Daimler’s Mercedes-AMG performance division is expanding—by taking over the former AMG Sport models and turning them into full-fledged AMGs. The change was ushered in by the Mercedes-AMG SLC43 and Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan. The C43 coupe is of course the sister model to the latter car (which was launched as the C450 AMG), and the two are virtually identical in content.
The C43 coupe complements the C63 coupe, that apex predator that stakes a claim to superiority with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and a heavily modified, muscular body that evokes the AMG GT. But the C43 coupe is pretty high up on the food chain itself. Compared with the C300, it features a modified chassis setup with more negative wheel camber, a sports suspension with AMG Ride Control selectable three-stage adaptive variable damping, a sports-tuned steering system, and larger brakes (14.2-inch vented and perforated front discs, 12.6-inch vented rears). Tires sized 225/45 at the front and 245/40 at the rear wrap gloss-black eighteen-inch wheels; nineteens are optional.
Power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6, which produces 362 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm. Mated to a nine-speed automatic, the engine makes sweet noises and revs happily up to its 6500-rpm redline. Still, it’s not quite a true AMG engine—at least not to the extent of the specially developed, mostly Affalterbach-built "one-man-one-engine" powerhouses fitted into the traditional AMG models. But the powertrain has been modified to fit the sharper, more aggressive character of an AMG. It performs rev-matching downshifts and makes all the right noises, and in the fairly light C-class coupe, it’s strong enough to put a grin on your face. By AMG's conservative estimate, the sprint to 60 mph takes just 4.6 seconds; top speed is governed at 155 mph.
Unlike the strictly rear-drive C63, the C43 is fitted with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, but its 69-percent rear torque bias is an invitation to play. So, too, is the modified style of the AMG C43. Even though it keeps the slimmer body of the regular C-class coupe, its large wheels, diamond-mesh grille, special cladding, and rear lip spoiler underscore the fact that this AMG means business. It can be further dressed up with additional exterior carbon-fiber trim and a performance exhaust.
There are changes inside, as well: red stitching on MB-Tex and microfiber sport seats, red seatbelts, floor mats edged in red, specific instruments with a checkered-flag pattern, and aluminum trim underscore this AMG's aspirations. Other standard features include Burmester audio, a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot assist, LED headlamps and taillamps, heated seats, and a backup camera. Among the optional temptations—most of which are bundled into two option packages—are a head-up display; a larger, 8.4-inch infotainment screen with navigation; a 360-degree-view camera; Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, active lane keeping, and blind-spot assist; adaptive headlamps; automatic high-beams; and ventilated front seats. What you don't get here is an IWC Schaffhausen analog dash clock, a feature limited to the C63 models.
The Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe will come to market in fall 2016 as a 2017 model. We expect it to be complemented by a convertible down the road. It's a big leap beyond the regular C-class, but the C43 still leaves plenty of room for the ultra-powerful AMG C63 coupe.
