Filling the gap that exists between the sensible Mercedes-Benz C300 and the raucous Mercedes-AMG C63, the Mercedes-AMG C43 offers mighty performance at a relatively reasonable price. It’s available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible, and the titillating twin-turbo V-6 engine is the star of the C43 show. If only the model’s ride quality were as impressive as its powertrain. As is, the C43’s harsh suspension setup feels as though it channels every road undulation and surface imperfection directly to the seat cushions and up the spines of the driver and passengers. Still, if you can live with the C43’s rough ride, you’ll appreciate typical C-class hallmarks such as a handsome exterior design, a rich and finely pieced-together interior, and a surprisingly playful chassis.
What’s New for 2017?
The Mercedes-AMG C43 replaces last year’s Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG sedan. Along with the new name, the C43 adopts an enhanced stability-control system and trades the old C450’s seven-speed automatic transmission for a new nine-speed unit. Additionally, the C43’s all-wheel-drive system defaults to sending 31 percent of the twin-turbo V-6 engine’s torque to the front wheels and 69 percent to the rears. Finally, the C43 sedan is joined by coupe and cabriolet counterparts for 2017.
Trims and Options We’d Choose
We prefer a side of practicality with our performance, which is why we’re particularly drawn to the Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan. The four-door’s $52,995 base price undercuts its coupe and cabriolet siblings’ cost of entry by $3500 and $8400, respectively, and comes standard with features such as:
• All-wheel drive
• Heated power front seats with memory
• Proximity key with push-button start
• Automatic windshield wipers
To this, we’d add the Premium 4 package. The $7400 option adds convenience items such as a big 8.4-inch infotainment screen with navigation, a perfumed interior, illuminated doorsills, ambient lighting, a premium sound system, LED headlights, and more. The package also includes a host of active safety items, including automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Added up, our preferred C43 costs a none-too-cheap $60,395.
Engine and Transmission
Carried over from last year’s C450 sedan, the C43’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 is a gem. Powerful and torque rich, the 362-hp engine pairs with a new nine-speed automatic transmission that swaps cogs with both speed and precision.
Thanks to a smooth and predictable powerband and a bountiful 384 lb-ft of torque, the boosted six has deep wells of power and never feels overwhelmed or overworked when you call upon it. While Mercedes-AMG equips the C43 with a pair of steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, we found the nine-speed gearbox a competent enough companion when left to its own devices. This is especially true on twisty roads; when the powertrain is placed in Sport+ mode, the transmission happily holds gears through turns and readily downshifts to take advantage of engine braking. The powertrain can also be toggled between Comfort, Sport, and Eco modes. In Comfort mode, the C43 prioritizes smooth shifts and quiet operation. Unfortunately, Sport mode fails to provide either the alacrity of Sport+ or the tranquility of Comfort mode. Eco mode noticeably slows down the powertrain’s responses in the name of fuel efficiency—although it’s hard to imagine buying a car this spirited and worrying too much about fuel economy.
Test Results: Acceleration, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Acceleration, Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe / Cabriolet
Fuel Economy
The C43’s fuel economy won’t put you in the good graces of your local Sierra Club. Still, the twin-turbocharged engine is quite thrifty given its heady performance.
Both the C43 sedan and coupe are rated by the EPA at a class-competitive 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The heavier C43 cabriolet, however, sees its EPA figures fall to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg in highway driving.
Any car that can leap to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and also deliver 29 mpg in long-distance highway cruising is an impressive player. The C43 sedan we tested did just that.
Fuel Economy Ratings Compared, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Fuel Economy Ratings Compared, Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe / Cabriolet
We’ve devised our own fuel-economy test in an attempt to replicate how most
people drive on the highway. Our procedure entails a 200-mile out-and-back
loop on Michigan’s I-94 highway. We maintain a GPS-verified 75 mph and use
the cruise control as much as possible to mimic the way many drivers behave
during long trips.
In spite of the C43 cabriolet’s lower highway fuel-economy rating by the EPA,
the drop-top AMG managed to nearly equal its coupe and sedan counterparts,
recording 28 mpg on our highway fuel-economy loop. Regardless of body style,
the C43 comes equipped with a 17.4-gallon tank that allows it to cruise
approximately 500 miles on a single tank of premium fuel.
Test Results: Highway Fuel Economy,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Highway Fuel Economy,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe / Cabriolet
Test Results: Highway Range,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Highway Range,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe / Cabriolet
Performance and Driving
Impression
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 | Performance and Driving
Impressions Review
The C43’s powerful engine, competent transmission, and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system form a perfect storm of acceleration that’s as addictive as sugary sweets. Unfortunately, the C43’s brutally stiff suspension setup makes the sport-oriented luxury sedan a poor partner on pockmarked roads.
