Mercedes-Benz C43 vs Zeekr X (awd)

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.

Zeekr is a new electric brand and the X small SUV is one of its first cars to come to Australia.

Owned by the Chinese carmaker Geely, which also has a big stake in Volvo, the X is designed in Sweden, built in China and now sold here.

Rivals to this little electric SUV include the Smart #1, Volvo EX30 and Xpeng G6.

The Zeekr X line-up is currently very simple - there’s the rear-wheel drive version and the all-wheel drive we tested.