2019 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Sedan Gets Power, Style And Tech Boost

Mercedes' top tuners are giving one of the most affordable Mercedes-AMG models a revamp, with the 2019 AMG C43 Sedan getting a sharper look and more power. Making its debut this week at the Geneva Motor Show 2018, the new sedan has plenty to live up to: it's already the company's most successful model series from Mercedes-AMG.

So, the changes are evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. On the outside, there's the new AMG grille with its twin-louver design in matte iridium silver. Underneath, there's a new bumper design with bolder sculpting. It also includes functional side air curtains, and silver chrome detailing.

At the back, meanwhile, there are changes too. A new bumper design also has side air curtain and diffuser detailing, while the lip spoiler is now painted in the body-color. Two round, twin-tailpipe trim elements have been given a high-gloss chrome finish. AMG's optional AMG Night Package brings in an even more dramatic front splitter, broader side skirt inserts, and high-gloss black finishes.

The wheels have been updated for the 2019 model year, with new, aerodynamically-optimized AMG light-alloy designs. They promise more efficient cooling and better performance, in addition to helping improve economy, too. Three such designs will be offered, kicking off with the 18-inch tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish. Tantalite grey or high-gloss black will also be offered, both in 19-inch sizes.

Inside, AMG Performance Seats are optional, with extra side bolstering and integrated head restraints. Unlike before, where they could only be had with heating, they can now add ventilation when specced with leather trim. Alternatively there's MB-Tex and Dynamic microfiber, in black with contrasting red topstitching. With that option, the dashboard and door panels also get the MB-Tex trim.

Just as with Mercedes-AMG's more expensive models, there are now extra individualization choices on the C43 Sedan. They include Natural Grain Walnut Wood & Aluminum trim, as well as Natural Grain Grey Oak Wood. Leather can now be had in highlight saddle brown/black, in addition to the black, black with red topstitching, and cranberry red/black of before. Mercedes' designo diamond quilting is another option.

Atop the dashboard, Mercedes' dual 12.3-inch displays are optional, with AMG-specific graphics; a 10.25-inch media display is standard-fit. As with the regular 2019 C-Class, there's control via the touchpad and controller in the center console, trackpads on the steering wheel – now upgraded to a new AMG design with nappa leather and a flat bottom – and voice control.

Finally – though by no means least – there's the engine. That's the same "AMG-enhanced" 3.0-liter V6 biturbo as before but, thanks to separate, larger turbochargers, putting out 23 HP more for a total of 385 HP at 6,100 rpm, and 384 lb-ft of torque at 2,500-5,000 rpm. It's still paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed transmission with support for multiple downshifts, and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The latter defaults to a 31:69 percent front to rear power split.

AMG Ride Control sport suspension with an adjustable, electronically-controlled damping system is included as standard, and can be switched between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. There's also speed-sensitive steering. 0-60 mph comes in an estimated 4.6 seconds, and the top speed is an electronically-limited 130 mph.

You'll be able to track that with the new AMG TRACK PACE data logger, an option on the COMAND Online infotainment system. It stores speed, acceleration, and other data ten times a second, atop lap and sector times, with red and green coding for whether you're ahead of the reference lap or behind. Known race tracks are already stored, or you can record your own circuits.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan is set to arrive in US dealerships by the end of the year. Pricing will be announced closer to that point.