Richard T Lishman puts the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Estate through its paces
A History Lesson
The C-Class is the most versatile and most successful model series from Mercedes-AMG, and the C-Class family in all its variations has made a major contribution to the marques’ corporate success. One major component in this success story was the implementation of the 43-series models, which has thrilled customers worldwide since the market launch in 2015.
Sporty New Looks
The exterior of the C 43 4MATIC strongly identifies the new model as a member of the family. New distinguishing features include the AMG radiator grille with twin louvre in matt iridium silver and the powerfully sculpted front apron with additional flics.
The side air curtains in the front apron help with optimum guidance of the front airstream, and the attachment on the cross fins plus the trim element on the front splitter are finished in silver chrome to provide a modern yet classy look.
The rear view also conveys a subtle sporty impression with two round twin tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome. The rear apron with side air curtain looks great, and at the rear the significantly more expressive diffuser improves air flow characteristics. The spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the vehicle colour.
The optional AMG styling package offers sportier highlights: a more expressive front splitter, the standard-fit spoiler lip, broader side skirt inserts and flics in the rear bumper are finished in high-gloss black.
The Shrinking Block
The AMG development engineers have increased the output of the 3.0litre V6 engine by 23 bhp 390 bhp – and the peak torque of 520 Nm is available from 2500 to 5000 rpm. This package guarantees impressive performance figures which rockets the C 43 4MATIC Estate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 in old money). With a bit of engine mapping these figures can be adjusted quite dramatically which I’ve seen cut acceleration times by as 30%. Be careful if making engine tweaks as vehicle modifications can impact on manufacturer warranties and always inform your insurer.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
With its catchy name, the C 43 4MATIC makes use of the “AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G” transmission, which the Mercedes-AMG developers have tuned specifically for a dynamic driving experience. This has a model-specific software application to achieve very short shift times, which are very smooth indeed.
The multiple downshift function allows more spontaneous bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in "Sport" and "Sport+" drive programs makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Defined ignition adjustments also provide faster gear shifts in the other modes.
In all modes moving off occurs in first gear in order to guarantee a dynamic driving experience, although due to its all-wheel drive, the car is well planted with its fat tyres and electronic gadgetry so doesn’t make a drama out of the process.
"Manual" mode can be selected using a separate button in the centre console where the gear changes are based on the selected drive program, and the driver can now change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel.
Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit. This is a huge benefit when driving hard on a track, or perhaps a closed road!
The Rims
When viewed from the side, eye-catching features include the sporty side skirts plus new, aerodynamically optimised AMG light-alloy wheels. Their specifically designed outer aero rings and spoke geometry increases aerodynamic efficiency. There’s the standard couple of options, although the five twin spokes, painted in tantalite grey, high-gloss black or matt black with a high-sheen finish look the dogs and definitely worth digging a little deeper. But to be honest, it’s all about the looks, so the blingy rims win my vote.
The Trim
The interior reinforces the car’s dynamic character with leather, DINAMICA microfibre (updated material but this sounds fancier!) and aluminium in a high-quality finish.
The optional AMG Performance seats provide optimum lateral support when adopting a dynamic driving style thanks to the special design of the seat side bolsters of the seat cushion and backrest, although for the big boned amongst us, a crowbar will be needed for exit.
As an option the seat side bolsters can be adjusted perfectly by means of built-in air cushions. For the first time the Performance seats can not only be heated, but are now also climatised in three levels. Bring on global warming!
The upholstery’s in ARTICO man-made leather, so ticks the veggie’s box, while the black with red topstitching equally underscores the dynamic driving character of the C 43 4MATIC and really finishes things off nicely. All this really does come together nicely, making the cockpit a place to want to be.
You can also benefit from Merc’s individualisation options. New features include trim elements in anthracite open-pore oak wood, open-pore walnut and ash. A new seat colour is saddle brown which will hide any excess from cornering too hard.
Saving the Planet, Electronic Bits, and On The Track
It’s thirsty beast with a stated combined fuel consumption of 22 mpg, but in the real world expect to get nearer to 17 mpg. This is some 10 mpg less than its direct competitor the Audi RS 4.
The central media display offers animated presentation of the driving assistance, vehicle and communication systems on a screen measuring up to 26.0 cm (10.25 inches in old money) with a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels.
As the virtual race engineer for recording data when driving on closed-off racetracks, AMG TRACK PACE provides a significantly extended and precise functions. TRACK PACE can be ordered as an option for the COMAND Online infotainment system. When this function is activated, a wealth of vehicle-specific data (e.g. speed, acceleration) are recorded ten times per second while driving.
There are displays of lap and sector times and also the respective difference for a reference time. Because specific display elements light up in green or red, the driver is able to see at a glance, without reading numbers, whether they are currently faster or slower than the best time.
After fast laps on the racetrack, driving skills can be analysed and improved on the basis of the data. In addition, acceleration and deceleration values (e.g. 0-100 km/h, ¼ mile, 100-0 km/h) can be measured and saved.
Thanks to a new developed algorithm which determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, TRACK PACE even detects when the circuit is departed from or shortened. Alongside GPS data, the sensors available in the vehicle (acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, wheel speeds) are used.
Data are displayed on the multimedia display, in the instrument cluster and on the head-up display. Known racetracks, for example the Nürburgring, are already stored, making it even easier to pay and play.
Furthermore, it is also possible to record your own circuits. The map display can be switched from 2D to 3D and updated online. A suitable iPhone app can also be connected via WLAN. Customers can use it to share their experiences and data from the racetrack with other AMG drivers via Facebook, YouTube or the AMG Private Lounge.
Via the specific AMG menu, the driver is able to call up a host of additional information to make the driving experience even more petrol-head, as you will find out.
The Damage
For a new C 43 AMG 4MATIC it’ll remove £53,120 from your hard-earned cash, but on the bright side it is a pretty quick way of reducing a potential Inheritance Tax liability.
Or if you aren’t overly concerned about tax planning then a “slightly” used 19 plate with 2,000 miles on the clock will save you more than ten grand at £41,900.
Final Conclusion
After reviewing the Audi RS 4 Carbon Edition recently I really didn’t know what to expect from the Merc, but I was blown away by the build quality, handling and the looks of the C 43 AMG 4MATIC. Yes, the Audi was the super quick, expensive model rather than the standard RS 4 so we aren’t comparing apples with apples, but as a Yorkshireman I have to look at ‘t price.
The Merc does 10 mpg less but is a juicy £20,000 cheaper than the Audi which will buy a lot of fruit. Now, you’re probably thinking I’ll go with my pocket, but you’ll be very wrong. I’ll go with both my heart, and my pocket, so, Mercedes? Win, win, hands down!
Author:
Richard is the co-founder and Managing Director of the 4dentists group. For more information visit www.money4dentists.com
I’ve Got One, says Dentist Akash Minhas
I recently picked up a facelift W205 C43 AMG Wagon, and absolutely love it. The facelift finally gets its own specific body styling, including a lovely twin bar grill, unique alloys, and quad rear exhaust tips, so it no longer looks the same as a C220d.
The fantastic 3.0 biturbo V6 provides a bit more power (385 bhp) and sounds incredible, especially when combined with the must have AMG performance exhaust. With a fixed 31:69 AWD system, it’s perfect for all weathers has great ride quality, but pop in Sport or Sport + and body control is superb – while still being compliant.
