Introduced in 2015 to bridge the gap between the C300 and the full-blown AMG C63, the AMG C43 brings together the usual AMG goodies inside and out and a smaller V-6 engine (instead of a V-8) for improved fuel economy. Although it's not as powerful or as fast as the C63, the C43 has become a popular option among enthusiasts that want an AMG with daily driving skills. With the 2018 Geneva Motor Show just around the corner, Mercedes-Benz is introducing a facelift to both the sedan and wagon versions of the slightly beefed-up C-Class.

The revised AMG C43 boasts a sportier look front and rear. The front fascia now features the twin louver radiator grille in matte Iridium Silver and a revised front apron with additional flics and silver chrome detailing. It also has new side air curtains in the apron for improved aerodynamics. Onto the sides, we can see mildly revised side skirts and new light-alloy wheels. The latter feature special outer aero rings that improve airflow around the rim. The rear doesn't boast too many changes, but we can notice a reshaped apron with twin tailpipes in high-gloss chrome and a body-colored spoiler. If the standard looks aren't sporty enough for you, the optional AMG styling package adds a bigger front splitter, broader side skirt inserts, and detailing in high-gloss black.

Inside the cabin, updates start with the optional fully digital instrument cluster seen in the larger models. It has a 12.3-inch diagonal screen and uses three display styles: Classic, Sport, and Supersport. There's also a new AMG steering wheel and upgraded materials, including leather, Dinamica microfiber, and aluminum.

New AMG Performance seats are available optionally and can now be heated and climatized in three levels in conjunction with leather upholstery. Further customization is possible with new trim elements in anthracite open-poke oak wood, open-pore walnut, and longitudinal-grain aluminum for the doors and black open-pore ash wood for the center console.

Additionally, there's the familiar AMG trim in carbon fiber/light longitudinal-grain aluminum and matte silver fiberglass along with leather in black, black with red topstitching, cranberry red / black, and the brand-new saddle brown/black.

Under the hood, the biturbo, 3.0-liter, V-6 engine gained a few extra ponies. While the previous model came with 367 PS (362 horsepower) on tap, the facelifted version benefits from 390 PS (385 horsepower). Torque remains unchanged at 520 Nm (384 pound-feet). Mercedes says that the sedan now needs 4.7 seconds to hit 62 mph, which is two tenths quicker than the outgoing model. The wagon model hits the same benchmark in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to the usual 155 mph for both cars.

References

Mercedes C-Class

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

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