VIDEO:2018 Mercedes Benz-AMG C43 Coupe Full Review

[Seniorleb]

2018 Mercedes Benz-AMG C43 Coupe Full Review, This is a very good car!

PROS

- Great Engine and power, tons of torque from very low RPM 2000, very linear power and Turbo lag is very little
- Quality interior and material used from CF, Alcantara and NAPPA, luxurious all the way
- Exterior is nice and masculine
- Exhaust is superb and growly, little of crackles on downshifts

CONS

-Front Grill should be taken from the C63, the current looks very Mercedes like and doesn't feel special
-gearbox is very smooth (GTronic 9 Speed Auto) can get a bit boring keep switching gears and not very aggressive changes, on Manual mode it keep interfering a lot with how u hold the gears, it want to shift the gears for you all the time and doesn't like to Revs.
- TC keep interfering a lot, the car must be put in SPORT Mode TC
- Central Console starts to looks old and the Middle Screen stuck on dash

In general the car have a lot of soul because of the Engine and Exhaust Sound while keeping all the comfort and luxury.

For full review check my video on YouTube —-> link below

[Aapparition90]

Theres a new c43 out now brother.. or lci to be more precise

[Seniorleb]

Originally Posted by Aapparition90

Theres a new c43 out now brother.. or lci to be more precise

I know bro it is a facelift! I spoken about it in my video

[mephiska]

I was under the impression the C43 was basically badge engineering the old C350 with a couple more AMG badges and bells & whistles, no? More of a 335i/340i competitor (or 440i in this case).

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by mephiska

I was under the impression the C43 was basically badge engineering the old C350 with a couple more AMG badges and bells & whistles, no? More of a 335i/340i competitor (or 440i in this case).

Yes, that's right. This is the Mercedes-AMG equivalent of the Audi S5 and BMW 440i MSport (to be called M440i when the next generation G22 arrives).

This forum often contains threads comparing the M4 to vehicles that are one rung down the ladder (or one rung up or otherwise not a direct competitor). A review dedicated to such a vehicle rather than comparison talk is a bit of an edge case, but its still fair game as far as I'm concerned.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Yes, that's right. This is the Mercedes-AMG equivalent of the Audi S5 and BMW 440i MSport (to be called M440i when the next generation G22 arrives).

This forum often contains threads comparing the M4 to vehicles that are one rung down the ladder (or one run up or otherwise not a direct competitor). A review dedicated to such a vehicle rather than comparison talk is a bit of an edge case, but its still fair game as far as I'm concerned.

My lease is ending on my '13 W204 C63 and I'm about to be replacing it with a '18 C43 AMG. I had several turbocharged Bimmers before jumping into the C63, including some M Sport 335i sedans (both E90 and F30).

After 5 years of tire swaps and RWD in the winter, I was ready for something that had power + AWD (but without terminal understeer).

Never thought I'd be able to go from 6.2L NA V8 back to a biturbo V6 but with the Performance Exhaust, the C43 sounds special. 4.1 sec 0-60 (Car & Driver) is also seriously rapid.

I was truly surprised to find out how many bespoke, AMG-designed parts the C43 has.

It has a 1.5" wider front track than the standard C-Class. Unique geometry and more negative camber. None of the M Sport BMWs I had came with increased track widths. C43 also has the 3-way adjustable dampers from the C63, plus most of the C63's front suspension hardware.

Also has big brakes: 14.2-inch fronts with 4-piston calipers and 12.6-inch rears with single-piston sliding calipers.

I've driven the car a few times now, leaning toward scooping it up this week. It's not a C63 or C63 S (which I've also driven many times) and you really can't compare the two.

And I agree that the 340i and S4/S5 are the C43's most natural competitors. But the C43 does feel like a much more serious exercise in engineering than the M Sport Bimmers I had.

I'm really looking forward to the next generation M3. I think that will be my next stop after the C43. Love both brands and what they're doing right now.

[nicknaz]

My $0.02 would be to go whole hog and get the c63 vs the half measure of c450... sorry. C43 "AMG"

It's like getting a 340i with a lot of options vs a stripped down m3. Why....

[HPIA4v2]

it's marketing strategy, Audi and Benz don't want to create head-on models against M3 and M4, The S is down from M and RS is above (at least in price point).

