Used 2018 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG C-Class

The Mercedes-AMG C-Class models are the high-performance alter-egos of Mercedes’ popular compact-luxury car. Like the standard C300 (reviewed separately), these fire-breathing variants — C43, C63 and the range-topping C63 S — are available as a sedan, coupe or convertible. And as with the standard C-Class, these AMG versions drip with class, style, technology and impressive safety features. The difference lies in these models’ power and handling. The V6-powered C43 has impressive performance at a still-attainable price, while the C63 models pack V8 engines and prices that start in the mid-$70,000 range. Unlike BMW’s M3 and M4, no manual transmission is offered, but in every other respect the Mercedes-AMG C-Class can match or exceed the performance of its German rival.

If you want a sizable step up in power and acceleration for about $11,000 more than an equivalent C300 4Matic, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is your car. In addition to two more cylinders, this model’s turbo V6 adds 121 horsepower for a total of 362. That’s enough for a 4.6-second 0-60-mph time — enough to blow away many sports cars and certainly any typical sedan. If your motto is "go big or go home," and your bank account can afford the nearly $70,000 starting price, then it’s the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG C63 or even more potent C63 S. With 469 and 503 horsepower, respectively, these are the C-Class wolves in sheep’s clothes. They’ll blast to 60 mph in four seconds or less. But the real beauty of these AMG C-Class models is that they also stick like glue yet provide a mostly civilized ride when you’re not ripping around corners.

Not surprisingly, the cabins of Mercedes-AMG C-Class models closely mirror those of the standard models. That’s a good thing, as this elegant interior is among the finest in its class. If not for less space, you might think you’re in Mercedes’ flagship S-Class. Subtle and not-so-subtle elements stand out, such as the red seatbelts fitted in the C43. Being AMG models, they also come with a performance-oriented steering wheel and instrumentation. As with their non-AMG counterparts, the sedans seat five passengers, while the Mercedes-AMG C-Class coupe and convertible accommodate four, trading the 3-person rear bench for a pair of sculpted seats.

The 2018 C-Class AMG models stand apart from their C300 brethren in relatively modest ways. Each has its own unique grille, exterior accents and badging, but for the most part they retain the flowing yet muscular design of the standard C-Class sedan, coupe and convertible, which to our eyes is among the most elegant in compact-luxury cars. One of the easiest ways to spot the difference is in back: Look for the quad exhaust housings. Within the AMG lineup, the C63 models have a more muscular, ridged hood, while the red-hot C63 S has telltale red brake calipers.

MERCEDES-AMG C43
We call this the Goldilocks model because of its "just-rightness." It grants a big performance increase over a C300, but without the premium price tags of the higher-powered C63 and C63 S. With standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, it’s more reassuring in foul weather vs. the rear-drive C63 variants.

ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
While these AMG models prioritize performance, they also come with all the impressive safety features of a standard C-Class. Among them are collision alert and the ability for the car to automatically apply the brakes if a collision appears eminent, and another system called Attention Assist that monitors for driver drowsiness.

The extra money spent on these AMG models over the standard C-Class brings additional features as well as performance. Included are blind-spot monitoring, a stiffer sport-suspension system with 3-stage variable damping, AMG sport exhaust and a dynamic cornering-assist system. Amenities include dual-zone climate control, power sunroof, heated and power-operated front seats, and hands-free power trunk. Standard tech includes a 7-inch high-resolution dash with rotary command knob, AM/FM/HD Radio, dual USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity and five years of mbrace Connect service that grants remote access to the car from a phone or computer. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration will cost you extra.

Stepping up to the C63 models adds further performance features like a limited-slip differential and "Race Start" launch-control function. Options are extensive and varied. There are things you expect — navigation, leather interior, premium audio (the Burmester system is a dream) —  and maybe a few things you don’t, like Wi-Fi connectivity, an illuminated Mercedes star in the grille, and the in-cabin fragrance system that has wafted down from the S-Class. Available active-safety systems/driving aids include radar cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a system that helps you parallel park. Optional mbrace packages offer concierge services, emergency assistance and more.

The Mercedes-AMG C-Class sedan, coupe and convertible come in three strengths: fast, faster and fastest. The first, the C43, uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes a stout 362 horsepower. All that power is routed to all four wheels, what Mercedes calls 4Matic, and uses a 9-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel-drive C63 gets a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 469 horsepower and a 7-speed automatic transmission. The C63 S adds even more firepower to that V8, stoking it to send 503 horsepower and enabling 0-60-mph blasts of 3.9 seconds. All engines use an Eco start/stop system that turns off the engine at idle in an effort to save fuel. Restarts can be rough, but the system can be deactivated.

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Mercedes-AMG C43 AMG)
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (sedan & coupe), 19/26 mpg (convertible)

4.0-liter turbocharged V8 (AMG C63)
469 horsepower @ 5,500-6,250 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (sedan), 17/23 mpg (coupe), 17/22 mpg (convertible)

4.0-liter turbocharged V8 (AMG C63 S)
503 horsepower @ 5,500-6,250 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (sedan), 17/23 mpg (coupe), 17/22 mpg (convertible)