I had a seven-day reign as Queen of Snohomish County in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe.
One of the finest looking cars to ever set rubber on road, the 2019 C43 has a new grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and new five-spoke styling for its standard 18-inch wheels.
Performance has been boosted by 23 horsepower thanks to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine providing 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. It can dash from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, Mercedes-AMG reports. A nine-speed automatic transmission and the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel drive system complete the powerhouse team. It achieves the same level of excellence as the coupe’s styling.
EPA fuel economy ratings are 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The C43 is also available in sedan and convertible (cabriolet) versions. Base pricing with a $995 destination charge included is $56,245 for the sedan, $58,445 for the coupe, and $64,645 for the cabriolet.
My test car was equipped with all the optional features available for the 2019 C43, totaling $16,630 and elevating the price-as-driven to $75,075.
A 10.5-inch display for the infotainment system is a new standard feature for the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration are also added as standard. (Manufacturer photo)
Wearing nothing other than what comes standard, the C43 still exudes indulgence, a Mercedes trademark. The priciest item on the options list is $3,000 and something I’d consider necessary, if for no other reason than how it enhanced the tester’s appearance: the AMG Performance Studio Package. Among the things included in the package are 19-inch AMG matte black multi-spoke wheels, and high-gloss black exterior elements including the front splitter and louver inserts, side skirts, and rear spoiler lip.
If you’re into lots of driver assistance technologies, there’s an option package ($1,800) for all that.
The C43 interior is another styling achievement, where the usual glorious workmanship is readily apparent. New for 2019 as standard equipment, there’s a 10.25-inch display for the infotainment system, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are added.
During the test week, the Queen went on an ecstatic spree on Snohomish County backroads in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe, but also spent considerable time on highways where her minions were present in higher numbers, so she could flaunt the car she couldn’t possibly afford.
For 2019 the Mercedes-AMG C43 high-performance coupe has a new grille, and new front and rear bumpers. (Manufacturer photo)
2019 MERCEDES-AMG C43 COUPE
Base price, including destination charge: $58,445
Price as driven: $75,075
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild, and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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