Mercedes has revealed so many new models in spicy flavors this past year that people have lost track of them. However, everything tastes the same if you add chilly. Likewise, if you include a V6 engine on several cars that are roughly the same size, they deliver similar aural experiences.
We are, of course, talking about the new twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. It was first introduced on models like the E 400 and "AMG" models such as the GLE 450 Coupe. However, the company changed its naming strategy slightly, reviving the 43 AMG nameplate.
So what is the C43 Coupe like? Well, in short, pretty "f-ing awesome". The soundtrack is just as visceral and emotionally thrilling as that of the SLC 43 model we showed you a couple of months ago. But the body that wraps around it is new and very sexy.
Call it marketing or staged engineering, the point is that this 367 hp version is not the best you can buy. The Mercedes-AMG E43 has a little over 400 ponies for the same lump. But the C-Class Coupe has got several cool bonuses, such as an active exhaust system.
Let's talk money! The Merc coupe with Audi RS3 power will set you back €61,300 in Germany. As you probably already know, the powertrain includes a standard 9-speed automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Those are the main differences between this and the C63, which starts at 78,000 euros and works its way nicely to 86k if you want the mightiest 510 PS model.
On that basis, the C43 still seems overpriced, but we don't see it that way. You see, every premium German test car we've ever had came with a sticker of at least €60,000. Even a 320d cost roughly that much.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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