Highlights
- High performing
- Stylish design
- Enjoyable driving experience
- Plenty of handy driver aids
Introduction
Mercedes-Benz has given its 2-door C-Class Coupé model an extensive midlife makeover, and the headline grabbing news is that it comes with extra power.
The C-Class Coupé, Cabriolet and Estate models were given the refresh recently with a number of physical styling upgrades along with extra on-board technology.
The latest Coupé model that we drove is a comfortable and stylish car that offers incredible performance and comes packed with plenty of top-level technology and features.
Engine and Performance
When it comes to performance, the AMG C43 4MATIC Coupé is an absolute powerhouse of a car.
The powertrains were improved, with this AMG model now powered by a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo petrol engine, delivering 385bhp, which is an increase of 23bhp, along with 384lb ft of torque.
That translates into some pretty impressive performance stats, with a 0 to 62mph sprint time of just 4.7 seconds, and a top speed that is electronically limited to 155mph.
It rapidly, yet smoothly, accelerates through the 9-speed automatic gearbox which has been specifically designed and tuned for very short shifts for rapid-fire bursts of pace.
Maxine Ashford
The road holding is also ultra grippy, meaning the car can be pushed hard into corners.
There are different drive modes called Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual that alter the responses of the engine, suspension, transmission and steering. And if you press M for manual - which is another new feature - you get full control of the gear changes via steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Another new setting on the latest model is a Slippery setting, which is identified by a snowflake icon and offers extra grip on snow-covered roads. It also comes with Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system for added reassurance.
The car is beautifully composed in the less aggressive settings, but switch across to Sport+ and it certainly livens up all the reactions. It also increases the volume considerably, so people will hear you coming long before you turn the corner.
The running costs of the AMG C43 4MATIC Coupé will very much depend on how the car is driven. If thrashed to the hilt in Sport+ you can expect to see far less than the official combined 29.7mpg figure. The carbon emissions figure is set at 217g/km.
Design and Practicality
Any car delivering such impressive driving dynamics needs to look the business, and the AMG C43 4MATIC Coupé is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it passes.
It has an athletic, muscular stance with a distinctive AMG radiator grille, four tailpipes, a panoramic electric glass sunroof, an AMG front apron and air intakes, privacy glass and 19-inch alloys.
The interior oozes class and is elegantly laid out with soft-touch surfaces, Saddle brown leather upholstery, open-pore grey oak trim and plenty more besides.
Comfort levels within the car are sublime and, like most 2-door coupés, there is just about enough space in the car for two adults in the back provided the front seats are not pushed right back. The deep boot is deceptively large with a capacity of 400 litres.
Equipment and Technology
Despite its minimalist appearance, the car is packed with all the latest technology, including a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that can be personalised to taste.
There is full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a navigation system and climate control.
It also introduces the latest generation AMG flat-bottomed steering wheel with a heavily contoured rim.
There are new Touch Control buttons on the wheel that can be used to control the instrument cluster and multimedia system by swiping the finger vertically or horizontally - it is easy to use and means you can operate many functions while keeping your hands on the wheel.
There is also voice control or a newly-designed touchpad and controller to navigate the vehicle’s many systems.
Our car also featured a Premium Plus Package as an optional extra, and this added a Burmeister surround sound system, COMAND online system, multibeam LED intelligent light system, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and keyless operation.
Summary
Mercedes has packed the AMG C43 Coupé model with safety features, driver aids, and technology, making it a very impressive premium coupé for anyone who enjoys the thrill of performance driving, combined with all life’s little creature comforts.
