New Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC sedan and station wagon

With technologies taken directly from Formula 1, the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC sets new standards in drive innovation. Debuting under the bonnet of the SL 43 Roadster, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine – the world's first production engine with an electric turbocharger – is now also used in the C-Class.

Mercedes-AMG S 43 4MATIC

The new form of turbocharging guarantees a particularly fast response throughout the entire rev range and thus even greater dynamics. The turbocharger is powered by a 48-volt electrical system that also supplies power to the belt-driven starter generator (RSG). In the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC, this engine delivers 300 kW (408 hp) and in certain driving situations a short-term power injection of 10 kW (14 hp) from the RSG is also available.

A standard rear steering axle, AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with torque priority to the rear wheels, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission with wet starter clutch and an AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping contribute to a dynamic driving experience. The high-performance character of the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC is underscored by Affalterbach's signature design and equipment.

At the heart of the new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC is the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which combines innovative technology and high performance with exemplary efficiency. At the same time, it remains true to the brand's sporting tradition: it is not only completely developed at the company's headquarters in Affalterbach, but also produced there - according to the principle of "one person, one engine". This process combines the craftsmanship of highly trained Mercedes-AMG employees with the latest Industry 4.0 production methods and a high degree of digitization.

The engine, internally designated M139l (L for longitudinal installation), is the world's first turbocharged and supercharged mass-produced electric engine. The innovative system is directly related to the technology that has been successfully used by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team for many years. The new form of turbocharging guarantees a particularly spontaneous response throughout the entire rev range, resulting in even more dynamic driving and at the same time increased efficiency.

How it works - detailed principle of operation of an electric turbocharger

A small electric motor, about 4 cm thick, is built into the turbocharger shaft between the "outlet" side of the turbine wheel and the "inlet" side of the compressor wheel. The electronically controlled engine directly drives the turbocharger shaft, thereby "accelerating" the compressor wheel before the exhaust flow takes over in the normal way.

This greatly improves idle response across the entire engine speed range. The internal combustion engine reacts even more spontaneously to pressing the accelerator pedal, and the car becomes much more dynamic. In addition, the electrification of the turbocharger allows for higher torque at low revs. It also increases reactivity and optimizes acceleration when starting from a standstill. Even when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator or brake pedal, the turbo is able to constantly maintain boost pressure, providing continuous spontaneous throttle response.

The electric turbocharger, powered by the 48-volt on-board power supply, runs at speeds up to 175,000 rpm, which ensures very intense airflow. To ensure optimal temperature conditions, the turbocharger, electric motor and power electronics are connected to the cooling circuit of the internal combustion engine.

300 kW (408 hp) and 500 Nm for sporty performance

Thanks to this innovative technology, among other things, the 2.0-litre inline-four engine under the bonnet of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC develops 300 kW (408 hp) at 6,750 rpm. Peak torque of 500 Nm is available at 5000 rpm. Depending on the situation, an additional 10 kW (14 hp) power boost is also available for a short time via the Belt Driven Starter Generator (RSG). The second generation RSG works like a mild hybrid, offering a temporary power boost and also includes features to maximize efficiency such as swimming and recuperation. At the same time, the 48-volt system improves driving comfort – the start-stop function and swimming are almost invisible.

The C 43 4MATIC sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, while the Estate variant takes 4.7 seconds for the same task. Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. With the optional AMG Driver's Package, it can be raised to 265 km/h. The enormous efficiency potential of innovative turbo technology is demonstrated by combined WLTP fuel consumption of 8.7-9.1 l/100 km for the sedan and 8.8-9.2 l/100 km for the station wagon.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission with wet start clutch and AMG Performance 4MATIC drive

Torque is transmitted to the wheels via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G (MCT = Multi-Clutch Transmission) gearbox, where the torque converter is replaced by a wet starter clutch. Firstly, this allowed to reduce weight and, secondly, to optimize the response to pressing the accelerator pedal due to less inertia, especially during sharp accelerations and load changes. Comprehensively calibrated software ensures extremely short gear-on times and enables fast multi-stage gearing. On the other hand, the throttle function in the "Sport" and "Sport+" driving modes ensures particularly emotional gear changes. Also available is the RACE START function, which provides optimal acceleration when starting from a standstill. In Comfort mode, the ECO start/stop function is automatically activated, while in individual mode, the coasting function can be activated.

The AMG Performance 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive features the characteristic AMG-specific torque distribution between the front and rear axles in a ratio of 31:69. This rear-wheel priority configuration provides better driving dynamics, including higher lateral acceleration and better traction when accelerating.

AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with ADS adaptive damping

The AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, based on steel springs and shock absorbers with ADS adaptive damping, which is standard on the C 43 4MATIC, combines decidedly sporty driving dynamics with typical Mercedes long-distance comfort. The front axle uses specially designed steering knuckles and rocker arms. The rear axle also boasts modified elasto-kinematics tuned to driving dynamics. All this is complemented by the ADS system, which continuously adjusts the damping of each wheel depending on the current situation and offers a choice of three operating modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

AMG parametric steering and standard steered rear axle

The C 43 4MATIC parametric steering with variable ratio gearbox and speed-dependent power steering adapts to the selected driving mode. The "Comfort" suspension setting puts emphasis on ride comfort, while in "Sport" and "Sport+" modes it provides the driver with significantly more feedback from wheel-to-road contact.

The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC, the best-selling model range from Affalterbach, is equipped as standard with a steered rear axle. Up to 100 km/h (adjustable speed depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels by up to 2.5 degrees, resulting in a virtual shortening of the wheelbase and a significant increase in agility. The result: reduced turning radius and less effort on the steering wheel. Conversely, at speeds above 100 km/h (variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels, by a maximum of 0.7 degrees. This virtual increase in wheelbase has a positive effect on driving stability. This results in a faster build-up of lateral force when changing direction and therefore more direct responses to turn. The operation of the rear-wheel steering system depends on the selected driving mode AMG DYNAMIC SELECT.

The AMG exhaust system with its sporty sound creates a corresponding background noise. Depending on the selected program, the noise level varies from balanced and discreet to exciting and sporty. The sound characteristics are controlled by a damper in the "exhaust" depending on engine speed and load. The sound experience can be enhanced with the optional AMG Real Performance Sound system: the actual sound of the engine is captured by a sensor in the exhaust system and transmitted to the passenger compartment, providing travelers with a piercing acoustic experience.

Photo: Mercedes-AMG