Mercedes-Benz is targeting the BMW 435i xDrive and Audi S5 coupes with their new C43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe that will be revealed at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.
The C43 AMG sits under the C63 AMG offering less power from a smaller engine, however, also a lower price tag, even though, Mercedes hasn’t communicated MSRPs yet.
It boasts the same 362hp (367PS) and 383 lb-ft (520Nm) twin-turbocharged V6 found on the new SLC43 AMG and the C450 AMG sedan and Wagons that were previously marketed under the C450 Sport moniker, paired to a standard nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic and Merc’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system with a rear-biased torque distribution of 31 to 69 percent (front axle to rear axle).
Mercedes lists a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds (0-60mph in 4.6 seconds) and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph).
The Germans say that they have beefed up the chassis with several components from the C63 AMG Coupe, including the three-stage RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive variable damping, the steering knuckles, load-bearing joints and the elastokinematic adjustments to the links. There’s also a larger braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs, perforated at the front with a diameter of 14.2-in., and with a diameter of 12.6-in. at the rear
On the styling front, the C43 AMG adopts a similar look to its more powerful brother, albeit with slightly different bumpers, a diamond effect front grille sourced from the lesser models in the range, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. It’s a similar story inside, with the driver enjoying a thick-rimmed and flat-bottom steering wheel, together with AMG-specific trim, seats and instrument panel gauges.