Mercedes-AMG welcomes a new member to the C-Class family, the C 43 4MATIC Coupe.

As part of the growth strategy of Mercedes-AMG, a new and exciting product will make its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor show next week. Mercedes-AMG will showcase the C 43 Coupe that marks the introduction of a new series of ‘43’ models.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed that the C 43 4MATIC Coupe will be available in the third quarter of 2016.

What makes it special?

Well, performance is a good place to start. The C 43 Coupe is powered by a high-revving 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine that develops 270kW and 520Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system with a front to rear torque bias of 31 and 69 percent. Power is transferred using a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with a double-declutching function and short response times.

As is to be expected, performance is swift with 0-100 kph achieved in 4.7 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

The C 43 Coupe features AMG Ride Control sports suspension, adopted from the Mercedes-AMG C 63, with three-stage adaptive variable damping. Five driving modes are available to the driver depending on your preference andthree-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is also fitted.

Stopping power is provided by large internally ventilated compound brake discs with perforations. The discs are 360 mm in diameter up front while the rear discs are 320 mm in diameter.

In terms of styling, the C 43 Coupe rides on 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels with 5-spoke design and they are painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish. The model features a diamond radiator grille with chrome-plated pins and a louvre in high-gloss black with AMG lettering. A silver chrome front splitter is also fitted. The rear apron features a matt iridium silver diffuser insert and two chrome-plated tailpipes.

On the inside the C 43 Coupe features a flat-bottomed, multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in black leather and finished off with contrasting topstitching. The sports seats feature improved lateral support and are upholstered in ARTICO leather and DINAMICA microfibre. The instrument panel is also trimmed in ARTICO, as are the armrests, door panels and centre console. Aluminium trim pieces in the instrument panel and doors provide contrast in the cabin. The instrument cluster features two round tube-shaped dials as well as a 4.5-inch multifunction colour display with a Racetimer and a 280 kph scale with a chequered-flag design.

The Mercedes-Benz C 43 coupe will be a great addition to the coupe range as it bridges the gap between the normal models and the fire-breathing AMG derivatives. If your budget can't stretch to the V8-powered C 63, then this is likely to offer the best bang-for-buck value in the range.

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