Verdict
At RM443,888 against RM958,888, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C63 S E Performance F1 Edition asks an extra RM515,000 over the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C43 4Matic. That money buys a much harder-hitting plug-in hybrid set-up: 469 hp petrol output plus a 201 hp motor, 3.4 seconds to 100 km/h and 280 km/h flat out, versus 402 hp, a 14 hp mild-hybrid motor, 4.6 seconds and 250 km/h. But both share plenty of daily kit, so the C43 is the sensible AMG unless you want the flagship hardware.
C43 4Matic
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C43 4Matic if you want the AMG sedan feel, 4.6-second pace and the same core cabin kit without paying the RM515,000 jump.
C63 S E Performance F1 Edition
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C63 S E Performance F1 Edition if you want the quickest version, plug-in hybrid hardware and the 3.4-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C43 4Matic RM443,888; Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C63 S E Performance F1 Edition RM958,888
- Hybrid system: C43 mild hybrid with 14 hp motor; C63 S E Performance F1 Edition plug-in hybrid with 201 hp/320 Nm motor
- Battery and EV running: C43 no battery capacity or EV range listed; C63 S E Performance F1 Edition 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and 11 km EV range
- Performance: C43 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and 250 km/h top speed; C63 S E Performance F1 Edition 3.4 seconds and 280 km/h
- Wheels and tyres: C43 19-inch alloys with 245/40R19 front and 265/35R19 rear Continental SportContact 7; C63 S E Performance F1 Edition 20-inch AMG multi-spoke…
- Assembly and parking assist: C43 Malaysia CKD with no auto parking listed; C63 S E Performance F1 Edition Germany CBU with auto parking
C43 4Matic
- RM515,000 cheaper than the C63 S E Performance F1 Edition
- Still does 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds with all-wheel drive
- Keeps key listed kit such as Digital Light LED headlamps, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and 15-speaker Burmester audio
- Slower than the C63 S E Performance F1 Edition: 4.6 seconds versus 3.4 seconds to 100 km/h
- Mild-hybrid motor is 14 hp; the C63 gets a 201 hp/320 Nm motor
- No auto parking listed
C63 S E Performance F1 Edition
- Much quicker: 3.4 seconds to 100 km/h versus 4.6 seconds
- Plug-in hybrid hardware adds a 201 hp/320 Nm motor, 6.1 kWh battery and 11 km EV range
- Gets auto parking and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels
- Costs RM515,000 more than the C43
- Most listed cabin, safety and convenience equipment is the same as the C43, so the extra money is mainly for drivetrain, pace and trim
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 443,888✓ | RM 958,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Plug-in Hybrid Assist |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,991 cc |
| Horsepower | 402 hp | 469 hp✓ |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 545 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 14 hp | 201 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 320 Nm |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 6.1 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 11 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 3.7 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | AMG Speedshift MCT 9G-Tronic | AMG Speedshift MCT 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 9 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.6 seconds | 3.4 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 280 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,751 mm | 4,751 mm |
| Width | 1,820 mm | 1,820 mm |
| Height | 1,437 mm | 1,437 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,165 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 455 litres | 455 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R19 | 265/35R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/35R19 | 275/35R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Continental SportContact 7 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloys | 20" AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloys | 20" AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated and Cross Drilled Disc | Ventilated and Cross Drilled Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | AMG Ride Control - Adaptive Dampers | AMG Ride Control - Adaptive Dampers |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Light LED Projector | Digital Light LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 4x Front USB-C, 1x Wireless Charger | 4x Front USB-C, 1x Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Sunroof Shade | Panoramic Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 15-speaker Burmester Sound System | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 15-speaker Burmester Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 4 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 380 | RM 376✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
C43 4Matic vs C63 S E Performance F1 Edition FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C43 4Matic or Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C63 S E Performance F1 Edition better?
The C63 S E Performance F1 Edition is faster and has plug-in hybrid hardware. The C43 is the better buy if price matters, because it is RM515,000 cheaper and keeps much of the same listed comfort and safety kit.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C63 S E Performance F1 Edition costs RM515,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class C43 4Matic.
Which one is faster?
The C63 S E Performance F1 Edition is faster, doing 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a 280 km/h top speed. The C43 takes 4.6 seconds and tops out at 250 km/h.