Review
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Convertible
Mercedes presented the AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabrio at the Geneva Motor Show last year. With this model they want to make AMG even more accessible to an even younger audience. In addition to loads of driving pleasure, this convertible also offers space for 4 adults and you can use it in all seasons.
Motorizations
The C-Class Cabrio is available in numerous engines. For example, you can currently choose from 4 regular petrol variants and 3 AMG versions. The entry-level car is the C 180 with 156 hp from 42,108 euros. You can also choose a C 200 with 184 hp (44,891 euros), a C 250 with 211 hp (50,578 euros) and a C 400 4MATIC with 333 hp for a budget of 62,678 euros.
Within the AMG range we find a C 63 with 476 hp (87,967 euros) and a C 63 S with no less than 510 hp (96,437 euros). We did a test drive with the C 43 4MATIC. This model with 367 hp is available from 71,027 euros. This lowers the entry level for an AMG model and makes them accessible to a younger target audience.
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Convertible
In the C 43 we find a new V6 biturbo petrol engine with a capacity of 2,996 cc. This block delivers a power of 367 hp and a max. torque of 520 Nm. This convertible sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The transmission is a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with 9 gears. This gearbox was specially adjusted for the C 43 4MATIC. For example, switching times have been significantly shortened by adjusting the software. You can drive fully automatically or you can also switch manually via the paddles on the steering wheel. You can select manual mode via a button on the central console. The transmission then remains in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up. Ideal for when you really want to drive sporty. Personally, we think the Mercedes automatic transmission is the best we have ever driven. With 9 gears it is always good and the car also feels very versatile. You can cruise quietly as well as drive sporty and, especially in Sport and Sport Plus, the transmission shifts very quickly.
The C 43 is equipped with permanent four-wheel drive 4MATIC. The power distribution is 31% on the front wheels and 69% on the rear wheels for sporty driving behavior. We do see the added value of 4MATIC for sporty cars. This provides the optimal balance between driving pleasure and road holding. It was raining during our test drive and with 4MATIC you can lean on the gas without any worries, because even in the pouring rain the C 43 4MATIC cannot be pushed out of the bend. The C 43 is therefore our favorite within the entire C-Class Cabrio range, as it is the only AMG model with 4MATIC. Of course we are not averse to a C 63 AMG, for example, but in our rainy country the C 43 offers the most possibilities as a convertible for all seasons. If we had to choose a car for a country stay in a sunny country, we would probably prefer the C 63 AMG, but that’s besides the point. The sound experience of the C 43 AMG meets our expectations. Especially in Sport Plus, there is a wonderful sound from the exhaust, especially when upshifting.
Soft top
The roof of the convertible is made of fabric and is aimed at providing maximum comfort in terms of sound insulation and climate control. The roof can be opened or closed in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. An optional acoustic roof is also available that provides extra comfort in terms of noise and temperature. The roof consists of several layers of damping materials and disturbing noises in the interior are thus kept to a minimum.
Open top driving is also extremely comfortable in this convertible in all seasons. Activating the optional AIRCAP system raises a windshield behind the rear headrests and raises a windshield on the windshield. This causes the airflow to flow above the occupants’ heads. Turbulence will then be reduced thanks to this system and there will also be less disturbing wind noise.
AIRSCARF also makes driving with an open roof possible and pleasant at low temperatures. Warm air settles like an invisible scarf around the necks of the driver and front passenger. The system automatically regulates the outflow speed of the air in function of optimal heat distribution. The system takes into account, among other things, the outside temperature, the position of the hood and driving speed.
Conclusion
In our opinion, the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabrio is the sweet spot in the C-Class Cabrio range. This gives you a lot of power and, thanks to 4MATIC, you can enjoy driving in all driving conditions. The soft top limits disturbing noises from outside and you can hardly hear that you are in a convertible. You can drive with an open roof in all seasons, thanks to a good windshield and the AIRSCARF system. In addition, this convertible also offers space for 4 adults.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
