This will be an in-depth features review of the 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 sedan. In this review we will cover the following features; performance, design, safety, comfort & convenience, audio & entertainment, plus optional packages for the 2018 Mercedes AMG C43 model year. If you’re considering buying a 2018 AMG C 43 sedan, you’ll find this features and packages review very helpful.
This won’t be your typical 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 sedan review. Why? Because I’m not going to be talking about lap times, or how awesome the exhaust sounds. Yes, I love all that stuff, but I like to know more than horsepower numbers and 0-60 times. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 sedan has 362 HP, 384 lb-ft. of torque and does 0-60 in 4.6 seconds by the way. That said, this features and options review goes much deeper than that.
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What is the 2018 C43 AMG?
The 2018 C43 sedan is a warmed-over version of the C300 sedan by AMG. I say warmed over because they actually make a faster AMG C-Class and it’s called the C63 AMG. It itself comes in a couple of different trim levels. Also a great car. But I like the C43 AMG because it’s more affordable on every metric and has more than enough power for the street.
Actually, the 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 is a lot more than a warmed-up version of the C300. I even think it’s more than a turned-down version of the 2018 C63 AMG too. I think Mercedes, as a brand, puts more effort into it than that. So is the 2018 C43 AMG worth it’s $53,400 MSRP? Read through this review and form your own conclusions. I certainly think so.
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2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 Power and Handling Features
There’s isn’t a Mercedes AMG vehicle that’s short on power and technology. The 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 sedan is no exception. AMG has “put hands” on all aspects of this vehicle and the result looks pretty good to me. Let’s take a closer, more in-depth look at the power and handling aspects of the new 2018 Mercedes C43 AMG.
Engine
AMG has tuned the 3.0 V6 normally found in the C300 and got it to produce a stout 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. And that torque is available pretty low too, about 2K RPM. This AMG-tuned engine has Direct Injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system, and a lightweight engine block. Oh, there’s variable valve timing.
Mercedes-AMG also coats the diecast aluminum engine block with something called NANOSLIDE. It’s supposed to improve performance, efficiency, and durability because it supposed to reduce friction quite a bit. The cool thing is NANOSLIDE does all that (and more actually) without adding weight.
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ECO Start/Stop system
Everyone is doing stop/start engine technology these days, but that doesn’t make the Mercedes system any less impressive. Here’s how it works: The ECO Start/Stop system, when activated, will automatically turn off the engine and lights and other times when your car would be idling. The moment you take your foot off the brake, the engine will fire back up. It’s quick. Super quick.
AMG 4MATIC AWD
4-wheel drive is pretty common for performance cars now. Took long enough. The 2018 C43 AMG comes in AWD to help it with traction and grip. I’m sure the system works seamlessly. That said, the all-wheel-drive system is still rear-biased to the tune of almost 70% of the engine power going to the rear wheels.
9-Speed Transmission and 4 Drive Modes
The 9G-Tronic transmission has received special programming before being fitted to the engine of the 2018 C43. Now the transmission will shift gears faster and you can even use the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Very cool!
Performance Suspension
AMG and Mercedes have reworked the multilink suspension for the model year 2018. The C43 AMG now has a 4-wheel independent suspensiuon, it’s all made out of lightweight aliuminum and it’s a 5-arm design in the rear.
There’s also AMG RIDE CONTROL. It’s the sport suspension setup for the C43. It’s light and AMG developed. Springs, shocks, highly responsive tracking, cornering, etc. I’m sure for the average buyer, their suspension is more than adequate.
AMG Dynamic Select
These are the drive modes for the transmission. ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ round out the selection of modes. When you select one, it changes the mapping on throttle response, when the transmission shifts gears, etc.
For help going around corners, there’s ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist. It’s a torque vectoring system that will give you more control. This is an active system that can apply the rear brakes when it senses understeer while cornering.
AMG Brakes and Exhaust System
You can’t have the extra horsepower and torque of the 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 sedan and not pay some attention to upgraded brakes and free-flowing sport exhaust system. So Mercedes-AMG has upgraded the braking system on the C43, as well as added an AMG exhaust system. I haven’t heard it, but I know it sounds amazing.
Mercedes claims the brakes of the 2018 C43 AMG sedan are track-ready. Do I believe that? Not really, but who knows. What I do know is that the rotors on this lightly-modded C-Class measure 14.2″ up front and are of the 4-piston variety. What’s more interesting is that AMG doesn’t cross-drill the holes in their performance brake rotors, they are cast (made) that way. Nice.
If you like a deep and sporty exhaust note, the AMG system can surely deliver. For an additional $1,250 dollars, you can option your 2018 C43 AMG sedan with an even more performance AMG exhaust system. Well, what was the basic AMG system then?
Standard Performance and Handling Features
- AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 Biturbo engine
- NANOSLIDE cylinder wall technology
- ECO Start/Stop system
- AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive
- AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC transmission
- AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
- 4-wheel multilink suspension
- AMG RIDE CONTROL Sport Suspension with 3-stage damping
- ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist
- Exclusive front axle and wider track
- AMG Performance Braking System
- AMG Sport Exhaust System
Optional Features
AMG Performance Exhaust System
2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 Design Features
Aggressive, yet elegant styling. That’s describes the 2018 C43 AMG design. This Mercedes just has those classic, athletic lines that make me just want to jump in this car and drive because it looks good from every angle.
