The C43 Coupe that you see here has just gone through some updates and is currently the top-of-the-line model in the entire C-Class lineup until the C63 makes its appearance.

What these updates mean for the C43 Coupe is some minor styling tweaks, more power and small but nevertheless important touches within the exaggeratedly sporty cabin.


She moves like a ballerina

On the road, the C43 Coupe is nothing short of sensational. While it retains its 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbocharged powerplant, performance figures, specifically horsepower, has been increased by as much as 23bhp. Thus, the engine is now capable of sending 390bhp and a mountain-moving 520Nm of twisting force to all four wheels from the word go.

But it isn't just about the speed that makes this car such an amiable machine. Instead, it's the way it dances on the tarmac with such sprightliness that makes it so endearing.

With its effortless throttle response and little lag throughout the entire rev range, the engine constantly encourages free and quick revving to the 6,500rpm redline. This instils a charming sense of urgency to the C43 Coupe as it smashes the century sprint with absolute aplomb and drama in just 4.7 seconds.

Words like aplomb and drama are used here because the car, with its low-slung two-door layout, manages to keep its body tight and sharp around long sweeping bends and short tight corners. Having a well-weighted steering certainly helps in this case, especially when you're carving corners after corners at high speeds.

It's loud, too, with a delightful exhaust soundtrack that gets intensified with every prod of your right foot. Heighten the engine settings with Sport+ mode and pops and crackles from the exhaust are aplenty with every down shift.

Supplementing the car's dramatic aggression is the lightning quick nine-speed transmission that changes with alacrity and accuracy. It does well in mixing smoothness with responsiveness in a way that's befitting of a daily-driven sports car, regardless of drive mode you're on.