Hello. I currently have a 2013 E350 Wagon and are starting the process to replace it with a newer model, and am looking at a 2020 CPO C43 model from a lease return.

The 2013 is our third E Wagon, but are open to the option of getting a C Wagon, as here in Canada there is a difference of about $15K between the C & E.

I was wondering if anyone here has gone from an E Class to C Class and what their feelings are after making the transition. Is there much of a difference?

I am not a fan of the display that sticks up on top of the dash, to me it looks like an after-thought, but can live with it.

Also, can someone confirm that a heated steering wheel is not available on a C43? I've looked at some lease return C43s and a brand new 2021 C43 Wagon, and it appears that a heated steering wheel is not available on a C43, whereas it is available on a C300 Wagon.
​​​​​​​I can't believe the C43 does not have it.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and regards.....Pete

 

If you haven't tried a performance sedan before, give the C43 a go. It will definitely be a downgrade in terms of quality and infotainment but you will quickly learn to look past that with the fun you will be having with the AMG.

If you want something more refined and softer to ride, go with the E450 with standard Air Body Control. It has the same engine but will be slower and less exciting to drive.

And yes, no heated steering.

 

Thanks Jonathan....I appreciate your reply.

Not having a heated steering wheel is a (more than a little) bit of a show stopper.

Regards.....Pete

 

Sounds like it might hinge on the heated steering wheel, but FWIW, the C43 while not a full AMG is an AMG tuned model, so it'll ride firmer and is overall harsher than a non-AMG E. The transmission in particular is a common source of complaints in the C43. The 2019+ rides better than the older models, but it's still firm on purpose. The Infotainment system in the 2020 C is the same as in the 2019 and 2020 E Class complete with OTA updates, same phone app and the new Mercedes me connect backend, except for the displays being separate in the C. The instrument cluster is either digital or analog depending on how the car was optioned, but otherwise it's the same system. Personally, I'm the opposite and prefer how the instrument cluster and center screens are separated in the C. Much more of a sporty cockpit feel, especially with the digital instrument cluster and the Supersport layout (only AMG models). I was never a fan of the side-by-side screens. The steering wheel constantly blocks part of the screens and the arrangement feels more like a living room than a car cockpit. But overall, you'll have to understand there's a difference between an AMG and a non-AMG even if you are just looking at the 43 series.

 

Thanks superswiss, appreciate your comments.

I see by your signature you have a C63, how does that differ from the C43? Bigger motor, I know, but what about the rest?

Thanks and regards.....Pete

 

Completely different level of car as others who have moved from the C43 to the C63 can confirm. Yes, starting with the motor it's a very different animal. Transmission is also different as it doesn't have a torque converter and instead uses a computer controlled wet startup clutch. The suspension is much better sorted and handling is on a different level compared to the C43. Then there is the obvious difference of RWD vs AWD. The C63 is like riding a bull compared to driving a C43. The electronics do keep you safe, but start turning them off and you have your hands full, but that's a good thing. It wants to shred tires if you don't manage the throttle, but the 2019+ S models have an awesome traction control system that has 9 levels. It comes straight from the GT3 via the GT R, and in general the 63 is much more adjustable with all its different drive modes and systems, especially the S which has a Race mode that sits above S+.

 

I own a C43 wagon and a coworker has an E400 wagon. The E wagon is definitely proportional larger, but doesn’t look anywhere near as sporty (due largely to the non-AMG styling). I personally love my C43 wagon. It’s the perfect size IMO and a blast to drive. I suspect if you’re used to an E you’ll find the C small, but take it for a test drive and see for yourself.

 

I bought the c43 wagon new. It’s a lot of fun trust me. I was a bit sceptical about the heated steering at first but I believe the new amg steering wheel don’t come heated (maybe just not in the Cs) but the vents divert nicely towards the wheel and in no time it’s warm. I live in Calgary and it’s not too bad. That said in the wagon when you accelerate especially in sport mode it sounds like there’s a Ducati in the back seat. It’s so loud. In comfort however from a stop at the light I found that the throttle response was a bit slow, unless you floored it. For comparison my wife’s 300 coupe with same pressure on gas responds better. I would get after market mudflaps on the rear too as it kicks up lots of crap unto the rear without it. Winter is harsh on it and this is after I had the whole car 3md and ceramic coated. Really love the car though but I find I baby it too much..lol. Only have 6000km on it now. You won’t regret it if you bought it.

 

I don't have a wagon but here is a review by Yuri and Jakub I recommend watching. Even if they don't answer all of your questions hopefully they answer some.

 

I have a C43 wagon and I have test driven the E43 and E53 wagon. The E43 was quite boring to drive compared to the C43. The transmission and throttle response is nothing near as aggressive set up as in the C43 (in Sport+ mode). The E43 was also not available with the performance exhaust and the sound was not very exciting. I found the E53 a little better. To me it seemed like the transmission and throttle response was better in E53 vs E43, but I did not like the fake engine sound coming from the speakers. You can hear the sound coming from the front and not from the exhaust in the back. The one I drove did not have the performance exhaust, which are available on E53 (but maybe only on the facelift?). It also surprised me that the shift paddles on the E53 was plastic and seemed cheap, but not that important.. The cargo space is not so good in the C43. But if you compare the leg space(?) in C43 with performance seats with the E43/E53 with standard seats, it is almost the same.

