THE OLD TRUISM IS THAT racing improves the breed, and Mercedes-AMG is out to prove it with the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC. The latest generation of the Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine now utilises technology derived directly from Formula 1 to combine high performance with exemplary efficiency.
The new unit, developed entirely at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach and manufactured in accordance with the time-honoured principle of “One Man, One Engine”, is the world’s first series-production unit to feature an electric exhaust gas turbocharger.
The turbocharger is operated via the 48‑volt electrical system, which also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). In the Mercedes‑AMG C 43 4MATIC, the engine produces 300kW of power and 500Nm of torque. In certain driving situations, a brief additional boost of 10kW can be supplied by the RSG. This guarantees spontaneous response across the entire rev range, offering an even more dynamic driving experience.
Other performance-focused attributes include standard rear-axle steering, AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission with wet start-off clutch, and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with Adaptive Damping System.
In keeping with this, brand-specific features in the equipment and appointments, as well as in the exterior and interior design, emphasise the performance-oriented character of the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC.
“The C-Class has always been an absolute success story for Mercedes-AMG. With the innovative technology of the electric exhaust gas turbocharger, we are once again significantly increasing the attractiveness of this latest generation,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes AMG GmbH.
“The new turbocharging system and the 48-volt on-board electrical system not only contribute to the outstanding driving dynamics of the C 43 4MATIC, but also improve its efficiency.”
“In this way, we are demonstrating the tremendous potential that lies in electrified combustion engines. The standard all-wheel drive, the active rear-axle steering and the quick-shifting transmission all serve to enhance the Driving Performance that is the hallmark of AMG.”
Boost technology developed on the F1 racetrack
The innovative electric exhaust gas turbocharging system boosting the Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is a direct derivative of the technology that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has been using so successfully in the premier class of motorsport for many years. It guarantees particularly spontaneous response across the entire rev range, leading to an even more dynamic driving experience, while at the same time increasing efficiency.
This is achieved by the integration of a small electric motor directly on the turbocharger shaft, between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the intake side. Electronically controlled, it drives the shaft of the turbocharger directly and thus accelerates the compressor wheel, before the exhaust gas flow takes over the drive in the conventional way.
The result is a significant improvement in response directly from idle speed, and across the entire rev range. The combustion engine responds even more spontaneously to accelerator pedal input, while the entire driving feel is significantly more dynamic. The electrification of the turbocharger also enables higher torque at low revs, increasing agility and optimising acceleration from a standstill. Even when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator or brakes, boost pressure is maintained at all times, ensuring a continuously direct response.
Powered by the 48-volt on-board electrical system, the electric exhaust gas turbocharger operates at speeds of up to 175,000rpm, which enables a very high air flow rate. The turbocharger, electric motor and power electronics are connected to the combustion engine’s cooling circuit, to create an optimal temperature environment at all times.
Sporty performance meets driving efficiency
The innovative turbocharging technology boosting the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder in-line engine helps the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC to achieve a rated output of 300kW at 6750rpm, with maximum torque of 500Nm available at 5000rpm. Depending on the situation, the system can briefly provide an additional boost of 10kW through the belt-driven starter generator (RSG). The RSG acts as a mild hybrid, providing this temporary power boost as well as functions such as gliding and recuperation for maximum efficiency. The 48-volt technology also ensures transitions between the start-stop function and the gliding mode function are almost imperceptible.
As a result, the C 43 4MATIC accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The efficiency potential of the innovative turbo technology is revealed by a combined consumption figure of 9.4L/100 km.
Responsiveness guaranteed
Power is transmitted via the acclaimed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, in which a wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter. This reduces weight and, thanks to its lower inertia, optimises response to accelerator pedal input, especially during spurts and load changes.
Elaborately calibrated software ensures extremely short shift times, as well as fast multiple downshifts if required. In addition, the intermediate throttle function in the “Sport” and “Sport+” driving modes delivers a particularly emotionally appealing gearshift experience. There is also the RACE START function, which ensures optimal acceleration from a standstill.
Added agility and selectable control
The AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive features an AMG-specific torque distribution between the front and rear axles of 31 to 69 percent respectively. The rear-biased configuration provides for enhanced dynamic handling, including higher lateral acceleration and improved traction when accelerating.
