INSIDE MERCEDES AMG C43 COUPE DRIVE - 2018 4Matic Review - Joe Achilles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ม.ค. 2025
- My Instagram - / joeachilles
My good buddy Raz (AKA Mr AMG) offered me a couple hours with the AMG C43 Coupe he had borrowed from Hughes Mercedes in Beaconsfield, I soon discovered its far more exciting than its subtle looks. It was refreshing reviewing a non BMW/ALPINA product for once, you cant call me biased now ;-)
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Thanks to Mercedes Hughes in Beaconsfield for their demo AMG C43 Coupe - www.hughes-grou...
Any questions please leave them below.
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Cheers Joe
Great to review a non BMW/ALPINA product for once, hopefully shows you all I'm not (too) biased ;-)
HA yer, but yo, u kno the softer more everyday M2 alternative is the 240i right? )= P
nice car tho .. looks like its fun
Well you are known as Mr BMW :P
i never thought i'd say this but the exhaust note is actually even better than the lovely M4. Wow
@@andyp8464 The exhaust is the main reason I bought the car too! Sounds amazing. Such a fun car to make videos with.
You can see and understand why people would by this C43. Fast, has all weather capabilities and decently priced. Good video 👍🏽
Could not agree more mate. I drive mine every day. Fun car to make videos with aswell :)
Great car, feels much quicker than my old m4!
Couldn’t agree more, although I’m a little biased 😉
I brought one of these after watching your review. The sound is insane!!
Great video Joe, my wife’s auntie has a C43 AMG coupe in white with red leather along with the sports exhaust (sounds the nuts 🔥 👌).
Cheers man, you have a cool Auntie!
Another top class review Joe. Thanks for sharing your thoughts in your usual honest appraisal style. Your videos just keep getting better and better. Cheers.
C43 vs m440i..?? Which do you think is best.?? Thanks
Great review Joe, I traded my e92 M3 for one of these recently , for pretty much all the reasons you said. And my 14 year old nephew actually hugged it after I took him for a run in it .....what more proof do you need ! 😂
AMG, the one to go for!!!!
Hi Joe. I have to say great job! This review really brings it to the point. I own an M2 myself and just a week ago I have tested the C43 and C63. I can confirm really everything you mentioned. Very nice video!
Would a closer comparison in BMW land not be a 440i Coupe with the full M treatment?
Great review Joe, huge fan of the channel. When you get the opportunity, definitely review the 2018 BMW 440i M-Sport. It would be really cool to compare this particular Benz with that particular Beamer.
Cheers David thanks for your support! Hopefully I will find some time and a 440i Coupe at some point. Cheers
Joe Achilles yea, i've been searching this content for a while and haven't found any. Looking forward for a drag race between c43 and 440 m sport
Love your videos mate, you deserve a lot more subscribers!
I’m 5’9”... seating is perfect. And they’re adjustable like you wouldn’t believe. Great car
It's about time Mercedes made a decent mid range offering to fill the gap between full fat AMG and daily diesels. It's something they've been missing for too long.
The closest real world competitor to this car is the Audi S5 coupe. I'd probably agree with others that the BMW 4 series coupe is also a reasonable comparison.
AMG/M/RS cars are now fully into supercars territory when it comes to performance and it's necessary for something more sensible but still fun to fill the gap left as they stepped up.
I have this same engine in an SL400 and it suits the car perfectly (and also doesn't have the stuck on ipad afterthought screen) its just a lot of fun and incidentally returns close to 30mpg daily/mixed driving.
The ability now of these cars to provide comfort and performance and handling is outstanding.
Totally agree man, a range filler that is going well for Merc!
Joe you'd love the SL400, it's huge inside compared to the C43 and the seat goes so low it feels like you're sitting on the floor. It's also really balanced and feeds power in a very linear manner compared to some of the V8 versions which are a bit of handful.
I test drove both the S5 and C43. IMHO , the C43 was way more fun. The S5 interior is amazing and the car is superb. Very hard to beat especially with the digital cockpit display . Audi seem to have the edge on interiors. Totally agree with the Ipad screen............it is shit ! However I was after some fun and the screen I can live with so have ordered the Merc. November pick up , cant wait to hear that exhaust again !