Acceleration
Mat the C43’s floor-hinged throttle pedal and hold on tight—the C43 takes off like a golf ball teed off by Phil Mickelson. Standard all-wheel drive makes for drama-free acceleration that’s almost completely devoid of wheelspin. Meanwhile, the C43’s impressively flat torque curve ensures the AMG-tuned C-class is just as eager to pass slower-moving traffic as it is to accelerate from a dead stop.
Test Results: Acceleration, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Acceleration, Mercedes-AMG C43
Coupe / Cabriolet
Ride, Handling, and Steering
Befitting its AMG badging, the dynamically adept C43 is a joy to pilot through
twisty two-lanes. Credit its quick steering that’s both direct and precise,
as well as its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system that allows a dollop of chassis
rotation before requesting additional assistance from the front wheels.
The suspension can be adjusted between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings.
All three modes are needlessly stiff, however, and make driving over rough
pavement a bone-jarring experience.
Test Results: Maximum Cornering Capability,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Maximum Cornering Capability,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe / Cabriolet
Braking
The C43’s brake pedal is firm and applies pressure to the car’s four disc brakes
progressively. While the C43 sedan we tested needed a class-competitive 171 feet
to stop from 70 mph, a C43 coupe and a C43 cabriolet accomplished the same feat
using just 158 and 162 feet of tarmac.
Test Results: Maximum Braking Capability,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Maximum Braking Capability,
Mercedes-AMG C43
Interior
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 | Interior Review
The C43’s interior is finely detailed and crafted of rich materials that meet the expectations set by the model’s lofty transaction price.
Interior Space Comparisons
Regardless of body style, headroom for the driver and front-seat passenger is on the tight side. While the back seats of the coupe and cabriolet are cramped, the C43 sedan’s rear seat is surprisingly spacious and—although the numbers don’t show it—betters the rear seats of many competitors. As is common in this class, however, the sedan’s center-rear seat is small, uncomfortable, and best avoided.
Front-Seat Passenger Space, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Our 6' tester demonstrates how easy it is to enter and exit the driver’s seat of the C43 sedan.
Front-Seat Passenger Space, Mercedes-AMG C43
Coupe / Cabriolet
Back-Seat Passenger Space, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Our 6' tester demonstrates how easy it is to enter and exit the back seat of the C43 sedan.
Back-Seat Passenger Space, Mercedes-AMG C43
Coupe / Cabriolet
Interior Features
As in other C-class models, the C43 features a contemporary dashboard design
with a flowing center stack that hides a deep storage well with a pair of cupholders.
Largely devoid of buttons, the C43’s center stack is anchored by a row of
expensive-looking knurled rocker switches for operating the standard dual-zone
automatic climate control. While ergonomically arranged, the climate-control
panel sports small graphics that can be hard to read on the fly. Likewise,
the digital gas gauge, which lives just below the speedometer,
can be hard to see at a glance. Nevertheless, the speedometer, tachometer,
and gauge-cluster screen all feature clear typography for easy cognition.
Feature
Standard/Optional
Tilting steering column
Standard
Telescoping steering column
Standard
Power-adjustable steering column
Standard
Heated steering wheel
Not Available
Power-adjustable pedals
Not Available
Memory driver’s seat
Standard
Massaging driver’s seat
Not Available
Massaging front-passenger seat
Not Available
Power driver’s seat
Standard
Power front-passenger seat
Standard
Heated front seats
Standard
Heated rear seats
Not Available
Cooled front seats
Optional
Cooled rear seats
Not Available
Head-up display
Optional
Rear-seat entertainment system
Not Available
Seat Adjustments
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Fore/ Aft
Recline
Shoulder articulation
Lumbar support
Height
Thigh support
Side bolster
Headrest tilt
Driver’s seat
X
X
X
X
X
X
Front-passen-
ger seat
X
X
X
X
X
Climate Control
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Manual climate control
Automatic climate control
Dedicated vent(s)
First Row
No
Two-zone
Yes
Second Row
No
No
Yes
Cupholder Location
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Interior Sound Level
While the C43’s interior is by no means loud, it isn’t particularly quiet, either.
For instance, a Toyota Camry’s interior registered two decibels quieter than
the C43 sedan’s at 70 mph. That differential rises to five decibels when comparing
the Camry with the two-door C43 coupe—and that’s a significant difference.
