The Cadillac CT5-V has a fresh new rival in the way of the newly unveiled 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43, which will go on sale in the United States before the end of the year.
This is a performance sedan, so let’s get right into what matters: the powertrain and drivetrain. Under the hood of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, which is the first series-production engine to utilize an exhaust-gas turbocharger with an electrically-driven compressor wheel. The electrically-driven turbo is powered by a 48V electrical system, which also powers the car’s belt-driven starter-generator. The combined output of this unique setup sits at 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 13 horsepower available via the 48V system for brief bursts.
Mercedes says the four-cylinder C 43 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 4.6 seconds and will top out at 155 mph. Power is sent to an AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system has AMG-specific torque distribution between the front and rear axles of 31 and 69 percent, giving the vehicle sportier handling characteristics than run-of-the-mill C-Class models. The performance sedan also comes standard with AMG Dynamic Select drive modes, which include Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual settings.
All C 43 variants will also come standard with adaptive dampers, rear-wheel steering and a three-stage dynamic steering rack. Braking is handled by standard internally ventilated and perforated brake discs with four-pit front calipers and single-piston rear calipers. The front rotors measure 14.5 inches in diameter, while the rears come in at 12.5 inches. Lightweight 18-inch AMG alloys are standard, while large 20-inch and 22-inch AMG wheels are available for a price premium.
The interior is typical Mercedes-AMG fare, with the automaker’s 2.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch LCD center touchscreen offered as standard equipment and a color head-up display offered as an optional extra. Bolstered AMG performance seats with contrasting red seatbelts are standard, along with a flat-bottom AMG steering wheel and aluminum AMG sport pedals. The automaker also includes its Track Pace data logger as standard equipment, which allows users to review their data traces from track driving sessions.
Pricing for the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 will be divulged closer to its U.S. arrival later this year.
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Comments
While I love AMG I’ll stick with my 2006 E55 AMG.
5.4L Supercharged V8 with 493 horsepower and 520 lb ft of torque & 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 200+ mph. Plus one of the most beautiful exhaust sounds from any V8 in history.
This is more in line with the CT4-V 2.7.. The on-paper acceleration numbers not really impressive since they match the 2.7 CT4, I’ll wait until a magazine review. One thing I’ll say the 2.7 CT4 might bow to the AMG but OTOH on engine is proven in a Silverado the other..well it’s German..
“2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Launched As Mild-Hybrid Cadillac CT5-V Rival”
I didn’t know there was a Mild Hybrid CT5. When did that happen?
“The Mercedes’ has a “2.3” instrument cluster”?
That’s really small. How can a person read it?
I don’t care for the scowling front ends on these new Mercs. And they will look dated as soon as a refresh happens.
Not a bad looking car but rear-wheel steering for a small sedan like this does not seem necessary.