Mercedes-Benz has long been celebrated for its diverse and expansive luxury vehicle lineup, offering something for every discerning driver. With the introduction of the tenth-generation E-Class in 2017, this commitment to choice was amplified, presenting buyers with a range of body styles and performance tiers. Nestled within this impressive family is the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG, a model that perfectly balances everyday luxury with exhilarating AMG performance, catering to those who desire sporty driving dynamics without sacrificing comfort or breaking the bank for the top-tier E 63 S. This review delves into what makes the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG a compelling choice in the luxury performance sedan segment.
Exterior Elegance Meets AMG Sportiness
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG distinguishes itself as the understated athlete within the E-Class family. Eschewing the overtly aggressive styling cues of the E 63, the E 43 favors a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic, aligning closely with the standard E-Class sedan’s elegant design. This approach results in a “sleeper” effect – a car that hints at its performance capabilities without shouting them. The current generation E-Class sedan embodies a conservative yet contemporary Mercedes-Benz design language. Its prominent grille and sizable air intakes give it a purposeful, sporty sedan stance, while the classic roofline and extended rear ensure ample space for both passengers and cargo.
This particular test model amplified its visual appeal with optional enhancements. The deep Obsidian Black Metallic paint ($720) provided a sinister and luxurious base, further enhanced by the carbon fiber mirror covers and trunk spoiler from the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package ($1,750). The AMG Night Package ($650) added high-gloss black accents to elements like the front splitter, rear fascia, and exhaust finishers, creating a cohesive dark theme. Completing the exterior statement were the optional 20-inch AMG V-spoke wheels ($750) with black accents, adding a touch of aggressive elegance to the overall design.
Interior: Technology and Sporty Luxury Combined
Stepping inside the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG reveals a cabin that is both technologically advanced and luxuriously appointed, further enhanced with AMG-specific sporty touches. The centerpiece of the E-Class interior is the dual 12.3-inch high-definition display setup, seamlessly integrating the gauge cluster and infotainment screen into a single, expansive digital canvas. Navigating these systems is intuitive and user-friendly, thanks to both touch-sensitive steering wheel controls and the traditional COMAND controller located on the center console.
While all E-Class trims boast an attractive interior, this test vehicle was elevated by a host of premium options. The rich AMG Macchiato Beige Nappa leather upholstery ($2,990) created a bright and airy ambiance, complemented by the designo black suede-like headliner ($1,600). The AMG performance flat-bottom steering wheel ($500), wrapped in Nappa leather and Dinamica suede, provided a sporty tactile connection. A panoramic sunroof ($1,000) further enhanced the sense of spaciousness, while the metal wave trim ($600) across the instrument panel and doors added a touch of modern sophistication. Beyond aesthetics, the Premium 3 Package ($6,500) incorporated advanced safety and convenience features, including a Surround View camera system, head-up display, cabin fragrance system, and a power rear sunshade.
True to Mercedes-Benz tradition, comfort remains a priority in the E-Class. The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG comfortably accommodates five adults with generous cabin space. The AMG sport seats strike a balance between support and comfort, not overly bolstered for daily usability. The trunk offers a practical 13.1 cubic feet of space, making it suitable for longer journeys. Additional comfort features in this tester included heated and cooled front seats ($450), heated rear outboard seats ($580), and the Acoustic Comfort package ($1,100), which effectively minimized cabin noise through enhanced insulation and acoustic glass. For audiophiles, the optional Burmester High-End 3D Sound System ($4,550) with 23 speakers delivered an immersive and high-fidelity audio experience.
Potent Powertrain and AMG-Enhanced Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG houses an AMG-tuned version of the 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine found in the E 400. However, this is no mere engine upgrade. AMG engineers have significantly boosted its output to 396 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, a substantial increase from the standard 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. This power translates to a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, placing the E 43 firmly in performance sedan territory. The engine is paired with an AMG-enhanced nine-speed automatic transmission, channeling power to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s rear-biased 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Despite the impressive performance, the E 43 still manages respectable fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway**, figures that prove surprisingly achievable even with spirited driving.
To complement the increased power, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG receives a suite of chassis and handling enhancements. These include an optimized AMG Sport Suspension for improved cornering agility, a retuned transmission for quicker gear changes, and upgraded brakes with four-piston front calipers and cross-drilled rotors for enhanced stopping power. The DYNAMIC SELECT system offers five driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s character from a comfortable cruiser to an engaging performance machine. For purists, selecting manual mode via the “M” button on the center console grants full driver control over gear selection, holding gears right up to the rev limiter, just as a true sports car should.
Comprehensive Safety Features
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, including the AMG E 43 variant, has earned a five-star overall crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), underscoring its commitment to occupant protection. Furthermore, the optional Premium 3 Package equips the E 43 with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These include Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, active lane change assist, active emergency stop assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, active lane keeping assist, active blind spot assist, rear-end collision protection, and adaptive high beam assist. These technologies work in concert to enhance driver awareness and safety, contributing to a confident and secure driving experience.
Verdict: The Ideal Blend of Performance and Daily Drivability
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG convincingly demonstrates that there’s always room for a well-executed performance sedan. For those who appreciate AMG performance but don’t require the extreme power and price tag of the E 63 S, the E 43 emerges as the perfect compromise. Positioned strategically within the E-Class lineup, it delivers a harmonious blend of luxury and sport, offering ample performance to justify its AMG designation while remaining approachable for everyday driving.
While starting at a higher price point than the base E 300 ($52,950), with an MSRP of $71,600, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG justifies its premium with significantly enhanced performance and AMG-specific features. This test vehicle, loaded with approximately $26,000 in desirable options, reached an as-tested price of $97,460. Although nearing the starting price of the E 63 S, this E 43 configuration exemplifies how effectively Mercedes-Benz blurs the lines between a traditional luxury sedan and a high-performance machine.
To truly appreciate the balanced performance and luxurious nature of the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 43 AMG, we encourage you to visit your local AutoNation-affiliated Mercedes-Benz dealership and experience a test drive today.
*MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
**Based on 2018 EPA mileage ratings. Your mileage will vary depending on specific vehicle trim, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
