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Mercedes-AMG C43 Priced: Should the M340i be Worried?
Sometime before the end of 2022, the local arm of Mercedes-AMG showcased its C43 and C63 S E Performance models at its plant in full view of South African motoring media.
At that time, it had no price tag and fast-forward to 2023, and the marque finally slapped the deputy with a price tag. It's… uhm… a hefty one at R1,608,810. For a clear perspective, that's about R300,000 more than the newly launched BMW M340i xDrive, priced at R1,338,207.
The Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic+ sees the M340i mentioned above xDrive as its direct rival and ups the ante with its compact yet potent 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 300 kW (310 kW on overboost) and 500 Nm accessed via a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
How does it compare to the M340i xDrive? The Munich product packs a 3.0-litre inline-6 powerplant that pumps out 285 kW, and 500 Nm, also shoved to all-fours via an 8-speed sports automatic transmission.
The C43's 0-100 km/h sprint time is dispatched in 4.6 seconds and will continue to run until a top speed of 250 km/h or 265 km/h with the optional AMG Driver's Package. Its rival, the M340i xDrive, completes the same task a smidgeon quicker in 4.3 seconds before maxing out at 250 km/h.
Standard AMG light-alloy wheels are offered in 18" size or optional 19" or 20". Also included in the standard package is the AMG Ride Control steel-spring suspension with an Adaptive Damping System and rear-wheel steering.
To help it stand out from the lesser C-Class models, the C43 comes fitted with AMG-specific details such as an AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical struts in chrome, AMG front apron with flics, sporty air intakes and chrome-plated trim element, matching side sill panels, a diffuser-look rear apron plus two round twin-tailpipes.
In typical AMG style, the interior gets AMG seats with a distinctive upholstery layout and seat covers in Artico artificial leather/Microcut microfibre in black with contrasting red stitching and red seat belts.
Other interior features include an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, silver-coloured aluminium gearshift paddles, an instrument panel and beltlines upholstered in Artico artificial leather with red topstitching.
You also get AMG sports pedals, floor mats and illuminated door sill trims with AMG lettering.
As a model that bridges the gap between the brutal C63 S E Performance and the regular C-Class models, the Mercedes-AMG C43 promises to become another thrilling product even with its smaller yet potent powerplant. It would be interesting to witness the fight between the two Germans.
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