Mercedes-Benz C43 vs BMW M2

What's the difference?

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.

I think auto journalists are supposed to see vehicles a bit like parents see their children. You know, view them all as equals. No favourites. That kind of thing.

But I'm going to let you in on a tiny little secret, just between us. I liked this potent M2 before I even sat in it. And I like it just a little bit more than I love other bite-sized performance cars.

In fact, I like it more than I like bigger, more powerful, and more expensive models in the BMW M family.