Sorry if the English isn't perfect, but I guess you understand anyway

 

Having been not so thrilled about my C43 Wagon, I managed to get a test drive of an E53 Wagon and found it to be everything I wanted that the C43 Wagon fell short of - better ride quality, interior build quality, throttle behaviour, transmission behaviour and many other touch points. The only thing I didn’t like was the price - about USD330k where I’m from, and not even fully optioned. In the end, I left the brand completely and got something else.

 

Thanks for that link, I watched it and the C300 Wagon; review by Yuri and Jakub as well.

I also watched these two:
C43 C300
All it has done is made my selection more difficult.

Thanks and regards......Pete

 

Good to hear from a fellow Calgarian! Although I have transplanted myself to Ontario, I still miss being back home.

So you're OK with no heated steering wheel, even during the Polar Vortex visits we Canadian know and love/hate? I watched the video as was suggested and was duly impressed, although I'm a whole lot older than those two young fellows from TheStraighPipes.
I'll just have to get me some heated gloves I guess.

We're definitely know we need to drive one to see how we will like it, but after watching the two videos on the C43 Wagon, it does look appealing.

Thanks and regards......Pete

 

You're English is just fine....a whole lot better than my Norwegian for sure!

Thanks and regards......Pete

 

One more question, the tire sizes are staggered. 225/45R18 front, 245/40R18 rear

What do you do for winter tires?

17in rims and taller/narrower tires all round?

 

For winter tires, either do 225/45/18 all around or 225/40/19 front, 255/35/19 rear on the stock rims (which is what I did).

 

Thanks for your comment. So you remove the summer tires from you rims and install the winter tires? Or do you have a separate set of rims?

Regards.....Pete

 

I have a set of 20” rims with summer tires. The stock rims with snow tires go on for winter.

 

Darn it, I didn't want to make it more difficult for you. I'm sorry.

 

This was challenging when I was shopping for winter wheels this winter especially as the size of the brake caliper makes it difficult to fit the "recommended" wheels on it. I purchased some replica 177 in gloss black 18x8 5×112, +40 offset. From Canada wheels. This ensures proper fitment. I'm running the same 18" for both front and rear that way I can rotate easily. Bought some continental viking contact 7 winter tires in 225/45/R18. Actually bought 8 of them because the tires are better than the bridge stone blizzacks. The stock wheels are the black amg wheels which cost $4k so wasnt going to drive that in the winter...lol. hope this helps.

 

Hey Pete, it's not like I dont mind the no heated steering. It's just that with the Mercedes Me app, I can start the vehicle ahead of time, crack open the garage door slightly and its warm when i go in. Yeah sure occassionally you have to wear gloves but its winter, I wear gloves all the time...😂.

The polar vortex was bad this year but didnt really feel triggered by the lack of the heated wheel like I did my older Acura tlx....

cheers...Will

 

Have both a E350, and a C43. Without a doubt the E Class is the better vehicle. The refinement alone is refreshing to get into each and every time, where as you don't get that with the C43.

After a few months of ownership of a C43, you'll want to quickly get back into the E Class. FYI, I too shared the exact same thought on the dash displays as you have - however once you get in the vehicle it becomes very functional. Honestly I find it hard to go back to a standard instrument cluster.

 

We drove a 2021 C43 Wagon and a 2019 E450 today. All I can say is WOW, what a difference from our 2013, for both.

The C43 is a rocket. It had the AMG Driver's Package, and although I probably wouldn't make use the AMG Track Pace, it was a whole lot of fun to drive.
Is that package worth the $2400 CDN? I can't say right now, but if they come up with. CPO that has it, I won't turn it down.
The ride was great, really solid feeling. And when you punched down the throttle, man, what a feeling, way cool.
The seats were extremely comfortable, and even though they were the Artico upholstery they looked and felt well made.
The Nav Display, even though it is not integrated into the dash as the E-Class, didn't appear to stick out like an after-thought.

The E450 was also a rocket, only a little less so. That stands to reason, it is a heavier car.
It is definitely more elegant and sedate that the C43, but it too had power to spare. Not anything to sneeze at.
The ride was as expected from an E-Class, the dash is less cluttered the the C43, just due to the display sweeping uninterrupted across most of the dashboard.

Neither car would be a bad choice. Right now, I am leaning towards the C43, for the sheer fun factor. But that's today. Tomorrow could be a different story, it's just too close to call.

I think the choice will come down to what the dealer can turn up for us. I gave him a very specific checklist of what we would like in either car.
So what-ever he comes up with first, that's probably the one we are going to take.

Either car we will be happy with. I can hardly wait to have this COVID-19 business finished and we can take a road trip across Canada again!!

Thanks to everyone for their comments, and feel free to continue commenting. I enjoy reading other peoples opinions.

Regards.....Pete

 

Hey Pete,
Glad you're having fun on the test drives. My only quelm with the 2021 c43s is that they market it as the avantgarde edition, which is a mandatory 8k price. They didn't change anything from the 2020s except remove the amg performance seats as an option. The 2021s are marked up that much from the 2020s. Spec for spec mine was about 10k cheaper. Just a heads up. Don't want to steal your thunder but just something to keep in mind. It's crazy they're selling the track pace as a $2400 option. That was standard with the amg drivers package from 2020.

 

The buggers!

Well, we'll see what kind of CPO the dealer will come up with.