Entry AMG C-Class picks up more sporty bits, but also loses kit coming to dearer standard type.

ADDITIONAL performance-oriented equipment has been implemented into the cheaper of the two C-Class sedans developed in tandem with factory performance arm, AMG.

The C43 4Matic in its just announced Edition R trim delivers as a limited-build offering, for $143,000.

That's $9000 below the buy-in for the regular model that has been in circulation for just under two years and almost $57k less than the fully fired up C63 this special now closes in on in respect to styling similarity, though not sizzle.

The Edition R brings exterior and interior changes. The base element is include Mercedes-AMG’s Night Package II (with dark chrome grille and badging), red-painted brake callipers, and 20-inch alloy wheels, however it also take  Mercedes-AMG’s Dynamic Plus package with dynamic engine mounts and Track Pace data logger.

The Edition R also uptakes AMG sport seats upholstered in combination Microcut and Artico material with contrasting red inserts and stitchwork, red seatbelts, metallic dashboard garnishing, and a leather and Microcut combination steering wheel.

So much stuff for such a modest additional spend? Well, in giving, it is also taking. Benz acknowledges that, “to make way for the performance-oriented features, the standard equipment specification found on the C 43 sedan has been carefully edited.”

Absent in the R appear to be the standard car’s augmented reality satellite navigation, Digital Light headlights with adaptive high beam, Driver Assistance Package (essentially the ‘stop and go’ component of the car’s adaptive cruise control system), heat and noise insulating glass, and Urban Guard vehicle protection.

There are no changes to the C43’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 300kW of power and 500Nm of torque. 

It is bolstered by 48-volt mild hybrid electrification and is paired as standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-biased all-wheel drive system.

Mercedes Benz NZ has emphasised the Edition R is an addition, not a replacement, and will be in limited availability, though the allocation count has not been shared.