Road Test: 2019 Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic Wagon
Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Mercedes-AMG
Specifications:
Price: $59,000 (MSRP)
Engine: 3.0L V6 biturbo
Trans: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed auto
Power: 385 hp@ 6,100 rpm
Torque: 384 lb-ft @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,880 lbs./ 1,760 kg
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 12.4/8.9
New for 2019: The Mercedes C-Class received some exterior upgrades including a new grille, more aggressive bumpers and new wheel designs. The C 43 Wagon model is all-new for 2019 but won’t be sold south of the border in the US.
Segment Competitors: Audi Allroad, Volvo V60, BMW 3-Series Touring, VW Golf SportWagen
The Skinny: It’s not often that we here in Canada get a vehicle that isn’t also going to be sold in the United States, but luckily for us the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Wagon is the most recent example. The car shares most if not all of its main mechanical components with the C 43 Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet but also adds in the distinct wagon appearance that seems to be going the way of the dodo bird.
I’ve always found wagons to be cool and different and this latest Mercedes example did not disappoint. Wagons are great looking yet extremely practical and would give just about any SUV/CUV a run for its money in that department. The provide plenty of room for both passengers and cargo and do so in a much better looking package.
Of course when you add an AMG badge into the mix, you know there’s going to be some serious performance to go along with it and the C 43 wagon did not disappoint. The 3.0L biturbo V6 roars right from the initial startup and is further enhanced with an exhaust button located behind the shifter which opens up dump valves to increase the rumbly sound. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed auto provided lightning quick shifts and allowed you to better experience the 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, especially when in Sport or Sport+ mode which alter the suspension, transmission and engine in the name of better performance.
The handling was exceptional, especially at high speeds and the performance-oriented interior design aided the driver beautifully with its well bolstered seats, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and some great design materials such as carbon fibre and brushed alloy.
Pros: There is just something about a wagon that is cool to me and this new Mercedes-AMG version didn’t disappoint. Although it lacks the fire-breathing power offered in the AMG E 63 wagon, the C 43 Wagon provides much better value with almost as much fun to be had.
Cons: Still have a hard time getting used to Mercedes’ steering column mounted shift lever. Although $59,000 is decent starting price, selecting just a few options will immediately bring you north of $70,000.
The Verdict: As I said, I’ve always been a fan of wagons so I was basically sold on this car before I even got behind the wheel but once I did I found my initial thoughts to be validated. The AMG C 43 Wagon does everything mid-size and lower luxury SUV/CUVs do in a much better looking, more fun and performance oriented package. If you are in the market for one of the aforementioned utility vehicles, do yourself a favour and also check out the C 43 wagon as an alternative.
