The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 fulfills a promise of spicing up the all-new W206 C-Class lineup with the brand’s typical array of performance-enhancing technology. But for those who mourn the loss of the outgoing C 43’s twin-turbocharged, 385-horsepower V6 engine, we have unsettling news: The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 will do without a blown V6. Instead, Mercedes-AMG has given the new C 43 the most potent series-production four-cylinder gas engine ever built.

2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 Powertrain Tech

The naturally-aspirated inline-six-cylinder from the E46 BMW M3 has gone down in history as one of the best gasoline mills ever. I can also attest to the smoothness and low-end torque delivery of the eighth-gen S130 Toyota Crown’s 1G-FE inline-six more than the 2.2-liter four-banger. The point is six pistons ? whether inline or in a V configuration ? are better than four, but the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 begs to differ.
To appease our indifferences against the humble four-banger, Mercedes-AMG gave the new C 43 a mild-hybrid version of its almighty M139 engine. With only four cylinders and 2.0-liters of displacement, the new C 43 has 402 horsepower and a healthy 369 lb-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, the 48-volt mild-hybrid assist churns out 13 more horsepower at lower engine speeds when the need arises. Mercedes-AMG said the C 43’s engine is the world’s first to gain turbocharging via an electric exhaust-gas blower, technology derived from the Mercedes-AM...