Mercedes-AMG C43 Estate 2019 first drive

This is the practical, family-friendly estate version of the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C43, which in itself is the sensible, least aggressive version of all the AMG-fettled C-Class models. 

It sits beneath the unhinged C63 and C63 S in the Affalterbach hierarchy and makes use of a twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine as opposed to the thunderous V8 found beneath its big brother’s snout.

While that V6 is in essence the same 3.0-litre unit from the pre-facelift car, AMG’s engineers have turned its wick up ever so slightly. Where it previously developed 362bhp, there’s now 385bhp, and while the torque output of 384lb ft hasn’t changed, it’s now deployed to all four wheels from 2500rpm rather than 2000rpm.

Elsewhere, the multi-link suspension architecture retains standard adaptive dampers, while newly developed, AMG-exclusive elastokinematics have been implemented with a view to improving the C43’s high camber stability when navigating corners at a fair lick.

New visual tweaks include a more minimal front grille design, new, aerodynamically improved 18in and 19in alloy wheels and four delightfully cannon-like exhaust tips.

Viewed as a comfortable, versatile family tourer that also happens to be devilishly quick, there’s plenty to like about the revised C43 Estate. However, as the sort of out-and-out driver’s car, the picture it paints isn’t quite as convincing.

Let’s have a look at its strengths first, chief among which has to be the quality of its ride. The manner in which its suspension has been calibrated allows for an impressive amount of both pliancy and control, which translates to a nearly waft-like quality when travelling over undulating country roads at speed. It smooths out compressions with a cushioned confidence before exhibiting tight vertical control over the following crests. Compared with the previous C43 Estate, which we criticised for the unsettled manner in which it deals with these rolling road surfaces, it represents a solid improvement. You'd have little cause for the complaint at the prospect of driving one from London to Edinburgh, such is the civil nature of the ride.

The engine is a bit of a peach, too. It gives the C43 a turn of pace that would be easily capable of landing you in hot water with the constabulary if you’re not careful, while the AMG Performance exhaust fitted to our test car amplifies its aggressively sonorous bark. At crank speeds above 4000rpm, it sounds deliciously ferocious.