Mercedes-AMG Launches the C43 Coupe

Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

It’s no secret that Mercedes plans to replace the C450 AMG Sport name with a more streamlined AMG C43 moniker. Today, we see the first step in this movement—and the first step in the release of the redesigned C-Class Coupe—with the new AMG C43 Coupe.

The new C43 takes on the look of the totally redesigned C-Class Sedan, which in turn took on the look of the new S-Class. In addition to the sleek, new look, the C43 also takes on many of the design features of the AMG family. These aggressive bits include a red aluminum insert on the hood, light-alloy wheels, a distinctive front end with wider air intakes, diamond mesh, silver chrome trim, a sportier rear apron with a matte-iridium diffuser insert, and chrome-plated tailpipes.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

Buyers can darken things up a bit with the optional Night Package, which includes high-gloss front apron trim, a high-gloss black diffuser-look insert, and black tailpipes.

While not as sporty as its C63 sibling, the C43 does gain some sporty additions to its cabin. In here, Mercedes-AMG equips the C43 with a flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped steering wheel; sport seats, MB-Tex and DINAMICA microfiber upholstery, red contrast stitching, red seat belts, aluminum trim, an AMG gauge set with a RACETIMER, and 4.5-inch multifunction color display.

Under its hood is where the C43 earns its AMG stripes. Here lays a 3.0-liter biturbo V-6 that pumps out a mighty 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque—the same as the existing C450 AMG Sport Sedan. The ponies gallop through a nine-speed auto transmission with rev match and a Sport Plus mode before hitting all four wheels by way of the 4MATIC system that sends 69 percent of the power to the rear wheels. Buyers can opt for Eco and Comfort mode for less-aggressive shifts.

Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

This powertrain results in a 4.6-second sprint to 60 mph—1.3 seconds quicker than the 2015 C350 Coupe and just 0.2 seconds slower than the 2015 C63 AMG—and a 155 mph top speed.

Agility is also part of the AMG equation, and the C43 delivers with its AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension that includes a four-link front setup with upgraded steering knuckles and load-bearing ball joints. What’s more, the negative camber on the front and rear assure a solid patch of rubber hits the pavement in the corners. There are also three suspension firmness settings for varying conditions: “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport Plus.” The steering system is also upgraded and is also adjusted by the model selected.

Bringing the newest of the AMG models to a halt are larger brakes. Up front are 14.2-inch internally vented discs while the rear end has 12.6-inch discs.

Mercedes hasn’t mentioned when the C43 Coupe will hit showroom floors, but it should be available around the summer of this year. Pricing will be available at a later date.