Should you buy one?

It’s an interesting car, this. The C43 has been around since 2018, and has established itself as a likeable and enjoyable sporting saloon that’s carved a niche all for itself. The old C43’s six-cylinder engine lacked a little of the C63’s drama, but its Baritone power unit meted out a great soundtrack of its own, and helped define the character of that car.

We’re labouring the point about the engine note, because for many that’s a big part of owning an AMG. Now in four-cylinder form, the C43 has a very different character than before, but one that’s still very likeable. However, it only takes a short drive to discover that the latest C43’s soundtrack is also appealing, and just as accessible for keen drivers – it’s just different, less theatrical and more technical.

Moving on – the C43 is a highly effective sports saloon in many other ways, too. It’s punchy and offers grippy and entertaining handling, thanks to rear-biased four-wheel drive. Its performance is plentiful enough for UK roads, and it’s exciting enough for the odd foray onto the track, without being over-the top or antisocially loud. While it doesn’t offer the ultimate sharpness of a BMW M340i or the mid-range punch of an Audi S4, it has enough qualities elsewhere to make it a highly recommended buy.

What we like

The C43 is a lovely car to live with. If you want to go quietly and kick back after a rough week, the ride quality is surprisingly supple, while it has one of the best interiors in the business, once you get used to operating the infotainment. The four-cylinder electrically turbocharged engine is responsive and delivers all the acceleration you’d expect from a car with 408hp and 500Nm of torque.

What we don’t like

There’s no escaping the fact that the C43 is going to be expensive to buy and run, while the interior room lags behind the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.