BMW need to get their act together with Interior design.
Great review BTW nearly as good as RBR one ;)
Nice one mate .. nice car Merc have really upped there game in the last few years , faster then Bmw be interesting to see what happens the next few years 👌🏼
Cheers buddy, totally agree man!
Shouldn’t this compared to the BMW 440 Power and Sound? I would have never thought to compare them. Interesting perspective and great review!
Excellent review mate!
Great review joe! Shame I missed you at the meet! Maybe next time 👍🏼
Cheers Lewis, hopefully see you at the next one!
I really like your drive,and the way you reviewed the car!!!indeed a nice package for a young family with a small kid..
Great video as usual. All about the cars and not bloody wrapping the crap out of everything.
More confortable than the M2 you said. So how would you compare this c43 vs the M240i ? ;) Is it worth the price difference ?
It's definitely a more premium product over the 240, no faster though, 240 is more bang for buck
Nice review Joe. Dare I say it but I always think of the fast Mercs like this one more akin to the Alpina range. More subtle, comfortable and less shouty than the M stuff but certainly have plenty of grunt when you want some fun!
Cheers Joe, yeah your 100% right
That’s a fantastic way of putting it actually. BMW owner and recently had a C43 for a solo test drive. It’s a better option as a daily, but it slightly compromises on really fast driving; the ideal mix of both if it’s your only car.
Good video Joe!!
For once a real comparison.
I'm tired of seeing hatches and Porsche Caymens matched up with the M2.
But definitely an initiative video, you have informed many who may be considering an M2 or C43 of what it is they are actually going get.
Love it Joe been waiting for ages for a good c43 review for ages, debate is c43 estate or sq5 now hmmmm
With those horrible blanked out exhausts on the new SQ5 I would say C43 Wagon
Strange he kept comparing this to the M2. It's more of a competitor to the S5 and 440i or maybe the M4 really.
Great Video Joe but I'm not sure it's comparable to the M2.....essentially that's a 4wd 440i
I just cannot help thinking that Merc forgot about the infotainment system when they designed their interiors and at the end someone went "Hold it lads, you know what we forgot don't you........anyone got an iPad I reckon that'll fit. Anyhow another good vid Joe. Vote Top Gear for Achilles.....
Haha I know what you mean mate, the new 5 and 7 series are very similar too... Very odd styling wise! Hope you're well man
My guess is that all the manufacturers are trying to reduce the labour cost of replacing these screens under warranty.
I can see why you compared this with m2, like you said stats wise. I’m lucky enough to own both cars (c43 in estate guise), and the m2 is so much more of an experience to drive. I know most people daily their m2’s, but I just find it a bit too much of a character to do this.The c43 on the other hand, is the ultimate daily, 4wd and enough power! I completely agree with everything you said in this video. Is the m2 comp a better daily having owned both, in your opinion?
I'm thinking of selling my M2 for a C43. Gutted to lose manual, but awd for the snow and I'll also bank some change because where I am there is about a $8-14k price differential
Joe would you rather have this or a 440i? I test drive a c43 saloon without the sports exhaust and it just felt like a faster 220d, left me very cold, it did have like 500 miles on it and the test drive was like 2 miles. Maybe that's why but you look like you're having a lot more fun, how many miles on the one you're driving?
Ps great video, thanks for the frequent content man!
Difficult decision, It did take me 15-20 mins to warm to this car, it had around 2000 miles on it off memory. I would suggest taking one for another longer test-drive. Cheers man
So sharp enough but with good GT capability. Is an M4 therefore a comparison? Although that is a lot more money that might show up the value of the merc?
I do love that engine Joe but the better all rounder would be the C43 estate 👌🏼👌🏼
I'd say the GLC43 is even more rounded - good ground clearance and much more comfortable in the rear seats due to the seats being mounted higher off the floor (I've both the C300 and GLC43).
@@yj.c. Ride in the GLC43 is atrocious though!
