The new Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 punching out 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.
Daimler AG is yet again expanding its performance car line-up, and with the addition of the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe, it is also bringing the sub-brand into a more affordable niche than the current AMG C63 model.
Though not as radically upgraded, the new C43 coupe nonetheless boasts some impressive numbers, its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 punching out 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque – enough to get you from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
As with any model wearing the AMG badge, of course, the 2017 C43 boasts a number of body, suspension and chassis revisions designed to improve handling and ride, as well as straight-line acceleration. The C43 also gets one thing missing from its more powerful sibling. Unlike the C63, it also gets the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The AMG brand-within-a-brand has gone through a number of changes in recent years. There are, of course, far more models than ever. But they’re now collectively known as Mercedes-AMG, and that includes classic models, such as the C63, and models that were previously designated AMG Sport, a sort of minor league version.
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The new C43 gets LED head and taillights, a diamond-mesh grille, special cladding, rear lip spoiler and 18-inch tires wrapped around gloss-black wheels.
If you’ve been able to follow along, the old Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG is now the Mercedes-AMG C43. Its body undergoes less of a tear-up, with a modest few changes from the mainstream C-Class coupe. It gets LED head and taillights, a diamond-mesh grille, special cladding, rear lip spoiler and 18-inch tires wrapped around gloss-black wheels. Options include 19-inch wheels and tires, as well as a performance exhaust and exterior carbon fiber trim.
It’s what’s under the skin that’s likely to matter, however. While not quite the C63’s extreme machine, the C43 Coupe is nonetheless an impressive machine, boasting a three-stage, driver adjustable sport suspension with AMG Ridge Control, a more taught chassis setup, sport-tuned steering and larger brakes. The 9-GTronic automatic, meanwhile, can be set to any of five different driving modes.
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There are some catchy interior changes, including the checkered-flag pattern on the instrument cluster, red-edged floor mats, microfiber heated sports seats, aluminum trim and a panoramic sunroof. A premium Burmeister audio system also comes standard, as does the rear backup camera.
Other options include 19-inch wheels and tires, a performance exhaust and exterior carbon fiber trim.
Safety features add blind-spot assist and forward collision warning with auto braking and steering assist, active lane keeping, and adaptive headlamps.
A buyer also can check off boxes for a head-up display, a larger, 8.4-inch navigation and infotainment system, and a 360-degree surround view camera system.
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The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe will reach U.S. showrooms this coming autumn. Pricing will be revealed closer to that debut.