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Mercedes-AMG C43 Estate: Video
When even Mercedes-AMG embraces engine downsizing you know the world is changing, but is it for the better? Rory Reid drives the new C43 Estate to find out!
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 22 July 2022 | 0 min read
Think Mercedes-AMG and what comes to mind? In road cars it’s surely big engines, preferably V8s with stupidly noisy exhausts. It’s been a signature of this Mercedes performance brand for years. Sure, it’s translated some of that magic to the A45 and A35 hot hatches with just four cylinders and huge turbocharged power. But ‘proper’ AMGs have big engines, right?
Not anymore, as Rory Reid has been finding out in his drive with the new C43 Estate. Previously this model was one step below the big daddy C63 with its V8 motor, offering a taste of the AMG drama at a slightly more palatable price. That formula stays the same. But under the bonnet it’s downsized even more, and now has a version of that four-cylinder engine from the A45. This is a big emotional leap for AMG buyers. Are they still onboard? As Rory discovers, while the engine may be smaller it’s still mighty and with some clever technological tricks up its sleeve, some inspired by the F1 engines powering Lewis Hamilton to such success over the years. And 408 horsepower is nothing to be sniffed at. Far from it. Combine this with a super luxurious interior, all the space of any C-Class estate and some other nifty technology and it seems the high-performance station wagon is enjoying something of a comeback. Indeed, we’re just fresh from driving the astonishing Audi RS6 Avant, the smaller RS4 Avant is another favourite and BMW has announced its first Touring version of its iconic M3. If the C43 can’t quite compete with any of those cars on power alone it at least offers a more affordable alternative, and one with running costs that shouldn’t break the bank either. Enough to compensate for that smaller engine? You’ll have to let Rory be the judge of that. And if you like this video don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Not anymore, as Rory Reid has been finding out in his drive with the new C43 Estate. Previously this model was one step below the big daddy C63 with its V8 motor, offering a taste of the AMG drama at a slightly more palatable price. That formula stays the same. But under the bonnet it’s downsized even more, and now has a version of that four-cylinder engine from the A45. This is a big emotional leap for AMG buyers. Are they still onboard? As Rory discovers, while the engine may be smaller it’s still mighty and with some clever technological tricks up its sleeve, some inspired by the F1 engines powering Lewis Hamilton to such success over the years. And 408 horsepower is nothing to be sniffed at. Far from it. Combine this with a super luxurious interior, all the space of any C-Class estate and some other nifty technology and it seems the high-performance station wagon is enjoying something of a comeback. Indeed, we’re just fresh from driving the astonishing Audi RS6 Avant, the smaller RS4 Avant is another favourite and BMW has announced its first Touring version of its iconic M3. If the C43 can’t quite compete with any of those cars on power alone it at least offers a more affordable alternative, and one with running costs that shouldn’t break the bank either. Enough to compensate for that smaller engine? You’ll have to let Rory be the judge of that. And if you like this video don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!