Mercedes-AMG C43 (W206)

The Mercedes-AMG C43 is what happens when you put the W206 C-Class to Normal Mode, making this S4 rival the well-balanced sports car built for daily use, whether going to work or for a little Sunday Cup at a nearby track.

2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Estate

2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC

With prices starting at around 71,460 Euros plus additional costs, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is offered in sedan and estate versions, and no matter which body style you choose, you are greeted with the C43's eclectic mix of performance and efficiency, attributes that are broadly similar to its W205 predecessor.

While the exterior design is broadly similar to your typical W206 C-Class, this Normal Mode difficulty setting features AMG treatments from top to bottom, giving the W206 C43 a sporty character fit for daily use. On the interior, it works just like the C-Class, meaning you still have the  Tesla-like large touch screen, the rather annoying MBUX user interface including the Alexa-ish "Hey Mercedes" voice function, and others. 

In the C43, it's packed with AMG Performance seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and the additional AMG TRACK RACE lap time, giving the interior the impression of an athlete going to work in a suit and tie while wearing a basketball jersey on the inside, getting ready for another game after work.

Under the hood, the previous C43's 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine was replaced by a smaller 2.0L 4-cylinder engine featuring the world's first electric exhaust gas turbocharger. Inspired by AMG's F1 involvement, this new electrified and compact engine produces 422PS of power and 500Nm of torque. Mated to a 9G-TRONIC gearbox and AMG Performance 4MATIC, it does 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

Because the 4MATIC AWD system features a rear-biased torque distribution with adaptive damping and rear-axle steering, it feels well-balanced to drive even during track days at the Hockenheimring. Although the struggle is real, it feels just right full-stop. Mind you, this is the C-Class that has its difficulty setting to Normal, meaning it has a mix of comfort and challenge behind the wheel, even while fiddling with the three-stage ESP and AMG DYNAMIC SELECT.

Call it challenging or comfortable because, in the end, the new Mercedes-AMG C43 is the ideal balance drivers can't get enough of.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz