The Refreshed Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe Is Here With 384bhp And 'Proper' Exhaust Pipes
The slightly more mild-mannered brother to the AMG C63 coupe just got a little more tempting. Yep, following a similar refresh for the C43 saloon and estate, Mercedes has given the C43 coupe and cabriolet a mid-life fettle.
Thanks to the Geneva reveal of the more practical four and five-door versions, there’s not much to surprise here. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 has been given the same power boost, resulting in a healthy 384bhp output, up from 362bhp.
Performance figures mirror the saloon and estate too - you’re looking at 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds for the coupe, and 4.8 seconds for the cabriolet. Not bad considering this is isn’t a ‘full-fat’ AMG.
Changes to the styling aren’t exactly dramatic, but we’re digging the new “twin-blade” grille design. As with the other C43s, our favourite change is at the back: no longer do we have silly fake exhaust trims! Instead, Mercedes has fitted what looks like - shock horror - real exhaust pipes. We approve.
The chassis has been left alone from the sounds of it, which means a four-link front suspension setup paired with a multi-link rear, and “AMG-specific kinematics and elastokinematics.” Affalterbach’s tweaks include an increase in negative camber, among other alterations.
The standard-fit adaptive dampers have been retained, as has the heavily rear-biased all-wheel drive system.
Just like the C-Class saloon, C-Class coupe and cabriolet ranges as a whole receive an extensive list of posh, S-Class-like options. Whether you want open-pore wood or nicer multi-contour seats, the world’s your oyster. You can even choose Mercedes’ new Energising Comfort Control feature, which changes the settings of things like the ambient lighting, climate control, fragrance system and music to optimise your wellness.
Interested? All versions of the C-Class coupe and cabriolet will go on sale in the UK next month, with first deliveries happening from July onwards.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
I think the 43 models are often underrated. They may not be V8s, but in my opinion they sound just as good as the current 63 engine. A good choice for people who want something quick but not too quick.
4,7 is pretty quick
they have the same tone but the C43 sounds raspier where the C63 sounds deeper
It’s sad how we’ve come to a point where we’re excited that a car hasn’t real tailpipes
Come on auto makers, how hard is it to make a properly shaped bumper at the least or an actual exhaust tip?
I think manufacturers are trying to prepare us for the electric future…
Although if they ever put fake exhaust pipes on an electric car, I will actually lose my sh!t
I still refuse to believe that those are real exhaust tips, what with Merc’s previous track record of exhaust tips…
Most exhausts are « fake » technically speaking. 99 % of cars that have more than 2 exhausts are liars in reality because their engine power doesnt justify that many exhausts. Unless you’re a top-tier supercar/HyperCard you have no need for more than 2.
The tailpipes are still fake unfortunately. Like the previous car, the tips are connected to the bumper and you can see the tiny exhaust pipes through them
I’m still not a fan of the design, it’s a shame because it’s an underrated car
WOOO! Real exhaust pipes.
I already reviewed before. This is the 2018 AMG C43. It was amazing. Check it out on DriveTribe under “North’s Auto Reviews.”
uhmm i think thats the pre-facelift….
It’s available with rwd only? If yes ut would be a killer!