2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 looks good, performs better

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 starts at $55,250.

My well-optioned Brilliant Blue Metallic tester is priced at $72,605 including $995 for destination.

Under the C43's hood lies a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 delivering 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.

Power is channeled through a nine-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

During my week with it -- mostly on the highway -- I achieved 24.7 miles per gallon. The EPA rates the C43 for 19/27 city/highway mpg.

The C43 is armed with a lovely interior, but make sure you skip the $2,500 AMG Performance Seats -- they're awful.

This Mercedes is equipped with an impressive suite of tech, which includes a sharp 10.25-inch display atop the center stack with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument display sits ahead of the driver, who gets some help in the form of adaptive cruise control with steering assist, lane-change assist and automated parallel parking.

There's only 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space, which is small among compact luxury sedans.

Click or scroll further for more photos of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan.