The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class welcomes a new addition to the lineup this year: the high-performance AMG C 43, which adds a dash of excitement to the C 300's focus on comfort and luxury. The changes for the new C 43, like the C 300, only apply to the sedan. Mercedes will continue to sell the coupe and convertible versions of the C-Class for the 2023 model year, but the two-doors are still based on the fourth-generation C-Class rather than the fifth-generation sedan.
The new AMG C 43 sedan drops two cylinders, giving it a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder instead of the V6 found in the previous model. It also gets a mild hybrid system like the C 300, but the emphasis here is on performance and not efficiency. Total system output is 402 horsepower and 369 lb-feet of torque, with the starter-generator motor able to kick in a boost of 13 extra horsepower on demand. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard along with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Instead of a variable torque ratio, the AWD system always sends 31% of its power to the front wheels and 69% to the rear, giving it a sporty feel that has a rear-drive bias. It also comes with upgraded Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires for added grip and a stiffer suspension that decreases comfort but ups the C 43's agility.
Inside, it gets the same technology upgrades and cabin updates that we enjoyed in the C 300. Our rating for the C-Class is based on the C 300, which will be the volume model for the sedan. Check out what our editors thought about the C 300 in greater detail below.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class continues to offer coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) body styles for one more year, though the two-door variants don't get the same redesign the sedan received last year so they still have the interior and styling of the last-generation C-Class. Mercedes offers the coupe and convertible as the C 300, C 300 4Matic and AMG C 43. The C300 uses rear-wheel drive, and the C 300 4Matic and AMG C 43 feature all-wheel drive. Regardless of engine, a nine-speed automatic is the only transmission available.
Historically, the BMW 3 Series has been the sporty choice among small luxury sedans. It can be argued that, without the BMW, Mercedes may not have even created the C-Class back in the 1990s. Although the engine outputs are nearly identical, the 3 Series is quicker and more engaging. The C-Class is more comfortable and leisurely by contrast.
As is usually the case with Audi, the A4 splits the difference between BMW and Mercedes, offering a middle ground in terms of performance, luxury and technology. We give the A4 high marks for its easy-to-use tech features, well-constructed cabin and rear seats that can accommodate adults. The A4 with its base engine is less powerful than the C 300 but gets slightly better fuel economy.
Genesis has mounted a strong challenge to the German grip on luxury and part of that offensive is the G70 sedan. The G70 is stylish and comes with a nice enough cabin to put the Mercedes on notice. It's also less expensive, giving it a strong value proposition. The C-Class still has better in-cabin technology and a more comfortable ride, though the gap is closing.
The C-Class was historically Mercedes-Benz's entry-level model until the more affordable CLA debuted in 2014. Since then, the C-Class has assumed the role of a legitimate luxury vehicle, bringing the features and styling cues of the large S-Class sedan to a more palatable price point. Mercedes gave the C-Class a full redesign for 2022, ushering in new styling and the latest technology. Now, for 2023, it's bringing back the AMG performance versions of the C-Class.
The new engine makes all that grunt thanks to a plethora of new, electronically controlled systems. A 48-volt mild hybrid system powers an electronically driven turbocharger. A tiny electric motor spins up the compressor before hot exhaust gases enter the turbo, and the result is better throttle response and more overall punch. The engine can also get a boost of 13 extra horsepower for short periods of time from a belt-driven starter-generator motor. That's a lot of hybrid tech, but the end result is what we all want more of: power. The 0-60 mph sprint is over in a Mercedes-touted 4.6 seconds. All that grunt is channeled through a nine-speed automatic gearbox and sent to all four wheels.
We've spent time in the GLA 45 AMG, which uses the same engine and makes about the same power but doesn't have the trick turbo and it's an entirely different ballgame. The C 43 is considerably smoother and offers smoother acceleration, especially at part throttle and at low engine speeds. This extra refinement will not be lost on the C-Class buyer.
The tech-laden interior in the new C-Class is great, and onto that the C 43 gets some traditional AMG touches. The steering wheel has a thick, contoured rim and four horizontal spokes covered in capacitive buttons. It looks to be a bit of an ergonomic nightmare. But the buttons, though small, are always out of the way during spirited driving, and the steering wheel is well shaped and proved easy to hold over long distances.
Edmunds saysWe're impressed with the latest C-Class, and the AMG C 43 provides a significant step up in performance from the regular C 300.
The 2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class has barely reached U.S. showrooms, and Mercedes has already added another model to the top of the lineup. Meet the new 2023 AMG C 43, a far more potent version of the baby-Benz that kicks out 402 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from just four cylinders.
Yes, you read that right. In case you haven't heard, the C-Class will no longer feature an engine with more than four cylinders, and the AMG versions are no exception. Even the upcoming C 63 will be a four-cylinder hybrid, but we don't expect to see that car until much later this year. As for the C 43 that Mercedes just announced, don't let the lost cylinders from the last car's V6 trouble you too much, because this engine makes 17 more ponies than the C 43 it replaces.
The new engine (code-named M139L) makes all that grunt thanks to a plethora of new, electronically controlled systems. A 48-volt mild hybrid system powers an electronically driven turbocharger. A tiny electric motor spins up the compressor before hot exhaust gasses enter the turbo, and the result is better throttle response and more overall punch. The engine can also get a boost of 13 extra horsepower for short periods of time from a belt-driven starter-generator motor. That's a lot of hybrid tech, but the end result is what we all want more of: power.
All that grunt is channeled through a nine-speed automatic gearbox and sent to all four wheels. Rear-axle steering, an optional extra on non-AMG C-Classes, is standard on the C 43 — at speeds below 37 mph the rear wheels will turn as much as 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction of the fronts, but above that speed they'll turn in the same direction as the fronts. A set of 18-inch wheels cover 14.6-inch front brakes and 12.6-inch rears. Top speed is limited to 155 mph with the standard wheels, but if you go for the optional 19s or 20s, top speed is raised to 165 mph. The 0-60 mph sprint is over in a Mercedes-touted 4.6 seconds.
Suspension is handled by AMG's Ride Control system. These electronically controlled dampers can firm themselves up or soften based on which drive mode you choose. As always with modern cars, there are a plethora of drive modes to pick from. Slippery will dial everything back in wet conditions, while Comfort should serve well during everyday driving. Sport and Sport+ modes turn the wick up, and Individual mode lets you cherry-pick the best of each setting for the steering weight, exhaust sound, throttle response and damper stiffness.
There are also a few subtle exterior changes to the C 43 that denote its extra potency. New front and rear bumpers, a quad-tailpipe exhaust, and the signature Panamericana AMG grille should help you tell it apart from the run-of-the-mill C-Class. The inside is much the same as the standard car with the 11.9-inch tablet-like MBUX display rising into the dashboard and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster resting in front of the driver. There is a new steering wheel and AMG's super-sporty bucket front seats can be had as an option.
Mercedes hasn't announced pricing yet, but we expect that will come later in the year as the C 43 enters showrooms later this fall.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:
The least-expensive 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $49,550.
Other versions include:
