After giving the lesser C-Class models a mild refresh for the 2019 model year, Mercedes is now moving higher in the hierarchy by working on the hotter C43. Although at a first glance it may look virtually the same as the outgoing version, there are quite a few changes worth mentioning. For starters, the front grille now has the familiar AMG twin louver finished in matte iridium silver while the front bumper has a pair of flics for each air vent.

Moving to the back of the car, the first change you’ll probably notice is the shape of the quad exhaust tips, which are now round instead of angular. These come with a high-gloss black finish and flank a slightly more aggressive diffuser lending the C43 an enhanced sporty vibe. Go for the optional AMG Night Package and some of the bits and pieces on the outside will come painted in a similar shiny black for an extra visual impact.

Rounding off the changes on the outside are modified LED headlights and taillights together with the new wheel designs available for the U.S.-spec model in 18- or 19-inch sizes. Mercedes points out that aside from featuring a new look, these alloys have been developed in the wind tunnel to boost aerodynamic efficiency.

The good news continues once you open the hood to discover the upgraded biturbo 3.0-liter V6. Mercedes-AMG’s engineers have installed bigger turbochargers to increase output by 23 horsepower to 385 hp at 6,100 rpm, while torque has remained the same at 384 pound-feet (520 Newton-meters) available from 2,500 rpm.

The U.S. version of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan will need an estimated 4.6 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) from a standstill and will top out at an electronically governed 130 mph (209 kph). Like before, the V6 engine works together with a nine-speed automatic transmission in charge of sending output to the rear-wheel-drive-biased 4Matic AWD system.

Stepping inside, the revised cabin greets you with its fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster offering selectable Classic, Sport or Supersport viewing modes. As standard, the C43 comes with a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a new flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel clad in Nappa leather.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 will receive its public debut tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show and will arrive at U.S. dealers by late this year together with the C300 in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations and armed with an extra 14 hp compared to the 2018 model year.