Mercedes-Benz’s decisions in the past 3 years have taken a number of headlines in the past 3 years after announcing that both the C43 and the C63 have the V6 and V8 engines for a turboch 4 cylinder engine would drop. This alone has raised many questions and enthusiasts concerned about the future direction of this brand because the focus is on electrical technology. While sports sedans are replaced by CrossOvers, it is still a competitive market with competitors such as the Audi S4, BMW M340i and even the Genesis G70. But now is it worth the new C43 sports sedan if the manufacturer of Stuttgart has considered its successful formula for the C-Class? Well, here is what you need to know about the 2023 Mercedes C43 before making a purchase.
Technically oriented cabin
Mercedes-Benz took the technology very seriously in the 2020s. Your interiors are increasingly progressed, especially in models such as the EQS sedan and the SUV. These interiors give the impression of working in a spaceship. While the changes from BMW to the M340i have disappointed some buyers, the Audi S4 is the best candidate who offers an ergonomically gratifying dashboard layout. This layout could still be the best setup in the current market. From the interior of the interior, this generation of the C-Class has a combative jet-like cockpit. It also includes improvements to the screens with which you interact, including the fully adjustable digital gauge cluster and the head-up display. With the haptic resettlement buttons mounted on the steering wheel, you can scroll several layouts in which relevant information is displayed. As we have already mentioned, if you discuss newer Mercedes-Benz products, the resolution and quality are the virtual cockpit of Audi.
If you contact the infotainment system, you will find a 12-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as onboard navigation and the available augmented reality. As can be seen with C300 and GLC, most buttons have been removed to centralize all functions on the head unit, including the dual zone climatization, which now has its own dedicated menu. In contrast to the previous generation, Mercedes has cleaned up the menuout to make this touchscreen more user -friendly. While it can take some time to get used to it, it finally becomes a second nature.
Differences from the C300
Sports limousines such as the BMW M340i and Audi S4 are often seen as sportier versions of the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4. Despite the larger drive strands and sporty suspensions, a buyer who is ready to create the upgrade is not shocked by the difference in driving dynamics. With the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C43, however, we would be a little more hesitant to suggest a C300 owner to make the switch. This generation brings with it aggression that surprises people. Under the bonnet, the C43 is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a turbocharger with 402 hp and 369 LB-FT torque. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission with two couplings. Apart from the differences in the performance statistics compared to the C300, the first thing this gear is very different is, and its violent gang shifts have been strongly with the ZF 8-speed in the Audi S4 and BMW M340i in contrast to the ZF-8 course .
In addition, the C43 with the small electric motor on the turbocharger wave and the rear axle, which improves the overall performance, which leads to an exciting straight speed and a sharp, direct handling that makes the curning effortless. Compared to the reserved C300, the C43 is not as luxurious as its predecessor. Whether Mercedes-Benz compensate for the reduction of your drive strands for the model year 2023 to appease enthusiasts, you have developed a hardcore sports sedan that borrow the attributes of the C63 and award the luxurious features into the background.
For this reason, we had difficulty comparing the C43 with its closest competitors who still use 6-cylinder engines. Mercedes-Benz seems to give an explanation by trying to develop this segment into the age of electrification. Due to the advanced technology and mechanics of this sports sedan, the buyers could be able, in particular rumors that Mercedes-Benz returns to larger engines after lukewarm reception of the deposition of the V8. However, this does not mean that the 2023 C43 is a bad car. In fact, it is very pleasant and appealing to drive, but it is specially coordinated for enthusiasts instead of appealing for buyers who are looking for a more powerful C300.
Understate design
Everything about the new C43 signals that it is a different animal than the tame and modest C300. However, most important differences are mechanical and technological. Due to its styling instructions from the C300, there is both a feeling that this limousine at first glance has a low profile as well as the appearance of a smaller AMG-GT-4 door coupé. While you could list the small cosmetic differences compared to the C300, let us know with the vertical bars on the radiator grille and the small AMG badge that this car is concerned. The Starling Blue Metallic Lack on this model is in contrast to Mercedes’ inconspicuous design elements and directs the attention that we experienced with the C43 during our time. With LED headlights, this car makes the statement when it is over. A common topic for 2023 is that it takes on the more sporty personality of the C300, but shows its true colors as soon as they have taken to the street.
When we move backwards, Chrome accents, since our C43 was not equipped with the AMG night package, offer a noble and upscale color contrast, especially for the rear diffuser, which converts the quad exhaust tip. Mercedes-Benz also recorded some shiny black trim for the last third of this sedan. Just like the front, you will find complete LED folds for a modern appearance. Not to get enough attention are the smoother and optimized body lines for this generation, which make the C43 look refined despite its aggressive driving dynamics.
Will you miss the V6?
The main concern in all heads is whether this generation corresponds to the V6 on the way to the outgoing model. While a departure from a mechanical aspect marked in 2023, this sports limousine offers a driving experience that unique and, in contrast to everything we have seen in this market so far. Some of them can be attributed to the 48-volt mild hybrid system and the small electric motor on the turbocharger shaft. Despite the 0-60 times at 4.6 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz, the performance on the street suggests something else because it feels faster under strong accelerations. Sounding, the Turbo 4 still provides the graves of the exhaust, since Mercedes did its best to replicate the roaring of a 6-cylinder engine. However, your pleasure in this sports sedan is ultimately due to personal preferences. The offer of 2023 C43 is a performance -oriented driving experience that is better approved for the route or wrap instead of being the luxurious daily driver for whom this car was once known.
