2017 Mercedes-AMG 43 Lineup

For the last couple of years, Mercedes-Benz has tried to bridge the cavern between their standard offerings and the fire-breathing Mercedes-AMG monsters, with a line of AMG Sport models. This has created mass confusion as to what is a true AMG vehicle and what isn’t. 

So, in an attempt to alleviate some of that misunderstanding, there are no longer any Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles; rather Mercedes-AMG vehicles in two levels, ultra-potent AMG 63s, and to take the place of the previous Sport models, somewhat less but still very potent AMG 43s. Got it?

Nine different models make up the AMG 43 lineup to start with, from the C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE, and SLC lines. 

Each is unique, but there are some common themes; a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with at least 362-horsepower, 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, Dynamic Select driving modes, Ride Control sport suspension, and rear-biased performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, for all except the SLC roadster which remains rear-wheel-drive only.

After sampling a number of these Mercedes-AMG’s in Southern California recently, we can say they perform their “Meaner Tweener” roll quite well. 

It is inside where you’ll see the biggest differences between 43’s; some holding truer to their Mercedes-Benz roots, with others fully embracing the AMG status. 

The first nine 2017 Mercedes-AMG 43 models are available now, ranging from around $52,000 for a C43 Sedan to over $70,000 for an E43 Sedan.