C450 AMG Sport 4Matic
estate we drove and enjoyed a little while back? That has met its demise even before reaching UK customers. Instead they will be offered the first of a new range of AMG models that sit below the flagship cars, the Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Coupe.
Another day, another niche filled by Mercedes!
You will notice it uses the performance division's distinctive two-digit model designation; back in the day the C43 was very much a full-fat AMG and the first of the V8 C-Classes too. Now it will herald a newly formalised 'junior' range of AMG cars using the '43 designation and fitted with the 367hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 used in the C450. The first of these new-school models will be the C-Class Coupe version.
Is this a risky strategy for AMG though? We've become used to the 'junior' versions of performance brands, be they M Performance BMWs to the full M range or S Audis to their RS equivalents. And arguably this is AMG following suit, though it'll require some tactful brand management to ensure clear space between them and the 'full' AMG models at the top of their respective ranges. Especially given the adoption of the two-digit AMG designation.
The fact AMG boss Tobias Moers has been drafted in to announce the cars underlines their status. "The '43' models boast the characteristic AMG genes, which are also included in our GT and '63' vehicles, and thus consistently interpret our brand essence of 'Driving Performance' in their segment," he says in a press release. "Sports car technology and motor racing flair thus become more attainable and appeal to a broader customer base," the announcement continues, Mercedes continuing on its quest for a younger set of customers.
Mercedes claims just 4.7 seconds to 62mph
The new C43 4Matic is certainly quick enough to blur the boundaries between civilian C-Class Coupes and the flagship V8 powered C63. Torque is a burly 383lb ft and 367hp is - by a quirk of fate - an identical power output to that of the CLK55 AMG from just a few years back, the new C43 4Matic coming with 9G-Tronic transmission and able to blitz the 0-62 sprint in just 4.7 seconds. The 476hp C63 Coupe maintains a seven tenths cushion, the 510hp S doing it in 3.9 if it can find the traction. Suffice to say, by any standards these will be rapid cars. Certainly the C450 estate we drove was a fast, fun and pleasantly under the radar alternative to a full-fat AMG; little wonder Mercedes is rolling the engine out across the range.
Moers' willingness to put his name to the cars stems from additional chassis engineering including AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension controlled by the familiar AMG Drive Select modes and new front suspension knuckles with settings inspired by the C63. Bigger brakes also feature, not to mention one or two AMG branded trim pieces...
More on UK pricing and availability from the Geneva launch next week.