Exterior
The secret ingredient behind the drop-dead gorgeous good looks of the 2018 Mercedes C 43, is the AMG-specific body work. That consists of a front bumper (they call it an air dam), different rocker panels, a rear bumper, and two options for wheels. The standard AMG wheels are 18″ but you can option some 19″ ones that look better.
There’s an AMG-designed chrome diamond-block grille that helps the C43 AMG stand out from lesser C-Class trim levels. The side window trim is finished in a gloss black and makes the C43 look super sporty and even a little sinister. Oh, and standard on the 2018 Mercedes C43 AMG is a power tilt/sliding tinted glass sunroof.
Interior
The exterior of the 2018 C43 AMG isn’t the only thing looking sporty, the interior has received special treatment as well. I would say that the C43 had a performance-focused cockpit design. There’s a variety of upholstery and seating options, plus a thick, flat-bottom AMG multifunction steering wheel and instrumentation.
One can also get plenty of carbon fiber, both inside and outside on the 2018 C43 AMG as well. Interior trim pieces, exterior mirror caps, and rear spoiler. Lots of tasty goodies to make your 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 really stand out.
Standard 2018 Mercedes C43 AMG Design Features
- AMG Performance Exhaust System
- Aggressively elegant design
- AMG body styling
- Chrome diamond-block grille
- Gloss Black exterior accents
- Power tilt/sliding tinted glass sunroof
- Stunningly stylish cabin
- Performance-focused cockpit
- 18-inch AMG 5-spoke wheels w/black accents
- Multifunction steering wheel
- AMG Sport steering wheel
- Dark Brown Linden wood trim
- AMG instrumentation
- AMG menu with RACETIMER®
- Topstitched MB-Tex upper dash and door trim
- Brushed aluminum pedals
- Red seat belts
Optional Features
AMG Night Package, AMG carbon fiber rear spoiler, AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, Panorama roof, 19-inch AMG split 5-spoke wheels w/black accents, 19-inch AMG split 5-spoke wheels, 19-inch AMG multispoke wheels, 19-inch AMG multispoke wheels w/black accents, AMG Nappa/DINAMICA Performance steering wheel, Natural Grain Black Ash wood, and aluminum trim, AMG carbon-fiber trim, AMG Silver fiberglass trim, AMG Track Pace App for Apple iPhone®, Replace red seat belts with black, AMG illuminated front door sills and LED logo projectors.
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2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Safety Features
Every Mercedes-Benz vehicle leaves the factory with many standard safety features. In the case of the 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43, it comes standard with 18 safety features and 11 optional ones. Mercedes-Benz regularly sets the bar for automobile safety, technology, and innovation.
Mercedes Assist Technologies
For 2018, the Mercedes C43 AMG comes standard with several of what I like to call, Mercedes assist technologies; collision prevention assist plus, attention assist, crosswind assist, and blind-spot assist. I also group pre-safe in with these technologies, though it is a little different.
- Collision Prevention Assist is a radar that can detect an object in front of you either give you braking assistance (perhaps like a brake booster?), or it can actually just apply the brake at speeds under 65mph.
- Attention Assist monitors the driver and is looking at your driving behavior and if it thinks you’re out there slipping, it’ll give you audible and visual warnings.
- Crosswind Assist receives information from the Electronic Stability Program (talked about below) and the suspension so it can make corrections when it detects really strong crosswinds. In a nutshell.
- Blind Spot Assist works at speeds above 20 mph and can detect cars in the blind-spot area. When it senses another vehicle in that zone, a little red triangle will light up in the side mirror.
- Pre-Safe, while not exactly a part of Mercedes assist technologies, is another safety feature that’s standard on the 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 and it can prepare the vehicle for a crash if it thinks an impact is imminent. It can automatically tighten front seat belts, adjust the passenger seat, close windows and roof in an effort to better protect you. Nice.
9 Air Bags and Cool Seat Belt Technology
There are 9 airbags and the way they are configured, Mercedes-Benz claims they offer 11-way protection. The air bags in the front are dual-stage, there are thorax/pelvic air bags for front passengers, knee, side-curtain, and side-impact all around.
You’d think there’d be nothing to write about when it comes to seatbelts, but you’d be wrong in the case of Mercedes. Their seatbelts have what’s called EDS and that means they can remove slack if a collision exceeds a certain threshold.
More 2018 C43 AMG Standard Features
- LED Daytime Running Lamps
- Rearview camera
- Adaptive braking technology
- Antilock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake Assist (BAS®)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Aluminum and high-strength steel body structure
- Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- SmartKey with KEYLESS-START
- Antitheft alarm system with remote panic feature
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Optional Safety Features
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, LED headlamps and taillamps, Active LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, Speed Limit Assist, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, Surround View System and PRE-SAFE PLUS.
