2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 arrives in Aus

MERCEDES-AMG has revealed pricing and specification details for the 2023 C43 model that lands in Australian showrooms this month down on cylinders and torque compared to its six-cylinder predecessor but up on price at $134,900 plus on-road costs. 

A rich technology offering remains this new-generation C43, however, its mild-hybrid driveline deploying an F1-derived electrically-assisted turbocharger system.

The 48-volt mild-hybrid system powers the electric exhaust gas turbocharger, spinning at up to 175,500rpm and Mercedes-AMG says the system is a direct derivative of the technology used by the Petronas F1 team. 

A small electric motor integrated on the turbocharger shaft spins up the compressor wheel before exhaust gas flow takes over once sufficient RPM is achieved. 

Mercedes says this is the first series production engine to feature an electric turbocharger and despite torque being down 20Nm on before, the smaller 2.0-litre unit is up 13kW on the outgoing 3.0-litre six-cylinder.  

Power comes in at 300kW and torque at 500Nm, with an additional 10kW ‘boost’ function available via the mild hybrid system.

An all-wheel-drive system puts power down with a rear-biased 31/69 torque split, aiding a quicker dash to triple figures in – 4.6 seconds against the current model’s 4.7s – thanks in part to a new nine-speed wet multi-clutch transmission with “extremely short shift times”.

The transmission also enables fast multiple downshifts, according to Mercedes-AMG, as well as a ‘race start’ launch control system designed for optimal off-the-line acceleration. 

With aural excitement being a key drawcard for AMG models, the lower cylinder count is compensated by the addition of tech AMG calls ‘Real Performance Sound’ – a system that picks up engine sound using a sensor in the exhaust before feeding it back into the cabin. 

Mercedes-AMG claims official fuel use figures of 9.4L/100km for the 2023 C43, which is on par with the outgoing model.

Rear-wheel steering comes standard, aiding agility with a maximum 2.5 degrees of opposing rear angle up to 100km/h, beyond which the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front wheels by up to 0.7 degrees for added stability.

In terms of handling prowess, Mercedes-AMG says the stability control system is now capable of briefly braking of an inner wheel at speed to improve turn-in response

The C43 rides on a steel-spring suspension system with adaptive damping that adjusts each corner independently.

Big brakes are standard fare on AMG models, and the new C43 gets four-piston stoppers up front with 370mm rotors, and single piston calipers at the rear with 320mm rotors. 

Standard inclusions include an AMG-specific grille, front apron, air intakes and diffuser-look rear apron, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, sports seats, flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminium shift paddles are AMG specific. 

Similarly, the MBUX multimedia system also features AMG-only functions including a shortcut button for special drive modes and unique instrument cluster display options.