The New 2023 Mercedes-AMG C43’s Boosted 4-Cylinder Delivers 408 Horsepower

• It includes a 48V electrical system that features an electric motor in the turbocharger.

• The new C43 is packed with tech including rear-wheel steering.

This is good and somewhat sad news. Without going over all the details, suffice it to say that the V6 and V8 engines once offered with the AMG C class models are officially dead. The good news however is that the new Mercedes-AMG C43 is faster and more powerful than the car it replaces.

The new Mercedes-AMG C43 is powered by a turbocharged M139 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine,  mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission (MCT = Multi-Clutch Transmission) and AMG’s version of 4MATIC AWD, that includes a 48V electrical system that powers a belt-driven motor/generator. What’s more, it also juices up an electric motor burrowed within the turbo that reduces lag. This electric motor, barely 4 cm thick, is attached to the shaft that links the turbo’s turbine and compressor wheel. Its job is to pre-spin the shaft to negate lag for improved throttle response. It will also keep boost on even when off-throttle.

The result is 408 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. Within these figures is a low-rpm 14-horsepower boost provided by the belt-driven starter-generator. Bottom line is that the new C43 crushes the 100 km/h sprint from a standstill in just 4.6 seconds. The gorgeous wagon needs only 0.1 seconds more. The top speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h or, with the AMG Driver’s Package, it can be raised to 265 km/h.

Pricing is unknown at the moment however deliveries are expected to begin later in 2023. And by all accounts, Canada will not be getting the sexy wagon this time…