New Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupe revealed

Mercedes' performance division, Mercedes-AMG, has revealed the C43 4MATIC Coupe, a four-wheel-drive version of the sleek two-door coupe that sits between regular C-Class Coupe models and the high-performance AMG C63 Coupe.

It's one of the first in a string of '43' models due to be introduced by the German manufacturer this year that retains "the characteristic AMG genes" of the '63' range, according to Mercedes-AMG chairman Tobias Moers.

Engine, drive & gearbox

The Mercedes-AMG C43 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that produces 362bhp. It's the same engine used in the recently revealed SLC 43 roadster and is capable of taking the car from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. For comparison, the BMW 440i produces 322bhp and goes from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, while the new Audi S4 (which is likely to spawn an S5 coupe version) produces 349bhp and does the 0-62mph sprint in 4.7 seconds.

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As standard, the C43 comes with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, although the majority of the car's power (69%) is sent to the rear wheels.

The AMG badge means various mechanical components have been given an upgrade over regular Mercedes C-Class Coupe models, too. There are bigger brakes all round, adaptive dampers that can be tuned for comfort or sportiness and a choice of five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

The C43 should be more economical than the C63, too. Mercedes claims it'll return 36.2mpg and emits 178g/km of CO2.

Styling

From the outside, the C43 looks less aggressive than the more powerful C63, but there are some touches that hint at its performance. There's the same black roof and black mirror caps as the C63, as well as quad exhausts at the rear.

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Elsewhere, it has the same diamond-mesh radiator grille from regular C-Class Coupes, while there's a choice of standard 18-inch AMG alloy wheels or larger 19-inch items, although the latter reduce efficiency a bit. You can also specify a Night Package, which adds gloss-black trim to the front bumper and rear diffuser, plus black tailpipes and dark-tinted rear windows.

Inside, there's an AMG flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel with contrasting red stitching, sports seats trimmed in Mercedes' ARTICO man-made leather, more red stitching and aluminium trim on the centre console, doors and dashboard. Everything else is identical to the C-Class Coupe, so there's a tablet-style screen on the dash and plenty of high-quality switches on the centre console.

There's an AMG instrument cluster for the driver, too, which features a chequered-flag design, a 4.5-inch colour display and a lap timer.

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Price & release date

Mercedes has yet to reveal full prices and a release date for the AMG C43, but it’s expected to undercut the C63, which starts from just over £60,000. It's likely to cost less than £50,000 when it goes on sale this summer.