I have to admit, I wasn’t immediately thrilled when Mercedes-AMG announced they were introducing a second, more accessible tier of performance vehicles. For me, AMGs had always represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz craziness – wild versions of otherwise sensible luxury cars, packing monstrously powerful engines.
When the AMG -43 lineup, featuring turbocharged V6 engines, was revealed, I was skeptical. It felt like a dilution of the AMG brand.
But then I actually drove one, and my perspective shifted. While they might not possess the same over-the-top sound and raw emotion of the -63 models, the AMG -43s are undeniably fun. They offer a compelling blend of performance and luxury, with a touch of AMG madness, all at a more accessible price point. It sounds good in theory, and it feels even better in reality.
Which leads us to the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe. This car excels in several key areas: its engine is a gem, the interior is well-appointed, and its styling is spot-on. It’s a genuinely excellent sports coupe. However, it does come with one significant caveat: a suspension setup that ranks among the stiffest and least forgiving I’ve ever encountered in a luxury vehicle.
Aggressive, But Not Over the Top
Mirroring its position in the AMG hierarchy, the C43’s aesthetics strike a balance – aggressive, but not excessively so. Compared to a standard C300 Coupe, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Coupe boasts more assertive front and rear bumpers, along with black mirror caps and window surrounds. Our test model was further enhanced with the optional $200 Night Package, which adds black accents to the front splitter, rear diffuser insert, and tailpipes – a subtle yet impactful upgrade for a modest price.
The paint on our tester was the stunning Designo Diamond White, though it carries a $1,515 premium. It’s a beautiful white, but one has to consider if the slight difference from the standard white justifies the cost.
Stepping inside, the monochromatic theme continues. The interior is predominantly black, featuring Mercedes’ MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, which surprisingly feels more luxurious than some mid-range automakers’ genuine leather. Red stitching on the seats and interior trim provides a welcome splash of color. While the gloss black trim does exude a premium vibe, it’s prone to fingerprints, which can be a minor annoyance.
The cabin design is attractive, but the front feels somewhat compact. The rear seats are reminiscent of those in a Toyota 86 or Porsche 911 – suitable for small children or extra luggage, but certainly not designed for adult passengers. The panoramic sunroof did help to mitigate some of the feeling of confinement, but for a six-foot driver like myself, it still felt a little cramped.
If you can overlook the slightly snug dimensions, the interior of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Coupe is a very pleasant space to occupy.
Hustle Worthy of the Badge, But the Ride…
The true highlight of this car is undoubtedly its engine – a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers a potent 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard, as does a seamless nine-speed automatic transmission. These components work in perfect synergy, providing ample traction as the V6 engine growls and propels the car forward, shifting gears with such smoothness that it’s almost imperceptible.
Unless you prefer to manually control gear changes using the shift paddles, leaving the transmission in Comfort mode is generally the best approach. Sport mode is acceptable, but Sport+ tends to hold revs unnecessarily high during typical driving scenarios.
This performance-oriented setup does impact fuel economy. The C43 is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. With a light foot, achieving the highway estimate is feasible, but my city driving resulted in figures closer to 15 mpg. However, it’s worth noting that I was also enjoying the car’s performance, which inevitably affects fuel consumption.
The brake pedal feel is initially grabby but remains consistent, and the steering ratio is quick and responsive. The car always feels agile and eager, like a dog bursting with energy, ready to chase after a thrown ball.
However, there’s one aspect of the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe that I wish were less eager: the suspension. It’s undeniably harsh, bordering on punishing. Regardless of the selected suspension mode – even in Comfort – the ride quality is brittle and uncomfortable on anything but flawlessly smooth pavement. Given the less-than-perfect road conditions in Michigan, my week with the C43 was quite jarring.
Part of the issue can be attributed to our tester’s optional 19-inch wheels ($850) and low-profile summer tires. Opting for the standard 18-inch wheels should offer some relief for your spine. Unless you plan on frequent track days or driving exclusively on pristine roads, doing your body a favor and keeping the suspension in Comfort mode is advisable.
It’s probably wise to keep a chiropractor’s number handy if you own a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Coupe.
