Having experienced both the C43 sedan and convertible, my initial impression is that the 2020 C43 AMG elevates itself a notch above my M3. The interior immediately stands out with its attractive seats, steering wheel, and the sophisticated dark wood dash. While I didn’t have the chance to drive it, revving the engine of the C43 AMG convertible was a treat. The sound, though not as loud as the M3, was notably deeper and smoother, leaving me curious if it was equipped with the performance exhaust system.
Comparing it to the G20, I wouldn’t confidently say the BMW interior surpasses the C43 AMG. The G20 certainly embraces a more modern, tech-forward aesthetic. However, the plastic around the shifter in the G20 feels somewhat cheap and detracts from the overall experience. While the G20 is a commendable refresh from the F30, my preference leans slightly towards the current C-Class in terms of interior ambiance.
In terms of straight-line performance, the 2020 C43 AMG and BMW M340i appear to be closely matched. The C43 AMG clocks in around 12.7 seconds at approximately 112 mph in the quarter mile, figures that align with reported times for the M340i. However, the C43 AMG’s skid pad performance, registering around 0.93g, while more than adequate for street driving, doesn’t quite reach the higher grip levels of some more track-focused sports cars.
Moving to the exterior styling, the C43 AMG sedan, while appealing, doesn’t evoke strong emotions for me. It seems to require a black paint finish to project a more aggressive stance; otherwise, it can appear somewhat understated. In the realm of sedans, the G20 M-Sport arguably holds a slight edge in visual appeal. Conversely, the C43 AMG coupe presents a more distinctive and special aesthetic compared to its sedan counterpart.
