Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Saloon Review & Prices

So you want a comfortable saloon, but you want it to be fast, too. But not too fast, nor too compromised on comfort. That’s where the Mercedes AMG C43 Saloon comes in – it’s got more power and sharper styling than the regular models, but not quite as ballistic and spine-rattlingly stiff as the catchily titled C 63 S E Performance.

It’s a bit like Goldilocks’ porridge; it’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, it’s just the right temperature. That’s the idea, anyway.

How is this achieved? Well, for a start there’s an AMG-specific front grille with vertical struts, a more aggressive-looking front bumper with big air intakes, and a rear bumper with a motorsport-esque diffuser design. Oh, and a quad-exit exhaust to complete the ‘I’m a baby race car’ aesthetic.

That exhaust is noisier than what you’ll find on less sporting versions, but it gets a special flap that can reduce or exaggerate its sound depending on your mood. There’s also an optional upgrade that places a sensor in the exhaust and plays the sound through the speakers to improve the aural experience.

You’ll probably want it in its more obnoxious setting during spirited driving to make it sound as quick as it is. Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre petrol engine that makes 402hp and 500Nm of torque. This, plus the help of all-wheel drive grip, contributes to a 4.6-second 0-60mph time. Not bad when this isn’t even the really fast C-Class AMG…

That performance is also helped by a small electric motor attached to the engine. It can add a little extra power on full throttle launches, as well as keeping the turbocharger working optimally to improve throttle response. It also smooths out the start/stop system and helps the car coast to save fuel, but that’s not quite as exciting.

Similarly unexciting but important to note when buying a pricey premium car is the interior. It looks a lot like the regular model in its design, sporting a large 11.9-inch infotainment display in the middle and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, though these do get AMG-specific graphics.

Other AMG-ified items include the flat-bottomed steering wheel with some AMG buttons as well as the sports seats.

Two trim levels are on offer. Premium models get 19-inch alloy wheels, a parking package with a 360-degree camera to help avoid kerbing those fancy wheels, and augmented reality for the sat nav, which projects directions on the road ahead.

Premium Plus adds some choice extras, such as a lovely Burmester sound system, larger 20-inch alloys, panoramic sliding sunroof and a head-up display.

There’s one more thing to note – if you like the idea of the C43 but need a bit more boot space, it’s also available in estate form. This ups the boot capacity from 455 litres to 490 litres.

We’ll be back with a full review once we get behind the wheel of the new Mercedes AMG C43 Saloon, but if you can’t wait, why not check out the latest C43 deals or browse used examples. You can also check out other used Mercedes stock, and if you need to sell your car, you can do that through carwow too.