The C 43 4MATIC features an integrated AMG DYNAMICS driving dynamic control system as a component of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. This enhances the stabilising functions of the Electronic Stability Program ESP with interventions to add agility to the steering characteristics and additional ESP functions. When cornering at speed, for example, brief braking intervention at the inner rear wheel generates a defined yawing moment around the vertical axis for responsive and precise turn-in.
The extent and effectiveness of these interventions depend on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT program selected, whereby drivers using “Individual” mode can determine the settings for the AMG DYNAMICS levels “Basic”, “Advanced” and “Pro” for themselves.
The ESP can be adjusted in three stages. “On” is the standard selection that offers high safety, adapted to the sporty character of the overall vehicle. “Sport” allows higher drift angles, while “Off” allows the system to be switched off for a sporty driving style on closed racetracks.
Dynamic response, with long-distance comfort
The standard AMG RIDE CONTROL steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System combines sporty driving dynamics with long-distance comfort. The basis for this is provided by the front axle, with specially developed steering knuckles and suspension joints on the spring control arm, and by the rear axle, which also features elastokinematics designed for driving dynamics.
Complementing this, the Adaptive Damping System continuously adapts the damping at each individual wheel, taking into account the pre-selected suspension level, driving style and road conditions. In addition to an improvement in ride quality and comfort, this increases driving safety. There is a choice of three different damping maps (“Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”).
Standard rear-axle steering
The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC is equipped with rear-axle steering as standard, operating with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. This allows the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 100 km/h (variable, depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), generating the effect of shortening of the wheelbase. This results in significantly more agile turn-in, less steering effort and improved manoeuvrability. A significant reduction in the turning circle is particularly noticeable during parking manoeuvres.
At speeds above 100km/h (variable, depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels turn in parallel to the front wheels up to a maximum of 0.7 degrees. This virtual extension of the wheelbase has a positive effect on driving stability, leads to a faster build-up of lateral force when changing direction and thus to a more direct reaction of the vehicle to steering commands. The response of the rear-axle steering depends on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program.
Optimal braking performance, and a sporty soundtrack
AMG sports braking system and AMG exhaust system with sporty engine sound.
The AMG sports braking system with silver-painted brake callipers and black AMG lettering guarantees outstanding deceleration values and optimum control. On the C 43 4MATIC, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs measuring 370 x 36 millimetres with four-piston fixed callipers are fitted at the front axle, and discs measuring 320 x 24 millimetres with single-piston floating callipers at the rear.
The AMG exhaust system with its sporty engine sound provides the appropriate acoustic background. Depending on the drive program selected, the noise level ranges from balanced and discreet, to emotionally sporty.
The sound characteristics are controlled via an exhaust gas flap, depending on engine speed and load. For the occupants, the listening pleasure is further enhanced by the addition of AMG Real Performance Sound. The actual engine sound is picked up by a sensor in the exhaust system and fed into the interior for a particularly emotive sound experience.
Stunning AMG-inspired standard appointments
Characteristic AMG elements for the exterior and interior ensure a sporty, refined appearance.
Inside and out, numerous AMG-specific details underscore both the dynamic and the luxurious character of the C 43 4MATIC. In terms of exterior design, these include the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts in chrome, the AMG front apron with flics, sporty air intakes and chrome-plated trim element, the matching side sill panels, the diffuser-look rear apron and two round twin-tailpipe trim elements. The C 43 4MATIC is fitted with AMG light-alloy wheels and 20-inch tyres as standard.
Inside, AMG seats feature a distinctive upholstery layout in leather finished in black or black with red inserts.
Added to this is the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather with a flattened bottom section, perforations in the grip area, and aluminium gearshift paddles. Two AMG selectors on the steering wheel face allow fast and unerring operation of various dynamic driving functions, and of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. The sporty-luxurious atmosphere is rounded out by AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and illuminated front door sill trims with AMG lettering.
The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG-specific displays and functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, in the portrait-format multimedia central display in the centre console, and in the head-up display. Added to this is the shortcut button for the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs.
A Performance Ergonomic Package is also available. This includes an upgrade to AMG Performance seats with red stitching and AMG TRACK PACE, which includes a data logger for use on the race track. The AMG TRACK PACE software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data types, such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal actuation 10 times per second, while the car is being driving around a racetrack. In addition, there is a display of lap and sector times, as well as additional training and analysis tools.
Pricing
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC will retail for $134,900 (plus on road costs) and customer deliveries are expected to begin in mid-February.