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Thanks: Pegasus Exclusive Cars @PegasusExclusiveCars888 2024 Mercedes-AMG C43 Starting at: $ est Highs Powerful turbo four, holds on to corners like a terrier with a bone, looks the part. Lows Stiff ride, transmission exhibits occasional clunkiness, the coupe and convertible models are no more. Verdict Situated between the luxurious but languid C300 and the fervent C63, the C43 blends attributes from them both into a well-appointed and intense performance sedan. Overview With 402 horsepower on its spec sheet, you might assume that the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C43 was powered by a twin-turbo V-6, but it's actually got a fiery little turbo four with some cool tech cribbed from the Mercedes F1 racing program under its hood. An electric motor spins up the turbocharger to help reduce lag and a 48-volt hybrid system gives an extra boost too. It doesn't have the same punch as the even more powerful C63 model, but the C43 represents a big step up in performance from the standard Benz-branded C300 sedan. The C43's suspension tune is aggressive, with a ride that's stiff, but a rear-wheel steering system and adaptive dampers all contribute to the car's agility. Inside, the C43 is just as premium as the C300 but wears a racier wardrobe, including carbon fiber trim, sport seats, and upholstery with boldly colored contrast stitching. A big portrait-oriented infotainment screen provides access to the digital world and a host of driver-assistance features are on the roster too, making the C43 a sports sedan that can double as commuter transit, a family car, or a road-trip companion. What's New for 2024? The C43 received a major redesign last year, so for 2024, it sees only minor changes. A wireless smartphone charging pad is now standard across the lineup, and a new AMG Dynamic Plus package is now available and adds dynamic engine mounts, a race driving mode, and red-painted brake calipers. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG C43 is expected to start around $ and go up to $ depending on the trim and options. Premium: $62,000 (est) Pinnacle: $64,000 (est) Unfortunately, we don't expect to see coupe and convertible versions of the C43 this time around, although the previous generation C43 coupe and convertible remain in the mix for the 2023 model year. When those are phased out, fans of two-door cars may find the SL-class or the CLE-class worthy replacements. We'd recommend skipping the two-door models anyway and going with the more modern sedan in the Pinnacle trim, which adds niceties such as ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, in-dash navigation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a Burmester stereo system, and more. Engine, Transmission, and Performance While the previous generation model was motivated more than adequately by a 385-hp twin-turbo V-6, the 2024 C43 comes with a downsized turbocharged inline-four. Not to worry: this new engine's power is anything but downsized, as it makes a healthy 402 horsepower and is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system which can temporarily contribute up to 13 more ponies at lower rpm. (The hybrid assist doesn't add to the total power output, however.) The new engine's turbocharger setup is partially derived from the company's F1 racing-engine tech. The turbocharger incorporates an auxiliary electric motor to spin up the compressor quicker, which in turn reduces turbo lag—though in practice there's still plenty. A nine-speed automatic is standard—sorry if you were hoping for a manual—and so is all-wheel drive, a rear-wheel steering system, and adaptive dampers. Acceleration is brisk and during our initial test drive, we were impressed with the four-cylinder's punch. The C43 accelerates to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and reaches a quarter mile in 12.5 seconds at 111 mph. The C43's handling is as sharp as expected and cornering grip is plentiful. The tradeoff for that level of performance is a ride that's firm in even the softest drive mode setting. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Inside, the C43 mimics the Mercedes-Benz C300's cabin but gives it a sporty twist using racier materials such as optional carbon fiber trim. The C43 also comes with a sport steering wheel which features a flat bottom, a leather-and-suede wrap, and the AMG logo on the bottom spoke. Performance seats are available too, as is a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, and noise-insulating window glass. Read More
