Exclusive clubs are the manifestations of many sins: lust, gluttony, greed, envy, pride. From Costco to the Centurion Lounge, the temptation to be a “member” makes sinners of us all. And Mercedes-Benz, that German devil, knows how weak men can be when it comes to four-wheeled temptation. For this reason, Mercedes continues to make admission to the Club AMG more and more justifiable. With the development of its AMG 43 line — consisting of the non-handbuilt, but AMG-tuned, V6 biturbo engine — the exclusive club becomes so temptingly close it feels not only aspirational but attainable.
The AMG 43 line features the same engine across all nine “entry-level AMG” models, which mentally simplifies things. Pick the carriage you need, and strap the same horse to the reigns. To give you a sense of the best models (in yours truly’s opinion) from the line, I test drove each on the canyon roads of Los Angeles. Here’s the lowdown.
Mercedes-Benz AMG C43
Best for Semi-Pragmatic Adults
The Least Costly Ways to Join Club AMG
All Prices Base MSRP
$49,900 = AMG GLA45
$49,950 = AMG CLA45
$52,000 = AMG C43 Sedan
$54,900 = AMG GLC43
$55,500 = AMG C43 Coupe
$59,650 = AMG GLC43
$60,300 = AMG SLC43
$60,400 = AMG C43 Cabriolet
$65,200 = AMG C63 Sedan
$67,000 = AMG C63 Coupe
$67,150 = AMG GLE43
$69,650 = AMG GLE43 Coupe
$72,400 = AMG E43
The C43 sedan/coupe/cabriolet is (arguably) the best vehicle for this V6 biturbo AMG-tuned engine. (Though a strong argument could be made for the rear-wheel-drive, totally non-pragmatic AMG SLC43 — but let’s be honest, sometimes you have to carry things.) This little rubber-burner swings around curves with aplomb and offers all the joys of spirited driving without facilitating the gut-wrenching fear that you’re strapped to a rocket (as with the AMG S65). It’s a great way to nab your AMG badge if you’re in the market for a hot rod (the AMG CLA45, while more affordable, is a very petit car).
