1 March 2017

Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Estate 2016 car review

If you have the cash, and are after the look and feel of a top spec without the V8 makeover, then the new Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Estate could be a great choice. It’s powered by a bi-turbo V6 petrol engine that offers plenty of power and, when sport mode is selected, it even emits ‘popping’ during gear changes.


DSC 3252
Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 Estate 2016
DSC 3251
DSC 3250
DSC 3244

It’s the AMG we love

Look, it’s not necessarily surprising to find this attention to detail in the AMG, but the Estate oozes sports luxury! I really liked the body colour match of white and black throughout the mirrors, panoramic roof, trims and magnesium wheel inserts. The C43 has an intelligent LED light system which includes adaptive high-beam assist plus, active light function, motorway mode, cornering light and enhanced fog light functions. The interior Black Ash Open-Pore Wood trim enhanced the sophisticated dashboard and door panel features.  

If you want to hear the V6 engine growl, just select sport mode or push the ‘exhaust loud’ button situated in the centre console. The engine note didn’t quite hit the spot like the C63 V8, but I always enjoy driving anything that’s loud.

Quite a firm ride 

The handling of the C43 was exceptional, however it did feel a bit harsh at times over bumps, possibly due to the sport seats and wheel combination, and selecting different settings didn’t seem to help.  The vehicle we tested was fitted with 19-inch AMG 14 spoke wheels and low profile tyres. It also had the optional Performance Ergonomic Package which included very thin AMG performance front seats, AMG performance exhaust, and AMG steering wheel, for an extra $4,990.

Our test car had a Diamond White Bright Metallic paint job – an optional upgrade which costs $1,990. It also featured the seat comfort package, which added heated seats with memory function.

Even the standard C-class model has an outstanding safety package. The C43 adds a 360 degree camera, anti-theft alarm, sports braking system with larger brake discs and Mercedes-Benz lettering on the front brake callipers. It’s also equipped with a tyre sealer and electric pump instead of run-flat tyres, and it incorporates a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The C43 is yet to receive an ANCAP safety score, however others in the C-Class range, such as the C200 and C250 have received 5 star ratings.

At a glance
Model AMG C43 Estate
Engine 2,996cc 6 cylinder bi-turbo
Price From $119,400
ANCAP safety rating To be announced
Power 270kW, 520Nm Torque
Transmission 9-speed G-Tronic 
Fuel economy 8.3L/100km
Towing capacity N/A
2WD/4WD/AWD 4MATIC AWD
Seating capacity  5
Luggage capacity  490-1,510L
Safety systems
9 airbags Brake assist system
Attention assist Collision prevention assist plus
Blind spot assist (passive) Electronic stability program
Previous review
Next review
Audi Q2 2017 car review
Read more
Volkswagen Amarok V6 diesel 2017 car review
Read more