• Now with a mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
• Outputs 408 PS/500 Nm
• 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds

The 2023 (W206) Mercedes-AMG C43 has made its global debut and the highlight here is its engine: the M139 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Unlike the previous 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, this M139 engine is manufactured there in accordance with the principle of "One Man, One Engine", so critics can’t say this isn’t a ‘real AMG’.

It achieves a rated output of 408 PS/500 Nm (previous C43 made 390 PS/520 Nm) with the second-generation, 48-volt belt-driven starter generator (RSG) acting as a mild hybrid, providing this temporary power boost of 14 PS as well as functions such as gliding and recuperation for improved efficiency.

The 48-volt system also powers the motor in the electric turbocharger, which is said to virtually eliminate turbo lag.

Also read: After being short-lived in W205, are Malaysians ready for 2022 Mercedes C200 1.5 EQ Boost MHEV?

Power is transmitted via the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission (MCT = Multi-Clutch Transmission), in which a wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter. Meanwhile, the AMG Performance 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive has a torque distribution between the front and rear axles of 31 to 69 percent.

Also read: Think twin-clutch 'boxes are amazing? New Mercedes-AMG C63 will have twin gearboxes

The W206 Mercedes-AMG C43 does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds while top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but it can be raised to 265 km/h by adding the optional AMG Driver's Package.

As standard, the C43 comes with AMG Ride Control steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System and rear-axle steering. Stopping power is provided by 4-piston callipers with 370 mm discs at the front and 1-piston callipers with 320 mm discs at the rear.

In terms of exterior design, there’s the AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts in chrome, the AMG front apron with flics, chrome-plated or gloss black trim elements, the matching side sill panels, the diffuser-look rear apron and the quad exhaust tips.

It gets 18-inch wheels as standard, with 19- and 20-inch items available as options.

Inside, standard features include AMG seats upholstered in Artico man-made leather/microfibre, AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather, AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sill trims with AMG lettering.

The MBUX infotainment system includes various AMG-specific displays and functions. These include special displays in the instrument cluster, in the portrait-format multimedia central display in the centre console and in the optional head-up display.

Also read: Customized for either the Mr or Mrs, the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a fingerprint scanner

The AMG Track Pace, the data logger for use on the circuit, is also integrated. The software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal actuation ten times per second while the car is being driving around a race track.

In overseas markets, the W206 Mercedes-AMG C43 will go on sale late-2022. As for Malaysia, we’re expecting it to arrive next year in 2023.

Also read: Review: 2022 (W206) Mercedes-Benz C-Class – More than just the badge, comfort is back!