What to expect: Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG

Mercedes-Benz will launch the second performance variant of the C-Class in the form of the C43 AMG in India tomorrow. It will join its bigger sibling the C63 S AMG in the C-Class performance line-up and the car is the 11th offering in the AMG portfolio for India.

First up, the engine. The C43 AMG will have a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine under the hood. The output figures of the engine read 361bhp of power between 5500 - 6000rpm and a colossal 520Nm of torque accessible from 2000 - 4200rpm. It is mated to an AMG spec nine-speed automatic transmission called the 9G-TRONIC. The driver can choose from five transmission modes from the Dynamic Select switch – economy, comfort, sport, sport+ and individual. The performance is aggressive with a sprint from 0 - 100kmph taking around 4.7seconds and a top speed is electronically limited to 250kmph.

Unlike the bigger C63 S AMG, which is rear-wheel drive, the C43 AMG comes with Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. All the torque from the engine is split by sending 33 per cent to the front axle and 67 per cent to the rear. The rear-biased powertrain, with a dynamic axle load shift towards the rear axle, ensures the C43 AMG has the best traction while accelerating, claims the manufacturer.

The C43 AMG will have an 18-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels as standard, but Mercedes can also provide a 19-inch five-twin-spoke or multi-spoke alloys as optional extra. Braking responsibilities will be taken care by ventilated compound brake discs at the front and rear. The C43 can also be had with AMG Performance exhaust system.

Stepping inside, everything is well-appointed like in any other Mercedes-Benz AMG product. A 5.5-inch multifunction display stacked in between the instrument pods. The flat-bottomed steering wheel with mounted controls and paddle shifters. The most fascinating element inside the cabin are the red seatbelts complimented by red contrast stitching. The COMMAND infotainment system, 590 watts Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers, and panoramic sliding sunroof will all come as standard in the C43 AMG.

Mercedes-Benz India is aiming to gain popularity with the AMG43 nomenclature amongst the masses in the country with the C43 AMG. The C43 AMG comes in as the third AMG offering from the German manufacturer this year after the GLE 43 AMG Coupe and the SLC 43 AMG. When launched in India, it will take on the fight to the Audi S5 and BMW M3. Expected price for the C43 AMG is between Rs 85-92 lakh (ex-showroom).