The Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet that you see here is to C63 like how BMW M Performance is to pure-bred M cars or how the S models are to RS models in Audi's lineup.
Although these cars are marketed as models that are merely a notch lower from the top-of-the-line cars, their driving performance is often on par or even sweeter than them, thanks to technological advancement, superior engineering as well as attractive pricing.
This seems to be the case for the C43 Cabriolet. While it's a car that will never be as brutal as the V8-powered C63 S Cabriolet that we tested, it'll be one that many will choose over the bigger and more powerful brethren.
Up close and Personal
Shod with flared arches, enlarged intakes and 19-inch wheels, the C43 looks every bit as antagonistic as the C63 S Cabriolet. Along with its diamond grille and 4MATIC moniker, this car strikes a sweet balance between sporty and stylish.
Although these cars are marketed as models that are merely a notch lower from the top-of-the-line cars, their driving performance is often on par or even sweeter than them, thanks to technological advancement, superior engineering as well as attractive pricing.
This seems to be the case for the C43 Cabriolet. While it's a car that will never be as brutal as the V8-powered C63 S Cabriolet that we tested, it'll be one that many will choose over the bigger and more powerful brethren.
Up close and Personal
Shod with flared arches, enlarged intakes and 19-inch wheels, the C43 looks every bit as antagonistic as the C63 S Cabriolet. Along with its diamond grille and 4MATIC moniker, this car strikes a sweet balance between sporty and stylish.
As such, it's a rather unstated car. To the casual observers, this would easily pass off as another regular C-Class Cabriolet but it's only to the keen-eyed driver who will try and sneak up beside the C43 just to have a peek at the driver to give him the thumbs up.
Step inside and the cabriolet offers a personal touch that makes life easier for both the driver and passenger. Sporty red seatbelts are served to them once the doors have been pulled shut. Leather upholstery on the dash, door panels, centre console and armrest is topped off with red stitching that nicely matches the snazzy seatbelts.
While most 2+2 cabriolets often have a lack of space at the rear, the C43 is otherwise. Rear benches will fit two Asian adults without fuss, with adequate head and legroom.
Step inside and the cabriolet offers a personal touch that makes life easier for both the driver and passenger. Sporty red seatbelts are served to them once the doors have been pulled shut. Leather upholstery on the dash, door panels, centre console and armrest is topped off with red stitching that nicely matches the snazzy seatbelts.
While most 2+2 cabriolets often have a lack of space at the rear, the C43 is otherwise. Rear benches will fit two Asian adults without fuss, with adequate head and legroom.
The Drive
On the go, the C43 somehow shrugs off any kinds of assumption that it isn't as capable as the C63.
No doubt that the C43 doesn't feel as lunatic and brutal as the C63, it is lighter on its feet and has ample traction around tight and narrow switchbacks, thanks to its 4MATIC. Plus, with the 3.0-litre V6 powerplant tossing out 367bhp and 520Nm of torque, you'll rarely find that the car is lacking in any way.
What it isn't lacking, too, are the high levels of composure, the wonderfully-weighted steering that's sharp and precise to make quick directional changes with confidence and a crackling exhaust note that will put a smile on your face every time you accelerate.
The responsiveness of the engine and transmission is altered by the driving modes available. Sport Plus and Sport modes make for a more powerful and responsive shifts, while Comfort and Eco modes tune the car down a tad.
On the Italian highway, where long stretches of empty roads are of abundance, the C43 has a capable way of covering ground swiftly and serenely. Credit has to go to the willing nine-speed automatic transmission that provides for silky smooth cog changes and a pliant ride that soaks up bumps and ruts without coming across as too soft.
On the go, the C43 somehow shrugs off any kinds of assumption that it isn't as capable as the C63.
No doubt that the C43 doesn't feel as lunatic and brutal as the C63, it is lighter on its feet and has ample traction around tight and narrow switchbacks, thanks to its 4MATIC. Plus, with the 3.0-litre V6 powerplant tossing out 367bhp and 520Nm of torque, you'll rarely find that the car is lacking in any way.
What it isn't lacking, too, are the high levels of composure, the wonderfully-weighted steering that's sharp and precise to make quick directional changes with confidence and a crackling exhaust note that will put a smile on your face every time you accelerate.
The responsiveness of the engine and transmission is altered by the driving modes available. Sport Plus and Sport modes make for a more powerful and responsive shifts, while Comfort and Eco modes tune the car down a tad.
On the Italian highway, where long stretches of empty roads are of abundance, the C43 has a capable way of covering ground swiftly and serenely. Credit has to go to the willing nine-speed automatic transmission that provides for silky smooth cog changes and a pliant ride that soaks up bumps and ruts without coming across as too soft.
Conclusion
We can't say the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet 4MATIC is like Jekyll and Hyde where it can drive in a safe and serene manner in one minute and unleash hell with its road aggression in the next.
Rather, we reckon the car is simply a sweet and exciting proposition that has the power, style and aggression of a true blue AMG while maintaining the comfort and luxury of a Mercedes-Benz.
The German carmaker is aiming to have the car priced $100k lower than the C63 when it arrives in Singapore at the end of the year, which would be somewhere around the $400k mark.
When that happens, along with the car's resilient traits, it wouldn't come as a surprise that the C43 will be one that many will choose over the bigger and more powerful brethren.
We can't say the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet 4MATIC is like Jekyll and Hyde where it can drive in a safe and serene manner in one minute and unleash hell with its road aggression in the next.
Rather, we reckon the car is simply a sweet and exciting proposition that has the power, style and aggression of a true blue AMG while maintaining the comfort and luxury of a Mercedes-Benz.
The German carmaker is aiming to have the car priced $100k lower than the C63 when it arrives in Singapore at the end of the year, which would be somewhere around the $400k mark.
When that happens, along with the car's resilient traits, it wouldn't come as a surprise that the C43 will be one that many will choose over the bigger and more powerful brethren.
