Getting on to the open highway then brought a sigh of relief and the C 43 shared the sentiment as I flipped up to Sport. The subtle bark from the exhaust confirms it readiness, although, to be honest, the sound was a bit mellow. Hit the gas and the band tunes up quick. As the revs piled on towards the 6,500 red-line, the noise, speed, and excitement from the progressively dominating G-force all made for the proper AMG experience. There it was! Flat out, the AMG C 43 Coupe hit 100 km/h from standstill in 5.6 seconds. It would go on to 250 km/h, limited electronically, of course, for roads such as the German autobahns. Even so, the thrill is there. Let’s not forget this is a V6, essentially a mid-level thrill machine below the V8 C 63. It has driving pleasure in spades as well as the hardware and even the necessary software to tick all the right boxes in the sports car checklist.
The AMG Ride Control set-up, for one, with the multi-link suspension and dynamic damping, works well to give it a planted feel and make it extremely reassuring while tackling bends at speed and negotiating quick overtakes, as was adequately demonstrated on the crowded return back off the highway. The big brakes have immense stopping power and haul this 1.7-tonner from blindingly fast speeds to a double-yellow-flag speed or even to a complete halt in a drama-free and extremely composed couple of seconds. The 18-inch wheels with just-thick-enough rubber provide a perfect foundation for the handling department. The variable ratio steering, too, impresses. Although it feels light even as you enter triple digits, it firms up nicely as they build. The Dynamic Select modes alter that to a considerable extent, however.
All in all, at Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom), the AMG C 43 Coupe makes for a compelling choice given what it brings to the table. It’s not particularly cheap, but it’s less expensive and somewhat larger than many of its German rivals. It’s got everything from a spacious cabin to a potent engine and planted feel that make you sit up and take notice. It’s a sports car first but there’s more kit which can hold an argument, too. It’s got multi-adjustable front seats, red seat-belts, wood trim on the centre console and around the cabin, a large panoramic glass roof, and even two… let’s call them seats… in the back for accommodating two children or other compact life-forms. It can work every day and on a track-day too. You just have to watch the roads and remember to always be up to speed with your surroundings.
Need to Know – Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupe
Price: Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2,996 cc, twin-turbo, V6, petrol
Max Power: 390 PS @ 6,100 rpm
Max Torque: 520 Nm @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed, automatic, all-wheel drive
Suspension: Three-link front, multi-link rear, AMG Ride Control
Weight: 1,675 kg