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Comfort & Convenience
Mercedes doesn’t joke around, there are 16 standard comfort and convenience features on the 2018 C 43 AMG sedan and 10 optional ones! Honestly, as I write and do the research for the features and packages review, I can’t help but feel the cost of every new Mercedes is worth it. This isn’t the only model that gets a lot of standard features. Every Mercedes-Benz does.
Seats
The 2018 C43 gets highly bolstered front seats. They almost look like racing seats, but you still have all the power functions you’d want your seat to have on a Mercedes. The seats are also heated, though the standard material is MB-TEX and Dinamica. The rear seats fold down for more interior cargo space as well.
Lighting and HomeLink
Illuminated entry system and entrance lamps in doors are standard on the 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43. The standard Homelink system is cool because it allows you to open and close your garage door from buttons located on the rear view mirror.
Keyless and Hands-Free Features
All this simply means you can leave your keys in your pocket. The 2018 AMG C43 has a push-button start, you can open the doors without your key and you can swipe your foot under the back bumper of the car to open the trunk.
Other Standard Comfort & Convenience Features
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 5 years of Mercedes-Benz mbrace Connect
- Remote Start via Mercedes me Mobile App
- Power-folding side mirrors
- Electronic trunk closer
- Brake HOLD feature
Optional Features
AMG Performance front seats, Three additional mbrace Packages, Air Balance cabin fragrance system, Ventilated front seats, Leather upholstery, designo Platinum White Pearl/Black Nappa leather, designo Saddle Brown/Black Nappa leather, Power rear-window sunshade, Rear-side window sunshades, and Air Balance cabin-air purification system.
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2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 Audio & Entertainment Features
I’m all about the audio and entertainment equipment because that’s where my music and phone stuff lives! The 2018 Mercedes AMG C43 does not let us down in this department with 7 standard features and 12 optional upgrades.
- High-resolution in-dash screens
- Central controller
- FrontBass® system
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- Dual USB audio ports
- HD Radio receiver
- SiriusXM Radio with 6-month All Access trial
- Hands-free Bluetooth interface
- SD card reader
Optional Audio & Entertainment Features: Touchpad controller, COMAND hard-drive navigation with 8.4-inch screen, 3 years of navigation map updates, AMG Head-Up Display, Burmester Surround Sound System, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio®, In-car WiFi hotspot, Voice control and 5 years of SiriusXM Traffic and Weather service.
Optional Packages
There are 11 optional packages for the 2018 Mercedes C43 AMG; mbrace® Connect, mbrace Concierge, Driver Assistance Package, Smartphone Integration Package, Multimedia Package, Air Balance Package, Parking Assist Package, Advanced Lighting Package, mbrace Secure, mbrace Entertain, and mbrace Bundle (Concierge & Entertain).
With all the mbrace services, those are on trial subscriptions. mbrace Connect goes for 5 years, so it’s the longest initial free service out of the bunch and is available on all 2016 and newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Optional Accessories
The accessories are almost not worth mentioning, but since I’ve come this far, there’s no point in half-stepping! So all that you can get on your 2018 Mercedes C 43 AMG (as far as accessories go) are; AMG Heritage Hub Cap Inserts, All-season floor mats, Cargo area tray, and a Load Still Protector. So not much, but it’s something.
Specs & Dimensions
The 2018 AMG C 43 Sedan has an MSRP of $53,400 and a passenger capacity of 5 occupants. The trunk capacity is 12.6 cu ft and the transmission type is, of course, an AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC 9-speed. The engine is an AMG-enhanced 3.0L V6 Biturbo with a power output rating of 362 hp @ 5,500- 6000 rpm. Your acceleration times for 0-60 mph, per Mercedes, is 4.6 sec and your around the city fuel economy is 20 mpg, while the highway fuel economy is 27 mpg.
Exterior Dimensions: Overall length 185.0 in, Overall height 56.3 in, Overall width 71.3 in (without mirrors), Wheelbase 111.8 in, Coefficient of drag 0.32 and Curb weight is 3,759 lbs.
Interior Dimensions: FRONT Headroom 37.1 in, Legroom 41.7 in, Shoulder room 55.3 in, REAR Headroom 37.1 in, Legroom 35.2 in, Shoulder room 55.5 in and Trunk capacity 12.6 cu ft.
2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 Warranty
This warranty info isn’t specific to the 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43, so I’m going to keep it simple. Looks like Mercedes is offering three individual warranties; prepaid maintenance, MB Limited Warranty, and a Service and Repairs package of some sort. Now, if I was qualified to talk about things such as warranty info I would, but I’m not. Mercedes offers what looks to be a very competitive warranty. It’s probably not the best, but I bet it’s better than most!
Conclusion
The 2018 Mercedes AMG C 43 is an incredible vehicle. I know I say it all the time on my channel, but I’d love to have this car in my garage, seriously. It’s probably about as close to perfect as I can think of right now for where I’m at in life. Kudos to Mercedes for building such a kick-ass car. If you found this content helpful, please share it and leave a comment below.