@@RobBoothAutomotive I disagree, although Air Body Control in the GLC43 may be stiffer than the ones found in non-AMG models, it's still wayyyyy softer than the steel springs in my C300 (AMG Line).
Save your self money get the e400 same engine
Nice video as always Joe👍
Interesting seeing C43 compared to the M2.. I figured the main rival to the M2 being the Audi TTS?
Be nice to see BMW 440i vs C43 AMG vs Audi S5... got to test the Audi S5 next Joe.
Cheers man! Yeah keen to try the new S5, the new RS5 was very underwhelming though :-(
Great job Joe... keep it up!
Cheers thank you ;-)
Trying to decide between the c43 and the 440i, everyday I go back and fourth on which one I want to buy.
Not even a debate. Get the AMG
HM Free mind any reasons in particular? I like the c43 interior better, but I like the exterior and the sound of the 440 with the MPPSK exhaust better. Any insight would be helpful!
lamakicker69 all of that is good, but if you want frightening fun, as well as the reliability in handling and endurance, I’d go for the Mercedes. The interior design is better too, and the crackles on the exhausts are amazing! IMO if you’re looking at a 4 series, it should be the M4 over the 440i... you don’t wanna get the 440i and then constantly thinking “i should’ve got the M4”... final note; I’ve test driven both the M4 and the C Class, and the M4 left me feeling like it was missing that final kick in performance. Either way, I hope you enjoy your car, whichever one you choose
HM Free mind well the M4 competes with the c63 not the c43. The reason I’m deciding between the c43 and 440i is because they compete at a the same level of performance, price, and most importantly to me AWD. I live in New England and really just don’t want to deal with RWD in the winters. Thanks for the insight!
lamakicker69 no problem. I hear you with the AWD preference. Having read your comment, it’s the C43 for me. Enjoy your car, whichever choice you make
Why is there a lot of people complaining about the screen its proper attach and i don't find anything wrong. Good review by the way cheers!
Cheers man!
Yeah I don't understand the complaint either. I see absolutely nothing wrong with it. I don't see it as an ipad, it's just a screen and it looks fine to me. Even if it is an ipad...... so what? What's wrong with ipads??
Was the intro shot at the Royal Standard Of England Joe? If so best bloody pub in the UK!
Awesome vid Joe. What do you think about the 2019 facelift? I picked mine up in January and have been vlogging with it. Such a fun car.
I'm really stuck between 2017 S5 and c43amg. Would love to hear some pros and cons of both and advice etc and any info would be awesome. Cheers
Come on mate… c43 all the way.. especially if it’s the facelifted 2018+ version
You hated the traction control. Surely it has an intermediate traction control setting which is what you are looking for? Changing Dynamic Select to Sport Plus does not change the traction control. But I have not yet seen the TC light flash in the SLC 43 (not far past running in) and so have not touched the TC button. I think this car is tremendous value. Good review as always - and comparisons with M2 all make me think how much I would prefer this to an M2! That's old age for you.
I really don't like what Merc are doing with fake exhaust trims..... Even on full fat AMG models.... Hence why I will not buy it 😁. Other than my gripe a good Vid Joe! 👍🏽
Cheers man
New model has no fake trims 👍
Hi Joe great review , as far as lam aware the coupe version of both the C43 and C63 get the performance exhaust as standard and the saloon versions get the regular exhaust unless you spec it . Also the 0 to 60 is far closer to 4 seconds - l think MB do this not to undermine the C63s 😄. Keep up the good work 👍
Awesome content! Please can you do a M4 Convertible vs an Alpina B4s convertible? I know you did the coupe comparison. Also a C43 vert vs C63 Vert
Cheers man! I don't have the time unfortunately, I have reviewed the B4 Cab last year, check it out. Cheers
Oh yeah! Doh! Need to watch it again..I think that was one of the first vid's I saw of your...great channel...keep going and keep innovating, the shots and angles on the last 2 vids have been incredible.
Good review. Much better car for every day use then M2 or any 4 series. Best in class for every day use.
Comes from BMW person. Mercedes is back making great cars again.
Cheers man!
What makes it a better everyday car than an m2?
