2023 C43 First Drive with Mr AMG! Less or More AMG than Before??

The Daily AMG that’s easy to Love! Welcome back to RBR and the new Generation of #AMG C Classes are now here! The top dog C63 will headline it, and we’ll talk about that later, but first we get to hear, drive and experience the new #C43 4Matic by #MercedesAMG out here in France!

For some background, the w202 was the first ever C Class model range, and the first AMG to be built at factory rather than reappropriated was the C43 AMG. Not like today’s entry levels of the same name, this was a 4.3 V8. The V8 tradition started here continued in the 55 that followed and then the 63s we all know - but the next 43 came a few gens later, in the 205. It had a V6 3.0 big turbo engine that was made by Mercedes Benz and a conventional non-AMG auto box. That was also found in numerous other non-AMGs. That engine did 362 BHP, 0-60 in around 4.7 seconds.

The Facelift gave 390bhp and more AMG DNA in terms of styling - AMG starting to take the 43s more seriously. But not that seriously. MB engine, mild adjustments to suspension, standard torque converter 9 speed!

With the 206, AMG changed everything, which means a much improved car over the standard C. Where most think the engine is a downgrade, the truth is it’s MORE AMG than ever. Yes the old one was a bigger V6, but it can be be found on tonnes of non-AMGs.

This C43 instead shares it’s engine with the A45S - the car that beat the compact car Nurburgring record with the world’s most powerful 4 cylinder engine! The C43 uses the M139L aka a Longitudinal mounted version of that A45 engine. This is also the first time we have had a “one man one engine” built unit in a C43, and this makes the car a full-fat AMG. Unlike the last 43, it only shares this engine with the SL43 and future C63.

This is the world's first engine to have an E-Turbo, or an electric exhaust gas turbocharger.
It’s tech straight out of the Mercedes-AMG ONE - there is a 4cm electric motor inside the turbocharger shaft between the turbine and compressor wheel which spools the turbos before the Exhaust gas ever has a chance too, making the engine way more responsive throughout all rev ranges! It also gets an additional 14HP from the RSG - belt starter generator.

It’s not hugely more powerful at 408BHP, less torque at 500NM and a quoted 0-60 of 4.6/7 - but we test it to be much faster!

Everything else is Furthermore, it gets the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with Adaptive Damping - managing damping at each wheel independently. It also has lightweight coil springs and stabiliser bars, a large Strut across the front suspension, and an aluminium sheer panel on the front - and the best bit, AMG variable ratio steering paired to rear axle steering of up to 2.5 degrees!!

Then we have the AMG 4Matic all wheel drive which is identical to the previous car. It has a a 31/69 rear biased split. It also gets the gearbox from the E63, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G with wet multi-disc clutch. Standard AMG Braking system, Carrie’s over as does the AMG Performance Exhaust system. With this you get more in the cabin with “AMG Real Performance Sound”, with actual engine sound from the exhaust system fed into the interior.

As for the NEXT 2023 C63 - I’m could have 670BHP from a P3 Hybrid system. I will explain how system works by adding an electric motor and performance batteries to the C43 set up, part developed by High Performance Powertrains (HPP) Formula 1.

But today is all about the C43: with the V6 gone, will it be entirely enough to be an AMG? Will the car also be dynamic enough given the weight of the W206? Let’s find out!

Up next on RBR is the new BMW M240i review and MUCH MUCH More!! Subscribe to support us and see it first. :)

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Please note all driving shots have been filmed either by professionals in a safe environment, or on closed roads. Please drive safely.