2022 Mercedes-AMG C43 goes mild-hybrid - but still has 402hp!
More efficient performance model ditches 3.0-litre V6 power for electrified muscle. Saloon and estate versions set to hit market later this year
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Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the all-new C43 4Matic - and blimey, it doesn't disappoint. Predictably, but somewhat controversially if you like big engines, the German manufacturer has replaced the roaring 3.0-litre V6 engine of the last C43 with a smaller , made up of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder turbo engine and electric motor powered by 48-volt tech. But while it's got a smaller beating heart, this more carbon-friendly C43 still delivers 402hp, a 12hp jump on the old car. Impressive stuff!
To cater for the car's mild-hybrid technology, Mercedes has overhauled the C43, with a permanent all-wheel drive system that sends 31% of the engine's muscle (or torque, if you're a car nerd), to the front wheels. The rest goes to the back wheels, helping the C43 saloon do 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. You can get an estate version, too, and it is also no slouch, hitting 62mph in 4.7 seconds. That should entertain the dogs in the back!
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The handsome C43 comes with 18-inch alloys as standard, but you have the choice to spend more and upgrade to 19-inch or 20-inch alloys, if you so please. And you'll be treated to a leather steering wheel, black AMG sport seats with red stitching and an infotainment screen coupled with a digital dashboard. It's swish and impressive in equal measures.
Mercedes-AMG (which is Merc's performance car division, if you're wondering) is yet to give us any direction on how much the mild-hybrid C43 will cost, but we should know before sales kick off in Britain from September of this year. Can't wait? We have a range of this car's predecessor, the bigger-engined C43, available in our online showroom. See this lovely convertible, which is available for £34,150 or the equivalent monthly rate. Summer is nearly upon us, after all...
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