Modern cabins do an excellent job of insulating passengers from ambient noise,
but none can completely eliminate the sharp sound of the wind and the drone
of tire noise when you’re traveling at highway speed. To measure the interior
sound-pressure level, we use a Brüel & Kjær Type 2250-L sound meter,
which we position in the middle of the first row of seats at the height of the driver’s
ear. The meter automatically averages 15 seconds of sound in A-weighted
decibels (dBA), taken while the test car is cruising at 70 mph.
(A-weighting is an industry standard that adjusts decibel readings to better reflect
how the human ear hears various frequencies.) We take two measurements
and average the results. We also correct for speedometer inaccuracies with our GPS
-based data loggers. It is worth noting that decibels are a logarithmic unit,
so a rating of 40 decibels isn’t twice the sound pressure of 20 decibels; it is 10 times
the sound pressure. A six-decibel increase roughly doubles the sound pressure.
Test Results: Interior Sound Levels at 70 mph
Seating and Step-In Height
To accurately measure seating height—the distance from the road to the driver’s
hip—we use an H-Point Machine (HPM), a precisely engineered device marketed
by SAE International. This versatile tool, in conjunction with a laser device,
reveals the width and location of roof-pillar visibility obstructions (blind spots).
Our HPM and laser measurement tools determine the length of road obscured
by the hood as well as the road obscured by the trunk or hatch
(as seen through the rearview mirror).
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet
Test Results: Seating Height, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Seating Height, Mercedes-AMG C43
Coupe / Cabriolet
Test Results: Step-In Height, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Step-In Height, Mercedes-AMG C43
Coupe / Cabriolet
Blind Spots, Visibility, and Obscured Roadway
The C43 sedan benefits from thin roof pillars and large windows that reduce front
and rear blind spots. C43 coupes and cabriolets suffer from larger blind spots
that worsen visibility to the sides of the two vehicles. In order to combat blind spots
, all C43s come standard with blind-spot monitors.
Roof pillars protect occupants in a rollover crash, but they also create blind spots. We determine visibility by measuring the location and width of each pillar using an H-Point Machine and a laser beam (surrogates for a driver and eyeball, respectively). Front and rear visibility are calculated by subtracting the viewable area blocked by the pillars from a perfect 180-degree score.
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet
Test Results: Visibility, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Visibility, Mercedes-AMG C43
Coupe / Cabriolet
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet
Test Results: Obscured Roadway, Mercedes-AMG C43
Sedan
Test Results: Obscured Roadway, Mercedes-AMG C43
Coupe / Cabriolet
Infotainment
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 | Infotainment Review
The C43’s standard 7.0-inch infotainment screen boasts clear graphics but lacks modern features such as a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. These features are also missing from the optional 8.4-inch unit that includes navigation. Although the C43’s two infotainment systems benefit from logical menu structures and a clean interface, both feel dated compared with more modern infotainment systems found in a number of competitors.
Infotainment Features
Although the C43’s standard infotainment system lacks basic convenience features such as voice control, checking the option box for the pricey Premium 3 or Premium 4 package on the sedan, or the Premium 2 or Premium 3 package on the coupe and cabriolet, equips the car with an upgraded system that features navigation and voice commands.
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Infotainment Performance
Our C43 test car came equipped with the upgraded 8.4-inch infotainment system.
Commands are completed using Mercedes’ COMAND controller or a touchpad
that’s inconveniently placed atop the controller. Response times were no better
or worse than your average smartphone.
Our Infotainment Response Time test measures how quickly you can switch among home, audio, and navigation screens.
Test Results: Infotainment Response Time
By recording the infotainment screen while switching between various menus and then analyzing the
high-speed video frame by frame, we are able to accurately measure the system’s response time.
We rate infotainment response, or latency, on the following scale:
We measure the electrical current that each USB port provides. All USB ports
found in a vehicle provide 5.0 volts, per the USB standard. Current, measured
in amps, varies and dictates the charge times of devices. The higher the amps,
the quicker a device’s charge time. Not all USB devices are created equal.
Most modern smartphones can charge at 2.0 amps, while slow or stagnant charging
can result from using current at 1.0 amp or lower when the device is in use.
Test Results: USB Performance
Cargo Space and Storage
The C43’s trunk space isn’t anything to inspire epic poems. Its interior storage, however, is quite good for the class—and to that we’ll raise a glass.
We use carry-on-luggage-size boxes to measure cargo capacity with the rear seats in place as well as folded.