Hit-or-Miss Tech
Mercedes-Benz offers a wide array of technology features, and your experience will largely depend on how much you’re willing to spend. Our test car featured what I would consider a mid-range tech configuration.
The optional $2,650 Premium 2 package equips the C43 with SiriusXM-based traffic and weather updates, a touch-sensitive infotainment controller, power-folding mirrors, an electronically operated trunk, and ambient lighting. If advanced safety systems are a priority, you’ll need to invest a hefty $5,550(!) for the Premium 3 package, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and similar features.
This pricing structure is typical for Mercedes-Benz, even though some of these features are standard on more mainstream brands like Toyota. At least automatic emergency braking comes standard on the C43.
Mercedes-Benz employs several iterations of its COMAND infotainment system. When paired with dual massive 12-inch screens, it’s impressive. However, when confined to a single 8.4-inch screen, as in our tester, it feels less so. The menus can be somewhat convoluted, internet-connected services are unreliable at best, and the touchpad controller rarely seems to interpret my intended commands accurately.
The infotainment system in the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Coupe is functional, but this particular configuration feels somewhat dated for a 2017 model.
How I’d Spec It
The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe starts at $55,900, but you’ll likely want to add options. And if you desire a well-equipped car with creature comforts, you probably should. Being somewhat particular, my ideal C43 would include some extras that enhance the overall experience.
I’d opt for the $720 Dakota Brown paint, saving a bit compared to the pricier Designo Diamond White of our tester. I’d also retain the visually appealing $200 AMG Night Package. Inside, the $325 black ash wood trim upgrade would replace the gloss black trim, which I find attracts fingerprints. I would also swap the red seatbelts for black ones, as red is a bit too flashy for my taste.
The $1,090 Parking Assist package, adding ultrasonic parking sensors, is a worthwhile addition for extra parking confidence. I’d also include the $2,200 Multimedia Package, which incorporates all the infotainment upgrades from the Premium 2 Package.
Finally, I’d complete the build with the $1,250 sports exhaust, because it’s an AMG, and it deserves to sound as exhilarating as possible. This configuration brings the total price to $62,680 (including the $995 destination charge), only slightly more expensive than our test vehicle.
It’s worth mentioning that Mercedes currently lists the 2018 C43 Coupe on their website configurator, which is what I used for pricing. Therefore, prices and package contents may have slightly changed compared to our 2017 test model. If you’re considering a pre-owned or dealer stock 2017 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Coupe, option selection will be limited. However, if you can wait, ordering directly from the factory ensures you get the car exactly as you want it.
If a sports exhaust is an option, especially on an AMG, it’s almost always a must-have.
Down to Brass Tacks: Competition
As a mid-tier sports coupe, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe competes primarily with similar offerings from other luxury automakers. Its closest rival is likely the Audi S5 coupe, which starts slightly lower at $54,600. The S5 offers more horsepower but less torque and includes standard automatic emergency braking. It’s also more fuel-efficient in both city and highway driving.
Another key competitor is the Infiniti Q60. Selecting the top-tier Red Sport 400 trim provides a 400-horsepower V6 and all-wheel drive, starting at $54,000. Fuel economy is comparable, but the Infiniti falls short of the Mercedes in terms of interior quality and infotainment sophistication.
The BMW 440i Coupe xDrive is a less direct competitor. Its starting price is close at $51,700, and it’s even more fuel-efficient than the S5. However, its six-cylinder engine produces less power at 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. It’s also not marketed as a full-fledged sports model.
If you’re willing to increase your budget by around $10,000 beyond the C43’s base price, a wider range of competitors emerges. The Cadillac ATS-V Coupe starts at $64,790 and boasts a potent 464 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque V6, and even offers a manual transmission. The Lexus RC F, in the same price bracket, features a V8 engine with 467 hp.
Ultimately, if you remain set on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Coupe after considering its rivals, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. It delivers an engaging driving experience wrapped in an attractive package. If you can tolerate the firm ride – or live in an area with exceptionally smooth roads – the C43 offers a compelling blend of performance and luxury with few drawbacks.