LegendInThaMakin Its not. He's nuts lol.
LegendInThaMakin when u live in north Europe and have lots of rain and half of the year is winter time so 4 wheel drive is amazing feature. Most M cars specially M2 in this conditions become annoying specially when u want to drive smooth in city traffic or u have to drive children to school. Mercedes offer much better suspension where comfort means real comfort.
Another thing is having too much power in this conditions is not helping and Mercedes 43 AMG have about the right power so all of it is usable. Even my X6M with X drive slides like mad when is wet not mention winter time.
C coupe is amazing looking car much better then 4 series. Interior makes u feel u drive much better car then 4 series or 2 series.
Pevvex Pevvex I appreciate the well detailed response. Putting it that way, yeah it makes sense. I'd still take the m2 though.
I know I couldn't live in Europe, sounds like a miserable place.
THANK YOU for covering the buttons. I climbed into one of these and the interior LOOKED amazing but all the buttons felt meh... I ended up going with an m240i instead. This is a beautiful car but the m240i was a bit more sensible for my life style and insurance was much cheaper
great review as always Joe, but why do they have to stick a ipad on the dash, just looks rubbish to me, why can it not be integrated into the dash?!!! Its why I still will not go for a Merc!
Haha yeah I'm not sure why they do that... Thanks for watching :-)
Apparently the pop up can't show the backup cameras fast enough to be legal. The screen has to be able to show the reverse screen in less than 1 second now.
Matthew Dangerfield an integrated screen he said... Not pop up lol
Would rather have this than the A45 but would choose the 4 door
Nice review as always Joe!! Would be great to hear your opinion on the the new RS5.
The 440i to C43 and M4 to C63 no? Why comparing to the M2?
Nice review tho
similar price range so one will cross shop the 2
this or an Audi s5?
Great video Joe as usual.I really enjoy the way you can simply and concise explain the pro and cons of the Merc AMG C43 in comparison with BMW M2. I was not aware of this Merc model until i watched your video since I am a BMW fan I tend to watch everything about BMW. After that I decided to research the Merc AMG C43 in youtube. I have to say that you have done a much better job than many other people who reviewed the same car. Congratulation again :
A Mercedes love in !!!! I must admit the M lite ride can get a bit wearing at times - and I don’t mind a firm ride if you get the benefits, but I’m not always convinced it benefits from such a firm ride
Joe,
Enjoyed the video, thankyou. Im wanting to ask about the grip and traction, which didnt really come across, or get mentioned in the video ?.I know you turned the TC off, to stop it intervening, and knocking back the power. How does it feel compared to the M2, im presuming its chalk and cheese in this regard ?. It looked like it hooked up pretty well from what i could tell ?., Simon.
So I'm a little surprised to never hear you compare it to the M240. I went with the M240 x drive for all the same reasons why this might be an alternative to the M2. Similar performance, but quite a bit less harsh.
Great review. Merc are making some great cars atm. Wonder how close this would come to the s3 saloon or rs3 saloon!
For me nothing else on the road has such a sexy rear end as this car. The way the design lines resolve themselves is flawless in my opinion. Maybe the F Type comes close but I can't think of many other new cars that look so good from behind- which is the end most people will see more of the time!
staggabob s class coupe
The older models sounded dead, i feel like they improved that part a lot which was needed badly. Seems like an alright car now. Not sure if i like the price though. Nice review Joe.
What a great sounding car there Joe.
Hi Joe, great channel with good reviews. Do you think the C43 is more fun to drive than the M135i? Power, handling, comfort? Thanks
Handling Power yes. Comfort. M135i on 18s with the adaptive is more comfortable.
would this rival a 2019 m4 competition at all?
Excellent review!!!!
picking up a 2017 one loaded with sport exhaust thursday =D
How’s is it going? As looking to pick a 66 plate fully loaded one up soon hopefully!
Excellent video Joe! I do love a good spec’d merc! Shame I missed the meet and greet
Cheers Ryan, hopefully see you at at the next one!