But on the leader market like S class, Benz has both S and AMG versions while BMW/Audi wouldn't dare come in with M7 or RS8 (yet).

it's all about moving metal.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

My $0.02 would be to go whole hog and get the c63 vs the half measure of c450... sorry. C43 "AMG"

It's like getting a 340i with a lot of options vs a stripped down m3. Why....

That's the thing though. A C43 is not supposed to be a half-measure C63. With the former being an AWD car (31/F, 69/R split), it's a completely different driving experience.

I need an AWD car, and I knew I wouldn't be happy with the performance of a non-AMG or non-M car after being spoiled with the C63 for 5 years. Was skeptical about the C43 until I drove it.

And as I mentioned above, it's not a C300 with some badges.

Virtually all of the performance hardware is AMG designed and built, with some of it directly from the W205 C63. Coming from a W204 C63, I thought I wouldn't care for it, but after driving it multiple times, I love it.

I also considered the W205 C63, but because I'm only going to be able to utilize 1 car on a daily basis here for a while, AWD will be a must because of the snow and inclement weather I encounter where I live.

Drove the Audi S3/S4 and neither one of them really stacked up, in my opinion. The M Sport F30's aren't as focused on the performance side (and not nearly as fast) unless you dump tons of cash into M Performance parts.

When I get the garage space back (just got engaged), and have room for a second car/SUV, I'll probably pick up another RWD, 500+ horsepower machine.

I mean, I'm just giving my take having owned AMGs, driven them on track, etc. But I'm not alone in being impressed by the car.

Evo's take:

"By being fast and agile when the mood takes, yet comfortable and refined when it doesn’t, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is arguably the pick of the C-Class line-up, C63 included."

http://www.evo.co.uk/mercedes/c-clas...-its-amg-badge

[nicknaz]

I'm not trying to suggest c450 is a bad car it's just that I have this impression of AMG having nice v8 sounds and good acceleration potential in the 120mph trap speed class.

By the way, my friend got his '14 e63 wagon for around $45k. got a resonator delete and bench flash and with a claimed 700hp and v8 sounds to match, is more what I'd prioritize in an awd commuter.

Sorry if my post came off as a bit negative. It's c450 is a nice car and I can definitely appreciate the appeal of having a new car with full warranty

[eonflux]

Does the C43 have a wider rear track as well? Doesn't look like it, and odd that the front would be wider but not also the rear.

Been considering the C63 for my wife, but she doesn't really need that much power.
The C43 would make more sense, but I'd have to drive her car sometimes and I'd prefer a V8 to a V6, and the rear of the C63 looks much better with the wider fenders. The C43 looks too slab-sided in the rear.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by eonflux

Been considering the C63 for my wife, but she doesn't really need that much power.
The C43 would make more sense, but I'd have to drive her car sometimes and I'd prefer a V8 to a V6, and the rear of the C63 looks much better with the wider fenders. The C43 looks too slab-sided in the rear.

I don't believe the C63 sedan has wider rear fenders.

Originally Posted by eonflux

Does the C43 have a wider rear track as well? Doesn't look like it, and odd that the front would be wider but not also the rear.

A wider track at the front was likely engineered to alleviate some of the understeer of the base C-series platform. Widening the rear track would negate the effect.

[eonflux]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I don't believe the C63 sedan has wider rear fenders.

A wider track at the front was likely engineered to alleviate some of the understeer of the base C-series platform. Widening the rear track would negate the effect.

Looking on the Mercedes site, same width in the rear for the C300, C43, C63, and C63S. Wider front for the C63, but they list the same for the C63S as the C300 and C43, which must be a mistake.

But under "Specifications", in the little pics with the front, rear, and sides of the cars, looks like the C63 and C63S have wheel wells that stick out a bit, similar to those on the M3. Granted, those are really small pics.

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...nt=model-specs
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...nt=model-specs
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...nt=model-specs
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...nt=model-specs

In these pics and and others, and in person, the rear renders look a little wider on the C63 to me.
But I can accept that this may just be an illusion, particularly in pics, though in person, the C63 doesn't look as slab-sided to me as the normal coupe.
Though there may be a visual trick due to larger wheels/tires, or they are pushed out more laterally.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

I'm not trying to suggest c450 is a bad car it's just that I have this impression of AMG having nice v8 sounds and good acceleration potential in the 120mph trap speed class.

