The standalone AMG C43 is the entry point to AMG ownership in the C-class and its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 develops 385 hp and 384 lb-ft, as opposed to the C63 V8’s 469 hp and 479 lb-ft. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic AWD system. It comes equipped as standard with numerous AMG-specific styling touches, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, and all-LED lighting. Inside, the heated AMG front sports seats are trimmed in MB-Tex/Dinamica and feature 14-way electrical adjustment. Dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch center COMAND display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound audio system are standard. A myriad of standalone and bundled extras can drive the price sky-high, such as adding ventilation to the front seats, a head-up display, a variety of cosmetic upgrades, and a host of driver-assistance features, some of which should actually be standard at the price. Beware, because the total can add up to more than a C63’s base price before you know it.
It is easy to inflate the price of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan to way beyond the $56,500 list price. The Exterior Lighting Package is reasonable at $900 and adds intelligent LED lights and adaptive high-beam assist. The AMG Night Package costs $750 and is cosmetic only, adding several black accents to the exterior. Other exterior cosmetic upgrades include carbon-fiber mirror housings and even an illuminated Mercedes star on the grille.
Arguably more useful is the $1,250 Multimedia Package that adds navigation with free map updates for three years and a touchpad controller, among other upgrades. Another sensible package would be the $1,100 Parking Assistance Package, adding parking assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and surround-view system. The $1,700 Driver Assistance Package adds a host of driver-assistance features, such as radar cruise control, congestion emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-change assist, and many others.
Some of the standalone extras available include carbon-style mirror housings ($250), ventilated front seats ($450), an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa/Dinamica ($500), an AMG head-up display ($1,100), and a panorama roof ($1,000).