DISPLACEMENT REPLACEMENT

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

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.