By the way, my friend got his '14 e63 wagon for around $45k. got a resonator delete and bench flash and with a claimed 700hp and v8 sounds to match, is more what I'd prioritize in an awd commuter.

Sorry if my post came off as a bit negative. It's c450 is a nice car and I can definitely appreciate the appeal of having a new car with full warranty

Don't think it came off negative at all! I think you had valid questions about a relatively new platform.

I think the C43 is consistently hitting 4.1 sec 0-60 times in magazine tests (a couple tenths off the C63) and 12.7 in the 1/4 mile. Hope to have some firsthand data myself after Friday.

In my limited seat time, I've been impressed with the fact that the car doesn't seem to dramatically run out of breath in the top end. Doesn't quite pull like my NA 6.2L in the higher revs though.

Your friend got a great deal on the E63. Love the wagons. I'm leasing my car, so I had to consider new options. I would've loved a new E63. New M5 is impressive, too.

Probably will throw up a review in the Non-BMW subforum next week.

Originally Posted by eonflux

Does the C43 have a wider rear track as well? Doesn't look like it, and odd that the front would be wider but not also the rear.

Been considering the C63 for my wife, but she doesn't really need that much power.
The C43 would make more sense, but I'd have to drive her car sometimes and I'd prefer a V8 to a V6, and the rear of the C63 looks much better with the wider fenders. The C43 looks too slab-sided in the rear.

The C43 does not have the wider rear track from the C63. There are a couple of more aggressive OEM diffuser options for the C43.

If you end up going with the C43, the Performance Exhaust is a must.

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I don't believe the C63 sedan has wider rear fenders.

Correct.

[quattr0]

We r so lucky to have so many choices nowadays. I do believe C43 is a great choice for DD, especially it is AWD. Nice exhaust note, decent steering feel and interior. 11.58 1/4 mile. 121 trap speed with a JB4. 3.42 0-60. What's not to like?

The RS3 is still a better performance but it comes down to personal choice when taking into consideration how each car handles and which look is preferred.

https://bit.ly/2m9fcfG

[eonflux]

Sorry, guys, if I wasn't clear above.
I've only been talking about the coupe. Wife wants a 2-door.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by quattr0

We r so lucky to have so many choices nowadays. I do believe C43 is a great choice for DD, especially it is AWD. Nice exhaust note, decent steering feel and interior. 11.58 1/4 mile. 121 trap speed with a JB4. 3.42 0-60. What's not to like?

121mph trap with just jb4, coming from around 109mph stock, and 114mph with jb1

Link? That would be cool.

As for what's not to like, as I mentioned earlier, no v8, and no 700hp after a tune. First world problems

[quattr0]

Link is from the url i posted in the above reply...you could find the original post from the same site.

I believe the C43 will put power down more efficient than the C63 since it's AWD but I am with you with the V8 sound...Give it some time. The upgraded turbos will get there...600-700hp.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by quattr0

Link is from the url i posted in the above reply...you could find the original post from the same site.

I believe the C43 will put power down more efficient than the C63 since it's AWD but I am with you with the V8 sound...Give it some time. The upgraded turbos will get there...600-700hp.

Nice time slip. Pump gas, no methanol?

What's up with the IAT graph? What are the units? If that spike was just from the 1 drag racing pull, id be looking for some more evidence it can sustain that performance level. I had a Cobb n54 car and the IAT spiked up just with some highway pulls and, no surprise, limp mode party at the track. Not interested in that again

[Seniorleb]

Originally Posted by 95f82

Just came from a c43 coupe to this M4. M4's more comfortable, feels more like a luxury car, and pulls harder in the mid-top range. The C43 is faster off the line, always has traction, better sound. Looks kind of soft unless you do some exterior mods. After owning one for a few months, if I had to do it again, I'd pick the S5 or 440i xDrive w/ MPPSK over it.

I dont particularly agree with you the car feels like it looses its power after 5K and M4 keep gaining power all the way to the top! interior wise it is nice but not so special to be honest I still like it!