Mercedes' thirteenth launch of the year, also happens to be the third from their new '43' series of AMG cars
Mercedes' thirteenth launch of the year, also happens to be the third from their new '43' series of AMG cars. For the uninitiated, think of the 43s as entry-level performance cars, that pack a punch but aren't as intimidating or demanding as the bigger '63' line. What's the Mercedes-AMG C 43 all about? Let's take a look:
The Prise
The C43 will be available in a single variant, that is priced at Rs 74.35 lakh (ex-showroom). To put that into perspective, the GLE43 (aka GLE450 AMG) and the SLC43 cost Rs 89.25 lakh and Rs 77.5 lakh respectively.
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The Looks
To the untrained eye, the subtle visual tweaks on the baby AMG are easy to miss. It retains the same design and proportions as a standard C-Class, but gets a little dose of muscle to make it stand apart. AMG-specific details include a different, more aggressive set of bumpers, the 'diamond grille' and bigger 18-inch alloy wheels. Little bits like the outside mirrors and the window line are finished in black to add to the sporty appeal.
The Cabin
Step inside, and everything will look familiar if you've been in a C-Class. It houses the same chic dashboard, with circular air-vents and a floating iPad-like screen for the infotainment. The 8.4-inch unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, can stream satellite radio and doubles up as navigation too. The standard feature fare, such as leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, electric seats and a panoramic sunroof all find their way into the sedan. What's unique to the C 43 however, is the leather-clad flat bottom steering, an AMG instrument cluster, aluminum pedals, and red seatbelts.
The best bit? It is still a C-Class underneath all the flair. Which means it can seat four in comfort, and swallow their luggage too.
The Powerhouse
AMGs aren't all about roaring V8s and V12s anymore. The boffins at Affalterbach have embraced the concept of forced induction, to be considerate to the ice caps in the Arctic. Just like its other 43-badged siblings, the C 43 gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine - that pumps out 367PS of power and 520Nm of torque - paired with Mercedes' new 9-speed gearbox.
It gets other AMG goodies too, that include the AMG Dynamic Select (that's lets you setup the steering, engine, suspension and gearbox individually) and Sport suspension. We are driving the C 43 around the Buddh International Circuit today, stay tuned for a quick first impressions review.
Rivals
The only rival to the C 43, is Audi's S5 that retails for Rs 66.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Just like the Mercedes, it too houses a supercharged V6 that puts out 333PS. The Audi is due for an update this year, post which we will pit it against the C 43 for a head-to-head.
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