2017 Mercedes-AMG C43

Highlights

• Four-wheel drive with twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 rated at 367hp
• Nine speed automatic gearbox
• Full service history and transferable warranty until April 2025
• Recent new brakes all round
• Lovely condition

Overview

Although it lives a little in the shadow of its more powerful C63 sibling, AMG’s twin-turbocharged, four-wheel drive C43 is no slouch, with 367hp to its name and capable of cracking 60mph in under five seconds. In fact, with AMG styling and an exhaust tuned by the wizards at Affalterbach, we think it might be a bit of a forgotten gem.

The V6 certainly makes all the right noises, particularly with the Sport Plus mode engaged which also stiffens the adaptable dampers and completes the transformation from relaxed cruiser to capable coupe when it comes to the twisties. Naturally, it’s suitably well-equipped too, with all the mod cons that you’d expect of a modern Mercedes including sat nav, air conditioning and Bluetooth phone integration. 

This example was purchased from a main dealer in April 2023 with a full service history and a two year Mercedes warranty. The warranty has proved its worth with all the brake discs and pads being replaced just after purchase and sorting out a ball joint come MOT time. The good news is that the warranty is transferrable which means that the new owner will benefit from the remainder of the cover to April 2025.

All of which is very sensible shoes, but let’s not forget that this practical coupe is also meaningfully quick and that the exhaust valves can be opened prior to start up to engage your inner child and to keep the neighbours amused. After all, it wouldn’t be an AMG if it was entirely straight-laced. In all, it sounds a lot like a have-your-cake-and-eat-it car to us.

History and documentation

• Registered 31 May 2017
• Acquired by the current owner Apr 2023
• Change of job and significantly higher mileage forces change
• The new owner will benefit from the balance of the two year warranty
• Full document pack
• Digital service record shows services as follows: Jun 2018 @5,742 miles, Aug 2019 @11,805 miles, Oct 2020 @19,718 miles, Feb 2022 @31,831 miles, Feb 2023 @42,493 miles, Mar 2024 @50,552 miles
• Shortly after purchase, the car received new brake discs and pads all round
• It has also had a new offside front lower suspension arm ball joint under warranty
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 13 Mar 2025
• Two sets of keys
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Black leather and Alcantara set the tone for a suitably sporting drive, while the red stitching and seatbelts add a welcome dash of colour
• There’s very little wear to show for the car’s age and mileage with some slight patina to the driver’s seat bolsters and everything else in almost as-new condition; the rear seats seem to have hardly been used
• As well as sat nav, there’s air conditioning, heated seats with lumber support adjustment, cruise control and Bluetooth phone integration
• The boot is clean and tidy and houses a space saver spare under the floor
• Through-load provides a welcome level of additional practicality
• Overall, it’s a well thought out interior that’s well-executed and looks to stand the test of time

Exterior

• The styling is restrained but stylish, with the discreet boot spoiler and quad exhausts the clues to the car’s full potential
• Finished in Obsidian Black and riding on 18-inch alloys, it presents very well
• As is to be expected, there are a few minor stone chips but nothing that detracts from its overall appearance
• Less expected is some slight bubbling at the base of the A-pillars, responded to by the dealer with ‘they all do that, sir’ – not that it looks to be a huge concern
• There is some slight misting in the rear lights which elicited a similar response from the dealer but the lights are otherwise clear and free from damage
• The alloys are in very good shape with no evidence of kerbing and wear a matching pair of Falken tyres at the front and Continental Sportcontact 5s at the rear
• As you’d anticipate for a car of this age, the underside looks very clean

Mechanical

• M276 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 rated at 367hp
• 4Matic four-wheel drive system
• Mercedes 9 speed automatic gearbox with paddles
• Adaptive suspension
• Switchable sports exhaust
• Full service history
• Recent new brakes
• Starts first time and drives very well, whether you’re cruising on the motorway or giving it some stick down a back road

Summary

For a fraction of the cost of the full fat C63, the C43 gives much of the AMG experience, including a rousing soundtrack. The security of four-wheel drive and all the work that goes into making the C Class a great everyday car ensures that this a very usable performance coupe and, like a bank manager that goes skydiving at the weekend, it has a bit of a wild side when you engage Sport Plus mode.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Worcester, Worcestershire.