The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is getting an update for 2019. We saw the C300 updates last month, and now we have a little more info on the C43. Both will be shown at the Geneva motor show this week. The standard and C43 versions get more power, more driver assist systems, a gently massaged look and a few new paint colors.
Let’s start with the engines. The C300 will continue with its 2.0-liter turbo four, but it now makes 255 hp (up 14 hp) and 273 lb-ft of torque. Rear and 4Matic all-wheel drive are still available for the C300; the C43 is 4Matic only. That AMG lite model delivers 385 hp and 384 lb-ft from its 3.0-liter biturbo V6; that’s 23 more hp than last year’s model. The lower model gets the company’s 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic; the AMG comes with the 9G Speedshift, a slightly more aggressive version. The C43 can get to 60 in 4.6 seconds.
The new C-Class 4Matic system is biased toward the rear, 69 to 31 percent, and the four-wheel drive transfer case is mounted to the transmission as a separate system. That makes it easier, according to Mercedes, to split torque as well as not infringing on passenger or cargo space.
Adaptive damping is standard and adjusted through the various drive modes. The C43 gets a four-link setup in front and a multilink rear, tuned specifically for the AMG. Steering is electromechanical, speed-sensitive and variable ratio. Mercedes says that in sport mode, “more feedback is conveyed about the driving conditions,” which is a good thing.
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 comes with the option of walnut, oak and carbon fiber accents, while the top range adds diamond quilting.
The exterior of the C43 gets a few new bits, too. It now comes with a new twin louver grille that’s better at directing airflow, and in back buyers will see a more aggressive diffuser. The spoiler lip on the trunk is now painted in body color. Mercedes even spent time optimizing the new wheels for aerodynamics. The outer rings and spoke geometry were perfected in the wind tunnel.
Inside, the AMG gets ventilated seats in addition to the heating function, as well as the usual microfiber in black with red top stitching on the doors, seats and dashboard. Aluminum pedals round out the package with natural grain black ash and brushed aluminum accents. Walnut, oak and carbon-fiber accents are optional while the top range adds diamond quilting.
2019 Mercedes C300 is next on the upgrade list
Mercedes-Benz’s 2019 C-Class sedan makes its world debut at the Geneva motor show next month, goes on sale here this fall and boasts more power and better mileage than the 2018 model.Benz says …
All the driver assistance systems that began on the S-Class are now floating down to the C43. They include:
–Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is able to follow a vehicle in front at a pre-selected distance
–Active Blind Spot Assist helps avoid an imminent side impact by single-sided braking
–Active Steering Assist can actively intervene even if road lines are unclear or nonexistent
–Active Lane Keeping Assist is able to detect unintentional lane departure, warn the driver and help to guide the vehicle back into its lane with one-sided brake actuation
–PRE-SAFE® PLUS activates the PRE-SAFE safety measures when a collision from behind is imminent.
–Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function gives the driver a visual warning if the distance to the vehicle in front is too small. On detecting the danger of a collision there is an acoustic warning, driver braking can be assisted and, if the driver fails to react, the speed can be reduced autonomously.
–Speed Limit Assist detects and displays the speed limit
–Active Lane Change Assist: radar-and-camera-based system that aids the driver when changing lanes, for example, when passing. When a turn is indicated for at least two seconds, Active Lane Change Assist will aid with steering into the adjacent lane if it detects the lane is empty.
–Evasive Steering Assist: when a driver deliberately or instinctively performs an evasive maneuver, this system assists by adding calculated steering torque to aid in steering wheel movement
–PRE-SAFE® Sound: emits a short interference signal if an imminent collision is detected, triggering a protective reflex in the human ear referred to as the “stapedius reflex,” which can reduce hearing loss in the event of an accident
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 gets a new, multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel.
Like the previous C43, drivers can control the interior either through the touchpad and controller, buttons on the steering wheel or with voice commands. It also comes with Mercedes’ new 12.3-inch screen with three display style options: classic, sport or supersport. The extra AMG menu adds screens for warm up, setup (for the drive modes/suspension/etc.), g-force, race timer and engine data, which includes torque and boost display.
Finally, the C43 gets a new steering wheel in either leather or microfiber suede. It’s flat-bottomed with paddle shifters and features new buttons that can change between comfort, sport, sport-plus and individual drive modes without your hands leaving the wheel.
Mercedes didn’t reveal the pricing yet, but the current C-Class starts at about $40K; the 4Matic is $42K; and the C43 starts at $53,400. We’ll see the new car live on the stand in Geneva.
Be the first to comment