2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 detailed: What to expect from the quick new four-cylinder turbo Audi S4 and BMW 3 Series rival in Australia

Mercedes-Benz has revealed more details about the upcoming C43 AMG sedan ahead of its Australian launch.

The C43 will arrive on Australian shores in the first half of 2023, and will arrive only in sedan form, with Mercedes’ local division electing not to import the wagon version which launches at the same time in Europe. The choice to not import the wagon is said to be thanks to limited sales potential, with local buyers more likely to choose an AMG-branded GLC SUV instead.

Thus far, cabriolet or coupe versions of the new W206 C-Class have not yet been revealed.

The C43 is significantly different from its predecessor, trading away a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 for a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with an electrified turbocharger. Power is up slightly (+3kW), but torque is down (-20Nm), with the new unit producing 300kW/500Nm, and it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the old version. For the first time, the C43 will be subject to the ‘one man, one engine’ principle which is usually reserved for the full-fat C63.

New technology included in the C43 is the electric turbocharger (with a motor inside acting essentially as an anti-lag system), which pairs with a belt-driven generator which adds a further 10kW in certain scenarios.

The new engine trims fuel consumption by up to 0.7L/100km (for a total of 8.7L/100km) compared to its predecessor, while also reducing CO2 emissions by 18g/km to 196g/km.

The C43 has the brand’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system with a 31/69 torque split front/rear, and for the first time has a four-wheel steering system to enhance handling.

The new C43 is available with wheels starting at 18-inches in Europe, but it is likely 20-inch wheels and other otherwise optional features like lightweight seats will be standard for the Australian market. 

It is likely prices will increase for the C43, but it also comes with a lift in standard equipment.

The same goes for safety equipment. While the final spec is yet to be finalised for the Australian market, Mercedes’ local division says to expect a similar equipment level to the C300, which includes the full gamut of equipment from freeway-speed auto emergency braking to advanced cruise and lane assist systems.

In terms of price, the current C43 starts from roughly $113,000 before on-road costs for the sedan, but Mercedes-Benz representatives said to expect a similar price-hike as the rest of the C-Class range, which jumped by $12,000 for the base C200 or $15,100 for the current top-spec C300.

Stay tuned for final pricing and spec toward the C43’s launch window in the first half of next year.