Hi Joe, looking at getting one of these for my wife to daily and have fun at the weekend. Looks like a fabulous choice!!! Thanks for a great review. Sounds ALMOST as good as my TTRS
So I test drove the 4 door of C43 amg a few days ago and was not that impressed. I'm waiting for the coupe to arrive at my local dealership to try that as well. But I've always been a huge BMW fan (currently have a 3 series). I'm getting a new car soon (in a few months) and basically M2 and C43 AMG are the two I'm considering. Well I really want the M2 but had to try the competition as well. Since you had M2, which one you think is more fun and is better to live with? I honestly hated the entertainment system in the Merc. The iDrive is far superior.
gorgeous car, I have a c250d coupe 2017, love it but considering the c43 next
You end up getting the c43 fella
Will you drive the new Audi rs4 avant when its available joe?
Merc have definately up'd their game recently but personally think BMW's still have the edge!
Would you say it would be more comparable to a 440i coupe with the MPPSK??
Think it sits between the 440i and the M2
Yep it certainly is... frustrating how the MPPSK is overlooked by the vloggers as it transforms the 440i and 340i. The exhaust is switchable like the C43's too so it's quiet in Comfort and loud in Sport. The MPPSK also puts it in the same power bracket as the C43 and is a lighter car. It's competitors are the S4 and 440i. The next gen M340i and M440i will provide stronger 'stock' competition.
which would you have the m240i or the c43?
Joe I've been with you since 2K subs and I've channel has stopped growing recently, and as good as these car reviews are (Maybe the best?) I think it's time that you collaborate with other car vloggers (Stg, Sol, Tgw, Archie...)
But this isn't my channel so carry on what you love doing m8 👍🏼
Yeah TH-cam has slowed down recently in terms of views and growth for everyone. None of the mentioned would want to callobrate with me because I have nothing to offer them, I also wouldn't want to collaborate with a couple of them if you paid me. I love the subs I have, proper car people, I don't need 50 thousand 8 year olds pestering me to wrap my car. But thank you for your continued support!
Dont worry mate do what you want to do, not what you need to.
Im enjoying the content so keep going magte
One of the things that keep me coming back is you not doing what some of those mentioned named vloggers do, please don't....... haven't been commenting as of late but watching all the videos, prefer the no bullshit approach compared to the clickbait crap the others do, please keep it the same
I think you are quite capable and gifted to be a superbike reviewer too..
Are the driving modes configurable? For example sports exhaust on loud and soft damper settings? Good video BTW. Also is the exhaust on this car an upgrade or standard on the 43.?
Thanks Joe Ive made my decision for my next chapter
What’s it like?
Nice vid Joe re the comfort getting a bit fed up with BMWs to be honest on the comfort front,problem with merc I guess no TRL equive anywhere ! :) Surely this is a 4 series merc not M2 Joe? in that respect how does it handle compared to that 440i? Cheers Pete
The 240i is cheaper and faster than the c43.
Is it just me or these new C Klasse coupes are the best looking Benzes nowadays?
MERC? GET OUT OF HERE YOU'RE A BMW MAN!
JK, nice video but I think the 43 line from Affalterbach is a different beast to the M Performance line from the Munich boys.
Haha I know, thought this would shock a few people ;-) Just wanted to prove I'm not too biased... Cheers for watching!
I appreciate the variety, not only does it make for better content, but better for your emerging YT career.👍(Talk to Tim to get you in on the AMG action at Affalterbach!!)
Would you swap this for your M2?
UR Merchant I know I wouldn't trade my M2 for one.
I wouldn't, but then I sold my M2 ten months ago so I can't really say
Joe Achilles
Hi Joe content as always.You say the M2 is gone,may I ask why?
I also bought the M240i on the back of your review.Such a surprising car😊
I cane from few BMW in the last few years. I already put down payment to M4 but I wasn’t impressed with the same boring BMW design for many years. Almost same interior and same body shape. I am not a Mercedes fan either. If I remember correctly, my last Mercedes was 18 years ago.
