Mercedes-AMG showcased their facelifted C43 Sedan at the Geneva International Motor Show earlier this month, and now they have revealed details on the C43 Coupe which will be unveiled at next week's New York International Auto Show.
There are some styling differences, as seen on the updated C-Class Sedan. At the front you will immediately notice the new-look twin-tier AMG grille in iridium silver, previously seen on the C63. The front bumpers and side skirts are have been restyled to be more aggressive.
Previously, the biggest anti-climax of the C43 was its rear end and now that appears to be remedied, thanks to quad-pipes and a CLS53-inspired rear diffuser, that gives the Coupe a squat stance. Inside it receives some new trims and materials, a new 10.25inch infotainment screen, as well as a fully-digital instrument cluster.
Powering the Mercedes-AMG C43 is a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine with outputs of 287kw, 17kw more than before, while peak torque remains at 520nm. This is sent through a nine-speed ‘9G TCT’ automatic transmission and into a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system using a 31:69 front-to-rear torque distribution setting. Mercedes-Benz claims the C43 Coupe will sprint from 0-100kph in just 4.3 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa expects to launch the facelifted C-Class in the third-quarter of 2018.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe launched in South Africa from around R950,000 when it arrived in late 2018, though pricing has increased significantly since then and you're looking at well over R1.2 million for a new one today.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe worth buying?
The C43 Coupe is absolutely worth considering if you want AMG performance without the full-fat C63 price tag, especially with its improved styling and 287kW twin-turbo V6 that'll sprint to 100kph in 4.3 seconds.
Q: What's the difference between the old and new Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe?
The facelifted C43 gets 17kW more power (now 287kW), aggressive new styling with quad exhaust pipes, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, and that menacing twin-tier AMG grille from the C63.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe?
The C43 Coupe rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.3 seconds thanks to its 287kW twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system with 31:69 torque distribution.
Q: Should I buy a Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe or wait for something else?
If you can find a good used example from 2018 onwards for around R800,000 to R900,000, grab it, but at current new car prices over R1.2 million you might want to consider alternatives like the BMW M340i or Audi S5.
Should You Buy It?
The best junior AMG coupe under R1 million in SA is definitely a used Mercedes-AMG C43 from 2018 onwards. With 287kW, genuine AMG credentials, and that intoxicating V6 rumble, it's the sweet spot between everyday usability and weekend thrills. You'll pay around R850,000 to R950,000 for a decent used example, which is fair money for this much performance and prestige. The styling updates finally give it the aggressive look to match its 4.3-second sprint time, and the 4MATIC system means you can actually use all that power. Just avoid the pre-facelift models unless you're getting a serious bargain, because the quad pipes and updated interior make all the difference. Buy it.