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet
Test Results: Carry-On Luggage, Mercedes-AMG
C43 Sedan
Test Results: Carry-On Luggage, Mercedes-AMG
C43 Coupe / Cabriolet
Cargo Configurations
Cargo Volume Comparisons, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
With its smallish size, the C43 sedan’s trunk was able to fit an average number
of carry-on cases within its confines.
Cargo Volume Comparisons, Mercedes-AMG C43
Coupe / Cabriolet
Lift-Over Height
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet
Test Results: Lift-Over Height, Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Wide door pockets and a pair of generously sized console bins provide the C43
with adequate interior storage. Still, the C-class is short on interior stowage
compared with mainstream sedans such as the Honda Accord and the
Toyota Camry.
Why do we use ping-pong balls?
To determine the interior space available to stash travel essentials, we’ve devised a range of measuring
protocols. We use six beverage containers ranging in size and shape to gauge cupholder
accommodation. We stack, stuff, and arrange 9-by-14-by-22-inch cardboard boxes to quantify
the number of airline-carry-on-size suitcases that will fit in a trunk or folded seat’s cargo space.
To measure irregularly shaped gloveboxes, door pockets, and console bins, we fill each container
with 1.5-inch-diameter ping-pong balls. It’s tempting to convert the number of spheres to
a volume (cubic inches), but we resist that calculation because—as with the box of tissues,
12-ounce can of soda, or gallon of milk you might stash in these compartments—there are voids
between the balls. Random packing (our procedure) nullifies approximately one-third of the
available space. The negative space between the balls could theoretically be reduced to 25 percent
of an irregular shape with precise stacking, but while we might be pedantic, we’re not crazy.
Test Results: Maximum Cubby Storage,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Test Results: Maximum Cubby Storage,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe / Cabriolet
Exterior
Blending high-class style with aggressive AMG design cues, the C43 is an attractive vehicle regardless of body style.
Exterior Dimensions
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet
Exterior Measurement Comparisons,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Exterior Measurement Comparisons,
Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe / Cabriolet
Exterior Features
Resembling a miniature S-class, the C43 boasts aggressive front and rear ends
that signal its performance potential. Subtle styling cues such as a decklid spoiler
and wider side skirts give the C43’s AMG-tuned swoopy bodywork an added sense
of dynamism that’s missing from the entry-level C-class. Aside from colors
and carbon-fiber accents, the only option that affects appearance is summer tires,
which come on 19-inch wheels and are one inch larger than the base wheels of
the C43.
Active Key-Fob Commands
Lock / unlock
Trunk
Remote start
Panic alarm
Hold to open windows
Hold to close windows
Remote parking
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
X
X
X
X
X
Passive Key-Fob Commands
Driver door lock / unlock
Passenger door lock / unlock
Rear doors lock / unlock
Trunk
Push to start
Proximity approach lighting
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
X
X
X
X
X
Safety and Driver Assistance
Every C43 comes equipped with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning along with automated emergency braking. Additional active safety features are available as well. However, adding these items requires spending thousands on high-priced packages.
Crash Test Results
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the nonprofit, independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluate vehicles for crashworthiness in the United States. NHTSA assigns cars an overall rating out of five stars. IIHS uses a different set of tests, grades cars on a scale of Good to Poor, and awards the vehicles that perform best across its tests with Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ honors, the latter of which requires that the subject’s automated forward-collision-braking system performs well.
The test results cited here are from crash tests that both agencies reported for the entire C-class model line.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) Test Results
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-class
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Test Results
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-class
Driver’s Side Small Overlap
Passenger’s Side Small Overlap
Moderate Overlap
Side Impact
Roof Strength
Head Restraints and Seats
Front Crash Prevention
Headlights
Child Seat Anchors
Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+?
Good
Not Tested
Good
Good
Good
Good
Superior
Poor
Good
Top Safety Pick
Airbags, Child Seats, and Spare Tire Location
Installing a child seat in the C43 sedan is a simple affair. It’s less so in the coupe and cabriolet,
which lack the convenience of rear doors.
Vehicle Tested: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Active Safety Features
Mercedes asks C43 buyers to spend thousands on pricey packages to access most modern active safety
features. Given that cars half the price of the C43 come with a number of these features as standard,
the decision to make these items optional is disheartening.
Backup Camera
Gridlines integrated in backup camera view?
Do gridlines move with steering wheel?
Does volume of audio system reduce when reverse is selected?
2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan
Yes
Yes
No
Warranty
Mercedes’s warranty is shorter than a number of its competitors’. The brand also forgoes providing its customers with complimentary scheduled maintenance.
For more on what you need to know about warranties, read here.
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