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Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Mercedes-Benz C43

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$69,750 - $238,800

2023 price

Mercedes-Benz C43
Mercedes-Benz C43

$109,800 - $126,800

2023 price

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2023 Mercedes-Benz C43
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

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Fuel Efficiency
6.9L/100km (combined)

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Seating
5

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Dislikes
  • On the compact side for size
  • Low-ground clearance may grind the teeth
  • Dynamic guidelines are trippy

  • Engine lacks drama expected from AMG
  • Ride feels unresolved
  • Big price jump over old model
2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Summary

When it comes to choosing a family car, sedans are often overlooked for their long-legged wagon or beefy SUV cousins.

They're a bit of a forgotten hero but they'll always hold a piece of my heart for their practicality and (often) sexier kerb-side appeal.

If you can get used to your body cracking like a glow stick when you get in and out of them, the sedan may make a comeback!

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, in entry-level C200 form, has definitely tempted my family to consider a sedan in the future – it looks stately and refined but the driving experience also makes it fun.

Let's see what else it did right and if there was anything that could be improved.

Did I mention, I'm fond of sedans... ?

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2023 Mercedes-Benz C43 Summary

Think of a Mercedes-AMG and the first words that spring to mind are probably not - understated, efficient and restrained. And yet those are probably the best words to describe the all-new C 43.

Of course, before we go any further it’s important to note that the C 43, even in its previous six-cylinder guise, was never meant to be as wild, raucous or powerful as the C63 flagship - that’s simply not its role in the AMG line-up.

But even so, this new model is a dive into fresh territory for the brand and puts a very different spin on the AMG sports sedan as we know it.

This is a four-cylinder model, complete with a Formula One-derived electric turbocharger, so it lacks the sound and fury you expect from something carrying the ‘AMG’ badge - but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car, as we’ll explain.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2023 Mercedes-Benz C43

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