Mercedes-AMG C43/63 Coupe

2017 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

2017 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Coupe

The AMG version of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe now comes with two different versions to choose from. For those who wished to have an AMG C Coupe but deserved to be more accessible to get through the most out of it, there's a brand new C43 Coupe 4MATIC that was catered for drivers like them or for the privileged few, there's a new C63 Coupe packed with the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine as its other equivalents.

Both of these AMG C Coupes behave differently in terms of performance and driving pleasure car enthusiasts would enjoy as well as the pricing that I'll going to mention it later on. First off, let's focus on the AMG C63 Coupe because this is the one I'm particularly familiar with.

In its base version, the 4.0L V8 engine produces 469HP of power and 479  lb-ft of torque but in the high-end S model, it produces 503HP of power and 516 lb-ft of torque, around four less than the previous limited-edition C63 Edition 507. Both of these variants are mated with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed gearbox but here on the C63 S Coupé, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 250kph or 290 km/h with the optional AMG Driver's Package. Apart from the engine variations, it comes with the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the rear-axle limited-slip differential or the dynamic engine mounts, for better handling compared to the previous C63 AMG coupe. Although lairy to drive at, the new C63 behaves like a matured adolescent ready to man up in the face of anyone at the college grounds.

Of course, it maybe more matured to drive compared to the last one but when compared to the BMW M4, its chief rival, the new C63 means serious business because it has enough power to scrape off the M4, However, when compared against cars like these, it may start finding difficulty to catch up when compared to its more powerful rival, the Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, which remains a jelly in every car enthusiasts' envy. Why can't I get the ATS-V Coupe instead of this? Sure, it maybe more powerful compared to this car, it hasn't arrived in Europe yet, although when it did, the starting price of 77,826 Euros for the C63 would be doomed and it will be eaten alive easily in terms of value.

So, what about the C43? Since the advent of the SLC43 AMG a few months ago, I started to be skeptical when I said that the 43er that will soon cause misery for the AMG fans everywhere and the AMG we all know is gone and went into something hard water rather than faith in science. In general, AMG 43 models will serve as entry-level models to slot below 63ers. This C43 is one of them and you can think of it as...AMG seminar 101.

Forget about seminars because the C43 offers the similar 3.0L V6 twin turbo engine from the SLC43, which produces a more powerful 367PS of power and 520Nm of torque. Yes, it's mated with a 9G-TRONIC gearbox but exclusive on this model, it has a 4MATIC four-wheel drive system, which makes it personal when it feels under the weather. 

It can be fit for a multirole but because this is a four-wheel drive system, its mild handling just spoils its sense of humor and handling one of these in the bends is a risky struggle that requires a lot of painkillers on your glove compartment when it aches upon hard cornering in different regions. Do you consider fun to drive? As a long-distance semi-grand tourer, it should be fun, nice, and easy. You'll spend lots of time getting to know more about this car as you drive along the open roads without all the drama intended for your driving pleasure. The C43 maybe harsh on track days but on open roads, it's not so bad at all, especially its 61,285 Euro introductory price.

With these models, the AMG lineup is becoming a diversity for car enthusiasts at all levels and there's an AMG for every driver that matches to the level of his or her driving pleasure. So, which AMG C-Coupe would you consider? It's going to be a tough choice choosing either one of the two but I'll leave the rest to you.

Photo: Daimler AG