Celebrating its 50th Year as the three most powerful letters in the alphabet, AMG, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has recently unveiled not one but SIX new AMG tuned models to the Malaysian market! The line-up comprises the C 43 4Matic, C 43 4Matic Coupe, GLC 43 4Matic, GLC 43 4Matic Coupe, E 43 4Matic, and SLC 43.
And the reason for that headline, is that all six are powered by one engine. Taking pride of place in the esteemed lineage of 45-, 63- and 65-Series engines, Mercedes AMG now introduces the new 43-Series, a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6, mated to a 9-speed G-Tronic automatic gearbox. Yes, nine speeds, which sends power to all 4 wheels via the famed 4-Matic all-wheel-drive technology, except for the 43 SLC (below), which remains a true RWD roadster.
As part of their launch and introduction to the Malaysian market, MBM organised a half-day driving experience behind the wheels of the six new AMG’s. The actual specifications of the 43-Series engines can be read below, so from a more personal account, it has to be said that the new cars are absolutely, mouth-wateringly incredible.
The best part is, there’s a chance now for those who’ve only dreamt of ever owning an AMG, to actually get one, because they start below half-a-million ringgit, and with Mercedes-Benz’s Agility Financing, the monthly repayments start below RM5k. No, really.. Gone are the days when they cost a million and more, because here are six bona-fide AMG’s that many will be able to afford. And by the way, yes, that is none other than David Coulthard up there…
These are special Mercs to say the least, and VP of Sales & Marketing for MBM, Mark Raine (above) is especially proud of them. They look, feel, drive and even sound completely different from their stablemates wearing the same badges, and rightly so. The ‘AMG’ badge really does stand for something, and in this instance, all the new 43-Series models seem to have one thing in common; they are an absolute joy to drive.
Here’s the thing, it’s sort of a Dr.Jeckyll and Mr.Hyde deal with the 43’s. While externally and internally they all bear the familiar markings of any AMG, with all the right aesthetically sporty kit in all the right places, they also come with four different driving modes. If you keep the car in Comfort mode, apart from the characteristic burble of the V6 throbbing under the hood, the cars are as docile, comfortable and compliant as you’d expect any Merc in their respective categories to be.
Yes, there’s enough space for the family and friends (barring the SLC of course) and theoretically, the C, E and GLC can be used as family transport…the Adams Family that is. Snick the drive into ‘Sport+‘ and things take an incredible turn. Even at idle, the exhaust rumble becomes a lot more audible, even from within the cabin with the windows up. Try to think of the 43-Series engine as a lovable house-cat that morphs into a raging tiger if you prod it, and you’d not be far off the mark.
It’s mind-boggling how fast these cars are, and how well they put the power down on tarmac, while all the time feeling composed, stable and reassuring, even at speeds normally reserved for a race-track…oh wait, we were on a race-track. I guess that’s the beauty of the new AMG’s; you can pound the asphalt at Sepang on Sunday, and then drive the kids to school on Monday.
I’d hazard an opinion that these are not street-cars that you can race, nay, they’re race-cars that you can drive on the street. If it’s within your budget, you really need to go test drive one of the new AMG 43’s. Words do little justice as to just how remarkable they are, but you can hear it for yourself from AMG after the photo gallery – Chris Wee.
Specifications & Pricing…
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic – V6 , 2996cc, 367bhp @ 5,500rpm, 520Nm @ 2,000rpm, 0-100kmh: 4.7sec, Top Speed: 250kmh. Price: RM499,888
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic – V6 , 2996cc, 367bhp @ 5,500rpm, 520Nm @ 2,000rpm, 0-100kmh: 4.9sec, Top Speed: 250kmh. Price: RM538,888
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic Coupe – V6 , 2996cc, 367bhp @ 5,500rpm, 520Nm @ 2,000rpm, 0-100kmh: 4.7sec, Top Speed: 250kmh. Price: RM548,888
Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 – V6 , 2996cc, 367bhp @ 5,500rpm, 520Nm @ 2,000rpm, 0-100kmh: 4.7sec, Top Speed: 250kmh. Price: RM570,888
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4Matic Coupe – V6 , 2996cc, 367bhp @ 5,500rpm, 520Nm @ 2,000rpm, 0-100kmh: 4.9sec, Top Speed: 250kmh. Price: RM580,888
Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic – V6 , 2996cc, 401bhp @ 5,500rpm, 520Nm @ 2,000rpm, 0-100kmh: 4.6sec, Top Speed: 250kmh. Price: RM658,888
*prices inclusive of GST.
Mercedes- Benz AMG 43-Series Photo Gallery (Photos by Aaron Lee)
The gist of the 43-Series from Mercedes AMG…
Engine – The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine has been designed for performance and has a power output of 270 kW (367 hp) and 520 Nm. A modified engine control system and the spontaneously responding turbocharges make the high-tech power plant extremely high-spirited, capable of sprinting from 0-100kmh between 4.6 – 4.9 seconds. Visually, the red aluminium inserts in the engine cover are an identifying feature with a specific badge for the 43 series models. The E 43 4Matic is further uprated to 295kW (401hp).
Gearbox – All 43 series models are equipped with 9G-TRONIC, the perfect partner for the V6 sports engine allowing multiple downshifts for fast sprints and an emotional double declutching function in “Sport” and “Sport Plus”. The speed briefly revs up to 2000 rpm in “Sports Plus” driving range as the idle speed is also raised. The manual mode has an even sportier response – and the transmission does not automatically shift up on the rpm limiter. With the efficient coasting function on “Eco” programme, the vehicle uses its own kinetic energy.
Suspension & Steering – AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with AMG-specific axle components features continuous damping adjustment which can be set to 3 damping levels – “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus” – with a button in the centre console. This allows a huge spread between a sporty driving experience and a high level of comfort. In addition, with the AMG sports suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL (GLC 43 Coupé 4MATIC, E 43 4MATIC), different height levels can be set. The AMG Handling Package with AMG rear axle differential lock is available in the SLC 43 for improved traction in all driving situations.
With its constant, very direct ratios the AMG speed-sensitive sports steering provides for agile cornering. At the same time the steering power assistance adjusts to the DYNAMIC SELECT driving programmes in two characteristics (“Comfort” and “Sport”).
4MATIC – The standard all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC (except on the SLC 43) is characterised by the rear-biased torque distribution of 31% on the front axle to 69% on the rear axle. This design provides for enhanced driving dynamics, higher lateral acceleration on the road and improved traction when accelerating. The noticeable effect: cornering performance improves, the vehicle feels like it is driving on rails.
The AMG ‘sound’ experience – The engine sound defines the AMG experience. The selected driving programme (DYNAMIC SELECT), the engine speed and the load influence the sound characteristics. In “Sport Plus” mode in particular the double- declutching has a thrilling sound and brings a motor racing spirit to everyday driving. Conversely, in “Eco” or “Comfort” cold starts are markedly quieter.
