2022 Mercedes-AMG C 43 vs. Non-AMG Model Is Like Having Muscles in the Mirror

Various pre-production prototypes of the model have been spotted again and again for the past two years, with both standard and AMG versions tested around the world.

A few weeks ago, we got our first look at a highly camouflaged version of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG C 43 in station wagon guise for the first time.

Today it’s time to talk about the most obvious difference between two more prototypes of the C-Class T-Modell (Wagon) S206, which were caught testing with various amounts of camouflage this week.

The first is yet another C 43 in long roof configuration, while the other one is a non-AMG-spec C-Class T-Modell, and it looks like the differences between the two versions are quite striking, especially when compared to the previous generation.

Despite the heavy camouflage, it is obvious that the C 43 will get its own front and rear bumpers and sportier-looking side skirts, with the package not being complete without a set of larger alloy wheels and four round exhaust tips at the rear.

For the first time ever, the ‘baby-AMG’ version will also feature the so-called ‘Panamericana’ engine grille with vertical slots, just like its bigger brother, the mighty C 63.

Unlike the current W205 generation of the C-Class, the new one will exclusively get four-cylinder engines under the hood, whether we’re talking about the regular model or the 43 and 63 Mercedes-AMG performance flag bearers.

While the next C 63 will lose half of its cylinders but gain a Formula 1-inspired hybrid system for a combined output of well over 500 horsepower, the entry-level C 43 will also feature a hybridized four-pot, but with a slightly different strategy to achieve around 390 horsepower and a much lower torque figure.

Essentially based on the M254 2.0-liter mild-hybrid four-cylinder that is currently available on the Mercedes-Benz E 350, the new C 43 will have an electric compressor accompanied by another small electric motor sitting between the engine and the 9-speed automatic transmission.

Unlike the upcoming C 63 four-pot, which will continue to be hand-built in Affalterbach, the engine in the C 43 will have a tuned by AMG but likely built by Mercedes-Benz on a regular production line.

Around 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque are expected, which is definitely no small feat for a tiny 2.0-liter, even if most of it is coming with the help of forced induction and electricity.

That said, both the C 63 and its sidekick will feature an AMG-developed 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which sends more torque to the rear wheels and also gets a rear limited-slip differential as standard.

A zero to 100 kph (62 mph) acceleration time of around 4.5 seconds should be enough to make it stand out against all of its rivals, including the Audi S4 and the BMW M340i, both of which come with a six-cylinder engine.

Sadly, the C 43 will probably not get the fun ‘drift mode’ of its much more powerful brethren, nor the extra width of the track and body kit or the square-shaped exhaust tips.

Still, comparing it with a standard C-Class will definitely not make you look twice to spot the differences anymore, whether you’re talking about performance or exterior design motifs.

Expect the C 43 in both sedan and station wagon guise to be unveiled in the second half of 2021 at the earliest, so we should expect prototypes to drop a lot more camouflage until then.