DISPLACEMENT REPLACEMENT
Auto Today|December 2023
The C 43 is a brickbat to the face of the guy who said “There’s no replacement for displacement”, with the smallest engine making the most power a car with this badge has ever produced
Dipayan Dutta
DISPLACEMENT REPLACEMENT

Mercedes-Benz recently launched the C 43 AMG in India and it M is, for all intents and purpos.es, a new car. But that too is a strange juxtaposition, the C 43 now ditches the V6 from previous generations in favour of the four-cylinder 2.0-litre motor we've seen on the insane AMG A 45 S. For India, it also ditches the coupe body style in favour of the standard C-Class sedan platform, which defines most of the interiors as well sans the AMG bits. But with these new changes, Mercedes-Benz has pushed the price tag to an eye-watering Rs 98 lakh, which, compared to some very specific 'other German' saloons, makes the decision even more difficult. The crucial inquiry is whether the C 43 AMG justifies its price tag and if it can be deemed a genuine AMG model.

We won't delve into the specifics of the updates for this generation of the C-Class, assuming you're already familiar with them from previous reviews in Auto Today. But it's still worth noting the alterations made to the standard C-Class in this AMG upgrade. The Panamericana grille defines the front, complemented by aggressive bumpers, side skirts, and a diffuser that enhances its overall presence. The C 43 is further distinguished by lightweight AMGline 19-inch alloys and a quad exhaust layout. Inside, the black and red stitching, along with carbon fibre trim on the dashboard, add a touch of boy-racer to the C-Class’ otherwise practical cabin. The AMG-specific steering wheel, cluster graphics, and the Track Pace app on the infotainment screen contribute to the overall distinctive features of the interior.

This story is from the December 2023 edition of Auto Today.

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This story is from the December 2023 edition of Auto Today.

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