► Updated Mercedes C-class
► Much improved interior tech
► Facelifted AMG C43 range is here
The Mercedes C-Class‘ facelifts keep on coming.
After the standard C saloon and estate were revealed, Merc pulled the covers off the tweaked AMG C43 saloon at the 2018 Geneva motor show. Now, the C43 Coupe and Cabrio have been tweaked.
This generation of C-class has been on sale since 2014, so Mercedes has jolted a bit of life into the spec range, interior and engine line-up.
Mercedes-AMG C43 facelift: everything you need to know
Just like the update to the standard C-class, Mercedes has pursued more of a subtle approach to this mid-cycle update. There are changes here and there, but you’ll have to look hard to find them.
According to Mercedes, the front and rear aprons of the new C43 are brand new, and a more imposing grille and rear diffuser/tailpipe combination helps to give the new 2018 facelift a fresher look. What’s more, the new C43 is available with aero wheels, designed to cleave the air more efficiently although we suspect it’s just as much about streetside posing.
Inside, the new 2018 Mercedes-AMG C43 range gets an all-digital display – just like the one we’ve seen in its E-class sibling – and it gets a similar steering wheel to the new A-class, too. However, because it’s an AMG, Mercedes says the new C43 will feature a range of additional sporty functions such as a powertrain status indicator, G-force meter and race timer. Perfect for laptimes of the M25, see…
What about the new C43 specs and engine?
Under the bonnet, the C43’s 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine now pushes out 385bhp and is mated to a nine-gear transmission that promises even quicker shifts, according to Daimler.
The 3.0-litre V6 gains an extra 23bhp, while peak torque of 384lb ft is available from 2500-5000rpm; that’s enough twist to guarantee a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec (4.8sec for the C43 Estate) and top speed stands at a limited 155mph for both bodystyles.
For everything else you need to know about the new, updated 2018 Mercedes C-class family, keep reading.
I really can’t tell the difference with the 2018 C-class range…
No, from the outside there are barely any changes to report. Lightly redesigned bumpers, new trim-specific tweaks and LED headlights are standard in the UK. ‘Multibeam’ LED headlights are available as an option, which react to weather, traffic and road conditions to give you the best view possible. The below is the non-AMG version.
European trims include Exclusive, Avantgarde and AMG Line but these are unconfirmed for the UK; SE, Sport and AMG Line are better tuned to the UK market.
Are there more changes inside?
The overall dashboard layout and design hasn’t really changed much but there are some key updates to help the C-class keep up with the bigger E and S-class cars. As standard the C-class gets an analogue instrument cluster with a 5.5-inch colour display between them, but a fully-digital display is available as an option.
If you spec the digital display, you benefit from a 12.3-inch screen that can be configured with three different designs, and it allows for your choice of information via the new steering wheel’s touch-sensitive scrollers. Again, like newer and larger cars in Merc’s current range, the Distronic cruise control stalk has been ditched for buttons on the wheel instead.
Merc’s ‘Energising Comfort’ system, that sets the ambient lighting, fragrance, seating and music to help affect your mood is available, too.
Any engine changes?
Mercedes has neglected to mention any engine changes for now.
The brand, however, is going through a thorough revitalisation of its engine range, so we could see some engines from the new A-class populate the lower end of the pricing spectrum, while Merc’s new straight sixes could be put to use higher up.
When can I buy one?
Orders are open now, with UK deliveries coming in August.
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