Mercedes-Benz has launched the updated C43, which now features a four-cylinder engine. Though this move is quite controversial, the figures on paper seem rather promising. For starters, this motor produces a healthy 408 bhp of power and 500 Nm of torque. Power is put down via Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system that sends about 69% of power to the rear wheels and 31% to the front wheels. Additionally, it gets a new 9-speed gearbox that’s shared with the likes of the E63 AMG. The C43 now also features rear-wheel steering that can allow the rear wheels to turn as far as 2.5 degrees, which should give it better agility and practicality.
The suspension, too, sees an upgrade with an adjustable suspension that has three stages, which are comfort, sport and sport+, which aim to give the C43 a better balance between ride and handling. The exhaust system, too, has been updated with an exhaust that now has microphones embedded to pump sound from the exhaust into the cabin. The interior, too, sees an update with the latest interior for the C-Class, along with sportier seats and a set of red seat belts to go with it.
The C43 aims to bridge the balance between the sedate C-Class and the bonkers C63 AMG. Launched for Rs. 98 lakhs (ex-showroom India) and will go up against rivals such as the BMW M340i (Rs. 71.50 lakh) and the Audi S5 (Rs. 75.74 lakh) both of which undercut it by a significant margin.
We look forward to driving the all-new C43 to see how it fares in the real world.
