brake connection for the front.

In terms of electronic aides, the C43 comes with a selection of different drive modes, including “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” and “Individual,” all of which modify the settings for the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering. The 2019 model year also adds a new mode - “Slippery,” as indicated by a snowflake symbol. As you might expect, this modifies the power levels to maximize grip in low-traction, snow-covered conditions.

There’s also adjustable dampers with AMG Ride Control equipped as standard. These components are electronically controlled and fully automatic, and come matched to steel springs. The system can make adjustments to each wheel individually, as needed. The user can also modify the system settings manually using a switch on the center console, choosing between “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport+.”

Up next is AMG-tuned speed-sensitive steering with a variable ratio, offering less assistance at high speeds and more assistance at lower speeds. This makes the luxury sedan easier to drive around parking lots with its extra assistance, and more communicative when driving fast. The assistance level is also dependent on the driving mode selected, with more feedback obviously added for the sportier settings.

And for anyone who doubts the C43’s performance potential, there’s ample opportunities to prove it thanks to the included data logger system. This was designed specifically for those owners looking to take their ride to the track, incorporating something called an AMG Track Pace app that acts like a virtual race engineer.

Offered as an option for the Command Online infotainment system package, this system records vitals like speed and acceleration numbers, collecting a multitude of parameters at a rate of ten times per second. It’ll also record your lap times and even individual sector times for easy reference, highlighting specific data points in either green or red so you can quickly and easily discern where you are fast and where you are slow. Performance data like your 0 to 62 mph time, quarter mile time, and 62 mph to 0 braking times are all on hand.

To capture all that, the app uses onboard GPS data, as well as an onboard accelerometer, gyroscope, steering angles, and wheel speeds. The system even comes pre-loaded with layouts of well-known race tracks for your own reference, such as the Nurburgring. You can also record your own circuits if it your favorite track isn’t already included on the C43, then upload the data directly to social media as proof for your boasting.

Finally, the C43 should tip the scales at around 3,750 pounds - not exactly lightweight, but not as heavy as other luxury sedans in the segment.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Prices

While there is no exact pricing announced as of yet, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 is expected to slot in around the same as the 2018 model, which currently starts at $53,400. Look for it to arrive in dealers by the end of the year.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Competition

Audi S4

If Mercedes makes it, you can rest assured Audi has some competition for it. In this case, the C43 lines up against the S4, which arrives on the scene sporting a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 making as much as 354 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. Despite the power gap to the Merc, the Audi is just as quick, hitting 62 mph in about 4.7 seconds. A standard quattro AWD system makes it grip with tenacity, while the latest tech keeps it safe. The interior is also quite nice, with an 8.3-inch screen sitting pretty on top of the dash.

Read our full review on the 2017 - 2018 Audi S4.

Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

If you’re looking to get away from the Teutonic status quo, then Infiniti has just what you need with the latest Q50. It certainly looks unique when placed next to the Merc and Audi thanks to its curving front end and big bold chrome strips around the grille. Under the hood is yet another 3.0-liter V-6, this time producing a whopping 400 horses and 350 pound-feet of torque. You can alternatively get into a 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid, if that’s more your speed. Top-shelf materials and cutting-edge tech round it out in the interior.

Read our full review on the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400.

Conclusion

When it comes to pumped-up luxury four-doors, the C43 is pretty much the benchmark. Merc knows that, and as such, the C43 is offered in an impressive four different body styles, three output levels, and two drive types.

When it comes to this refresh, it’s pretty much exactly what we’d expect from Mercedes, and that’s a good thing. The extra power is always appreciated, while the interior goods bring the model in line with everything else in the German automaker’s stable. The high-end performance gear (lap timer, etc.) are a little strange for such an expensive (not to mention heavy) sedan, but we aren’t gonna dock it for that.

All told, the C43 has what it takes to stand tall in this segment, and this latest refresh underlines that fact.

References

Mercedes C-Class

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Read more Mercedes-Benz news.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.