Mercedes-Benz AMG revs up retooled C-Class sedan with new 402-hp engine

The redesigned Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class sedan boasts a new engine featuring Formula One technology that delivers more power with greater efficiency.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 will arrive at U.S. dealers in late 2022. Pricing was not disclosed.

The AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out 402 hp and, in certain driving situations, can deliver a brief additional boost of 13 hp from the electric motor.

The all-wheel-drive sedan can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

The C-Class is the workhorse of Mercedes' sedan lineup and was the brand's third bestselling model last year. Mercedes delivered 30,815 vehicles in 2021, up 17 percent from the prior year.

AMG models are a showcase for high-level technology still available on internal combustion engines, said Sam Fiorani, vice president at AutoForecast Solutions.

IMG01"Pulling every available ounce of power from these engines is a proper display of the capability of these engineers and their experience from years of racing," Fiorani said. "The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an excellent place to put this engineering into practice."

Under the hood of the high-performance compact sedan beats the internally named AMG M139 powerplant, which the automaker said is the world's first series-production engine to be turbocharged with an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, enabling higher torque at lower rpm.

IMG02At low speeds, an electric motor drives the turbo, eliminating lag.

The turbocharger is operated via the 48-volt electrical system, which also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator.

Exterior design elements on the new model include an AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts in chrome, sporty air intakes and chrome-plated trim element, matching the side sill panels, and two round twin-tailpipe trim elements.

The cockpit features a freestanding 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and new 11.9-inch central touch screen multimedia display, similar to that on the S-Class.