With a twin-turbo V-6 engine and a sport-tuned dynamics, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is the bridge between the best entry points into the luxury cars the C class and the full-bore C 63 S AMG. Priced nearly half the price of the C 63 S AMG. The Mercedes – AMG C43 is a mass market AMG which is not only affordable but also friendlier to drive with dynamic performance. Let’s find out if the AMG banner on the C43 makes sense here in India.
Mercedes-AMG C43 Review
Design and style
Mercedes-AMG C43 is Subtle in design but certainly not a car to buy if you’re chauffeured around. At the front, it looks similar to the standard C-Class, and only the real enthusiasts will notice that the air dams in the bumper are more flared than the standard C-class and not as much as the C 63 AMG. The C43 gets fatter rubber, flared nostrils, diamond mesh grille and 5-spoked AMG lightweight alloys unlike the multi-spoke rims on the C63 S. The rear is finished with small boot-lip spoiler and the signature AMG quad muffler tips. These sporty bits make it look meaner than the standard C-Class sedan.
This AMG theme continues on the inside, too. The C43 cabin is a wonderful place to be in. It gets some differentiators like red for the stitching and belts.The Dashboard is finished in dark coloured materials with sporty bits like red stitching and an AMG flat-bottom steering wheel covered by nappa leather and suede . The front seats are super comfortable and they offer boatload of support. The instrument cluster, transmission stalk and all the other controls are all similar to the standard C- class. However The instrument console has a chequered flag pattern, probably to bring out the car’s sporty intentions. End of the day it is a combination of a proper AMG and a practical sedan which can seat 4-5 occupants with decent boot space.
Engines and performance
Engine-wise, the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, makes 367 HP and 520Nm of peak torque that is matched to a 9G-Tronic gearbox. C43 can sprint 0-100 km/hr in just 4.7 seconds and the top speed has been electronically limited to 250 km/hr. Also unlike the C 63, The C 43 comes standard with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. This system has been tweaked with a greater rear torque bias (33/67 ) per cent power split, adding to the car’s agile feel when pushed in corners.
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The Moment you start up the engine you will miss out on the typical crawl of an AMG engine, instead, it is as silent as a C200 petrol. However, there is a bit of noise past the 3000 rpm but that does not match the roar of an AMG. C43 offers four main strain driving modes Eco, comfort, sports and sports plus. This engine is a free-revving motor and it loves to rise to its 6500 rpm redline exspacially in sports mode. Sports and Sports plus mode stiffens the performance dynamics to enhance the driving pleasure whereas comfort and Eco mode is ideal for the urban run.
Ride and handling
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 is a more dynamic performer. It’s AMG-specific tuning of the steering, suspension and chassis along with the 245-section Continental ContiSportContact tyres which have remarkable levels of the grip makes this model feel more athletic and simply more fun to push. AMG’s sharp, electrically assisted steering rack is easily one of the best in this segment. It is extremely precise and has a lot of feel too. The suspension is quite firm at most speeds and starts to feel soft when you really hustle the car through a mountain road.
Verdict
Not everyone wants a hardcore Mercedes-AMG C63. For some people, it may be too brash and ostentatious, too quick to bite back, or just too expensive. At the same time, if you aspire for more than the ordinary, the C43 AMG is the perfect match, it is a practical everyday car which is pretty impressive out on the track. Buy this car if you’re looking for a classy as well as sporty performance driving machine.
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Mercedes-AMG C43 Photo Gallery
