Sure the CLA has changed this, but the C-class remains one of the best entry points into the luxury car market. As for performance, the AMG C63 is one of the finest performance sedans on the market.
However, AMG wants to broaden its horizons and bridge the massive gap between the regular C-class and its V8 AMG sibling. Enter one of the best Mercedes sedans I have ever driven, the AMG C43. I ended that introduction with a rather bold statement, however, I strongly believe that it is a brilliant car, and here is why.
For starters, it looks like every other C-class. Unlike its C63 sibling, it does not feature flared wheel arches, menacing bumpers and bulges on the bonnet. Instead, the C43 can be identified as being a performance orientated model by its large brake calipers, sporty tailpipes, bootlid spoiler and a badge on the side that says 'Biturbo 4Matic', and a small AMG badge on the grille. It’s all very unassuming and makes it blend in without much fanfare.
Step inside though and you are greeted by an elegantly flowing interior which looks as inviting as it does sporty. My test car was fitted with a matte grey wood finish, black leather with red stitching, red seat belts and aluminium inserts.
Unlike the sporty bucket seats found in the C63, the C43 makes due with more comfort orientated chairs. I also found it to be lacking in AMG badging on the inside, so if you are one of those who likes to be reminded about the badge you’ve invested in, then the C43 will remind you that you are in something more C-class and less AMG.
The same can be said when you push the start button. Unlike the C63 which can wake the neighbours in other neighbourhoods, the C43 starts up with a little pop before resting at an almost C200-like idle. Keep it below 3000rpm, and it feels like a C200 as well. It’s only once you start to exercise your right foot that the car comes into its own.
Explore the upper echelons of the rev range, and the car howls, the exhaust pops and bangs, in fact, it sounds more Jaguar than AMG. The car is really quick and it’s all thanks to the 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 motor which develops 270kW/520Nm. As mentioned, power goes to all four wheels via a 9G-Tronic gearbox, which helps propel the C43 from 0-100 km/h in five seconds. If the car had a launch control function, I strongly believe it would out launch the C63.
What’s more, when driving this AMG C-class, you don’t need to literally fear for your life at every turn thanks to a great deal of lateral grip. The performance on offer is so accessible, making it easy to drive even with enthusiasm.
I’ve been struggling to sum up the C43. For the most part, it feels like a fast C-class and not a AMG. It’s only when you provoke it that its performance genes shine through. If it were an animal, it would be the wolf as opposed to the lion that is the C63.
