Mercedes has added another AMG-badged sports coupe to its recently refreshed C-Class family, the new C 43 Coupe.
Essentially serving as the baby brother to the full-bore Mercedes-AMG C 63, the C 43 gets similar chassis modifications and lairy styling courtesy of Mercedes’ AMG division but with a smaller engine.
Unlike its larger sibling which gets a 4.0-litre V8 engine, power for the C 43 Coupe comes from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6, which produces a meaty 362bhp with 521Nm of torque.
362bhp, four-wheel drive
Twinned with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox, the C 43 can sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds, while the top speed clocks in at an electronically-limited 155mph.
Further differentiating it from the C 63, the C 43 gets four-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive, but in true AMG fashion torque delivery is heavily biased towards the rear for tail-happy action.
Instantly recognisable as a member of the AMG lineage thanks to its engorged front air intakes, diamond grille mesh and puffed-out wheel arches, the C 43 also rides on 18-inch light alloy wheels.
AMG-tuned suspension
Mercedes has uprated the Coupe’s suspension to harness all the extra power, with AMG-tuned geometry and reinforced components to withstand the stresses of high-performance driving.
Drivers can adjust the suspension with a choice of three variable damper settings, while the car also features the AMG Dynamic Select function to tailor steering, throttle and gear shift response.
Inside, the cabin features a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel wrapped in black leather with contrasting red stitching, along with sports seats upholstered in ARTICO synthetic leather.
First in new '43' series
The C 43 also features an AMG instrument cluster, sports seat belts and aluminium trim pieces dotted around the inside for a sleek and contrasting appearance.
Prices for the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe have yet to be releeased, though it's expected to cost from around £50,000, undercutting the C 63 significantly.
Mercedes has also said that the model will be the first in a whole series of new '43' models to be introduced this year, which will also include the new SLC 43 AMG.