I think Mercedes doing a good job these days to attract younger people or make you feel young with modern exterior and interior design. I cancelled my M4 and got the C43 for many reasons. I like to have 4 mat. Because of the harsh Canada weather. I like the interior which is way better than BMW at least for me because it’s something new. But I still like BMW imm system which is way better than Mercedes and I don’t think I will compare between the 2 cars driving and performance, because each one has a different character IMO.
would have it over an m240I?
Mercedes are superb cars, especially the AMG versions. Once you've had one you normally have another.
Hey joe. Great vid as usual. Interesting comparison, never would have pitted this against the M2. Id day real world this is a competitor to the 440i? In that comparison (and for a similar price) I’d say the C43 poops all over the bmw, power, speed, performance, looks and interior...
Hey buddy, yeah in reality it should be a 440i competitor, in my head it just reminds me of the M2 in terms of size, also happens to cost exactly the same. guess it kinda sits between the 440i and M2...
great review brother! Good question- Are most of the driver's hight position based/designed for drivers of around 5'8? im 6ft but still can't raise the seat to max height or steering rake back for a chilled comfy ride as the space/vision/comfort is compromised. if so whats the better space makes/models for tall drivers in your experience?
6ft guy, no issues with seating 😊
I've heard this car, sounds like a GTR to me haha! This or the Bimmer?
Hi Joe, great analysis and review as always! Where do you put this (saloon version) when compared against the M340i? Would love to hear your thoughts and anyone who's reading this :)
Is it not a competitor to the 440i.? I mean AMG has no real meaning on modern Mercs unless it's the top of the range.
The M2 is 9k $CAD more than the C43 here! I would go C43 and add some mods :)
Hello Joe :) Anything about the new M5?
Excellent review, sir! I have a '21 and it's everything you say it is. One alarming thing, though, you seem to be driving on the wrong side of the road....be careful.
Had a test drive this summer enjoyed it speeced one up 54,000, 5,000 neg equity in my M4 that will be £904 a month sir.
ummm back to BMW for there M4 comp pack demo. Shame really liked it.
S5?
Good review mate 🖒 have to say it's a very interesting car love the interior 👌 just think it looks a little bloated 🤔 lot of car for under 50k 🖒
Cheers Pete!
Great video cheers
Great video Joe. Nice car however it will never bet the BMW driving experience. BMW all the way for me.
Cheers man agreed!
Bmw been there done that I’d love a Mercedes now
The last time I drove Mercs were back in around 2000 to 2005 the C and E classes of that time, although very comfy and refined they were nowhere near as sporting as their equivalent BMWs. I am eager to try these new generation of AMG Mercs. Although I have to say many of these new Mercs to me look like cheaper Korean cars e.g. the A class and the interiors although fresh and modern I think they totally lack the 'carved out of stone' feel of the Mercs of old, the quality of the interior is rubbish compared to old. In many ways they have lost their identity, styling features which used to make them stand out instantly as a Mercedes are now gone and I think that is a shame.
BI URBO BRO❤😂
2:17 badge
Hahaha I didn't notice on the day, only spotted that whilst editing!
Joe Achilles ahahaha thats not a thing the car is awesome👍
I was washing my car and the same thing happened
Lovely review Joe. I think AMG are nailing their exhaust notes at the moment. Merc have prettier cabins but are not as driver focussed as the plainer interior of the BMW.
My traction control does the same in my Merc.. takes all the fun out of everything! I get beaten on initial launch because it cuts the power so much, so frustrating! Heading back to a BMW because of it ¬.¬
BrabusBandit ....or just turn off traction control or invest in better tires.
Mercedes doesn't let you turn traction control fully off.. had thought of that one! I like sliding it about so don't want better tyres haha
You can fully turn it off by putting it into dyno mode (on the steering wheel, press & hold Call, then press and hold OK. The car must not be running to access it). There has to be a half-second delay between pressing the Call button, before pressing the OK button. If you press both at the same time you won't get anything.
YJ Cuna Thank you but I already know that. If i'm half-way through a bend and decide I want to step the back end out, pulling over and restating the car into dyno-mode and taking it again isn't the most convenient thing however :/
Well if you want the back end to kick out, a 4Matic vehicle isn't for you. You'd probably be looking at something like a C63S instead for such antics.