The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 relies on an electric drive turbo and mild hybridization to offer 408 hp and unprecedented responsiveness according to the manufacturer. Its four-cylinder is associated with four-wheel drive and steering.
A little over a year after its launch, the new Mercedes C-Class is finally starting to sink in, gently, with the arrival of a first AMG version. Not yet the 63 model which promises to be overpowered, but a 43 which does not demerit on paper against the BMW M340i xDrive. Like its Munich rival, the C 43 receives a light hybridization. On the other hand, it has two fewer cylinders since it is content to have four, but it benefits from a new type of turbocharger and is more powerful with 408 hp against 374 hp for the BMW.
Light but double electrification
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic uses the M139l engine just inaugurated by the SL 43. This 2.0 turbo unit inspired by the 35 and 45 models of Mercedes’ compact range is therefore installed here in a longitudinal position and its turbocharger is driven by a small electric motor when the exhaust gas pressure is insufficient. This technology from F1 finds here its first application on a mass-produced car. It reduces the latency of low revs almost to nothing and allows an almost instantaneous re-pressurization during the go-around after a deceleration. This electric motor is connected to a 48 V electrical circuit which also supplies an alternator-starter to provide a temporary surplus of 14 hp to the 408 hp of the combustion engine, while lowering consumption and CO emissions.2. The first nevertheless revolves around 9 l / 100 km and the seconds around 200 g / km.
Agility through transmission
The torque, which peaks at 500 Nm, is sent to an all-wheel drive favoring the rear axle by 69%, via a nine-speed automatic gearbox in which the traditional hydraulic torque converter is replaced by a multi-plate clutch. This solution, synonymous with compactness and responsiveness, tends to spread among several manufacturers who claim to combine the advantages of a traditional automatic transmission and a double clutch. Despite a weight of around 1.8 t empty, Mercedes announces a time of 4.6 s on the exercise from 0 to 100 km/h for the sedan and 4.7 s for the station wagon, as well as a speed maximum limited to 250 km/h in both cases. As an option, this can be raised to 265 km/h.
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4 wheel drive and steering as standard
Camped on 18-inch rims, the C 43 is equipped as standard with an adaptive suspension and four-wheel steering. The five driving modes (slippery road, comfort, sport, sport +, personalized) influence in particular the damping, the progressive power steering and the sound of the exhaust equipped with a valve but also a microphone which sends sound through the cabin speakers. Recognizable from the outside by its Panamericana grille and twin round tailpipes, the car features AMG seats and steering wheel, leather/microfiber upholstery, metal pedals and door sills backlit, among others. Its French prices have not yet been communicated.
