THE MERCEDES-AMG C 43 4MATIC EDITION R is sure to set hearts racing by offering a combination of performance-oriented upgrades over the C 43 4MATIC sedan plus distinctive interior and exterior features, but also bringing a stunning price advantage thanks to a carefully edited standard specification.
The C 43 sedan has long stood for exceptional value, and that reputation is only enhanced by the arrival in limited numbers of an eyebrow-raising new Edition R model.
Mercedes-AMG is renowned for its ‘performance luxury’ models and the new C 43 4MATIC Edition R sedan further amplifies the brand’s ‘performance’ characteristics, in addition to enhancing driving enjoyment.
A key performance feature of the C 43 Edition R is the addition of the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package, adding enhancements including AMG dynamic engine mounts, a selectable ‘RACE’ driving program in addition to ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ options in the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT menu, an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and MICROCUT microfibre, and red brake callipers featuring black AMG lettering.
The addition of AMG dynamic engine mounts ensures the best possible connection between the engine and the body in every driving situation by providing the softest possible suspension for optimal comfort, and firmer suspension for improved driving dynamics.
Using AMG DYNAMIC SELECT to choose RACE mode delivers racetrack-ready performance with maximum sporty character at the push of a button. Drivers will experience even more spontaneous engine response, and a more direct accelerator pedal characteristic.
Drivers also gain access to AMG TRACK PACE, a system that records more than 80 vehicle-specific data points such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal actuation while the car is being driven around a racetrack. In addition, TRACK PACE includes a display of lap and sector times, plus training and analysis tools.
Interior highlights with a performance theme
Inside, the AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced includes AMG sports-style front seats, while all seats are trimmed in ARTICO and MICROCUT microfibre. They are finished with eye-catching red inserts and stitching, and matched by red seatbelts. The centre console and dash feature a distinctive Metal Structure trim. This trim is available only on the C 43 4MATIC Edition R model in the C-Class range in Australia.
Externally, the C 43 Edition R is subtly differentiated from the C 43 sedan via Night Package II, adding a darkened grille and distinctive dark chrome badging. Red brake callipers, clearly visible beneath the 20-inch AMG bi-colour alloy wheels, further hint at the Edition R’s performance potential, and also create a visual reference point to the model’s interior trim highlights.
Best features of stunning C 43 specification carry through
The list of Edition R-specific features supplements an impressive standard equipment specification in common with the C 43 sedan.
This includes the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system with MBUX Navigation Premium, operated from an 11.9-inch central display screen; a Burmester 3D surround sound system; Mercedes-AMG interior visual enhancements; electrically adjustable and heated front seats; smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; wireless mobile device charging; a head-up display; and a panoramic sliding sunroof.
All C 43 models including the Edition R ride on AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping, and are fitted with AMG exterior body styling and the AMG Exterior Night Package featuring gloss black trim elements. Standard rear-axle steering offers significantly more agile turn-in and improved manoeuvrability at low speed, and can have a positive effect on driving stability and more direct reaction to driver commands as speeds rise.
The Edition R model also shares the same potent Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine as the C 43 sedan, featuring an electric exhaust gas turbocharger operated via a 48-volt electrical system. Working in tandem with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission with wet start-off clutch, this unit outputs 300 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, and can summon a brief additional boost of 10 kW. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h takes as little as 4.6 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The AMG exhaust system is further enhanced by AMG Performance Sound, which utilises a sensor in the exhaust system to pick up the actual engine sound and feed into the interior, creating a particularly emotive sound experience.
To make way for performance-oriented features in the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Edition R, the standard equipment specification found on the C 43 sedan has been carefully edited.
Pricing
The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Edition R sedan will be available in limited numbers for $112,600 (MRLP) from July 10, 2024 at Mercedes-AMG retailers