The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Gets Bigger Turbos And Is Basically An Audi From 10 Years Ago

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Mercedes just updated the C43 AMG to give its 3.0-liter V6 larger turbochargers, more boost and more power. Things are up 23 horsepower to a total of 385, which basically makes this the sports sedan you wished you could buy a decade ago from Audi.

Here’s the key stuff from Mercedes, right from the company’s press release:

The V6 biturbo engine boasts a high power output combined with low fuel consumption and emissions. The high power output is in part courtesy of separate, larger turbochargers (max. charge pressure 1.1 bar). Installed close to the engine, the two turbochargers are especially spontaneous in their response. The AMG power unit can be identified by the engine cover with red aluminium insert and AMG lettering.

What’s funny about that is it’s basically the same as the B8 Audi S4 that debuted back in 2008. The size of the cars are within an inch of each other in all main dimensions, they weigh about the same (around 3,700 pounds) and they both run boosted 3.0-liter V6s that make horsepower in the high 300 range and they both have standard all-wheel drive.

Advertisement

The main difference is that the new C43 makes a good bit more power than the old S4. The Audi made do with 333 HP, the C43 gets 385.

Advertisement

The odd thing about the C43 is that while it’s up 23 horsepower, torque is virtually unchanged at 384 lb-ft.

Advertisement

In any case, it’s fun to imagine that there’s an ideal size, shape and configuration of a compact sports sedan. We might just always have cars like this all making between 300 and 400 horsepower forever.