Sublime power

The new Mercedes AMG C 43 has great speed coupled with brilliant control, handling and braking

With great power comes great responsibility. These words are so apt in the motoring world where with great speed comes an even greater responsibility of control, handling and braking. All these were amply demonstrated by the new Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 when I took it for a drive around the tracks of the Buddh International Circuit.
 
The AMG C 43 is powered by a 3.0 litre, V6, Bi-Turbo, petrol engine that bites harder than it barks. Yes, the exhaust note is quite throaty and sounds ferocious, but it does not do justice to how quick this sedan really is. The engine belts out 367 horses on the asphalt from 5,500-6,000 rpm. The AMG C 43 gets going rather quick because of the 520Nm of torque which comes in at 2,000 rpm and goes all the way up to 4,200 rpm. Its sublime performance is only complimented by the final performance figures — the sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in a mere 4.7 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 250 kmph.
 
With the well-integrated Bi-Turbo, the V6 engine does not feel linear in the least and the moment I floored the accelerator pedal I was thrown back in the seat. As the car sped on the BIC track, I simply enjoyed an immensely thrilling drive. The engine has been mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that is better known as the 9G-Tronic. The gear shifts are extremely smooth and deliver peak performance on demand. Different drive modes on offer also help the driver to squeeze the best performance from the sedan, depending on the requirement.

Mercedes AMG C 43

 
The AMG C 43 comes with Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual drive modes. Each mode puts the sedan in a different state of tune enabling the driver to optimise the performance. I drove the vehicle on the track, first in the Comfort mode and then shifted to the Sport+ mode. While in comfort, I felt a mild under-steered. However, in Sport+, this was completely negated and the AMG C 43 held its own rather well on the track.

Mercedes AMG C 43

 
Mercedes has put its AMG sport suspension in the sedan, which when coupled with the fat 245/40 R18 tyres proved to be incredibly efficient. The vehicle displayed immense grip even during high-speed cornering maneuvers and remained planted to the tarmac no matter what the BIC threw its way. The AMG C 43 has also been set up with the AMG speed sensitive sports steering, which is precise to driver inputs and inspires confidence no matter how fast you are pushing the sedan.
 
Mercedes has also built in adequate stopping power in the AMG C 43 via perforated discs in the front and discs brakes in the rear. The brakes have a mean bite and get their job done well. The overall engineering in the AMG C 43 is impeccable and will not leave you longing for more.
 

Mercedes has been synonymous with luxury and finesse since its inception. Over the years, it has skillfully crafted some of the finest automobiles known to man and its latest in India, the AMG C 43, is no exception to this. The vehicle comes with great build quality and finish, which would probably be rivalled only by another Mercedes. The design and aesthetics are also quite appealing apart from a host of handy features and functions for convenience and safety. If a power-packed ride is what really inspires you, then this is probably one of the best bets under Rs 1 crore.
  Report: Motown India; www.motownindia.com