Mercedes-AMG has revealed the latest performance member of the C-Class family, the C 43 4Matic Coupe, reviving the C43 AMG badge in the process.
Unlike the 1997 C43 AMG’s V8, the new C-Class uses a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo that puts out 367hp at 5,500 to 6,000rpm and 520Nm from 2,000 to 4,200rpm. 0-62mph takes 4.7 seconds (0.7 seconds slower than the V8 C 63), while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic Coupe feeds all that power through a nine-speed automatic, with an all-wheel drive system (biased 31:69 to the rear) helping providing traction, which makes sense when this is a full-blown AMG and not an ‘AMG Performance’ version.
AMG Ride Control sports suspension is standard, which means the C 43 should handle like that of its scarier C 63 sibling. It also has AMG Dynamic Select, which allows the driver to adjust how eco-efficient or sporty the car behaves.
Meanwhile 360mm perforated front discs and 320mm rear discs work with the calipers to bring the C 43 to a halt as quickly as possible.
Like other AMG models, the C 43 is differentiated by AMG bodystyling including a unique front apron with sizable air intakes, diamond radiator grille and a front splitter. It also has two black tailpipes, gloss black 18-inch AMG alloys and a gloss black rear diffuser.
On the back is a new ‘Biturbo – 4Matic’ badge, with AMG on the left front wing and C 43 on the right making it clear this Mercedes means business. Just not quite the same level as the C 63.
Inside it’s a typically plush AMG affair, with aluminium trim, Artico man-made leather, Dinamica microfibre and contrasting red stitching throughout the car. There’s also a 4.5-inch multifunction display in the place of analogue dials.
No word on an official price from Mercedes-AMG, but a price of around £47,000 is expected when the C 43 AMG goes on sale from early April, 2016. The C 63 Coupe starts from £61,160.
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