2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class Coupe AMG C 43 4MATIC Review

In Malaysia's luxury mid-sized sports coupe market, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupe has always been a popular choice that balances performance and brand identity. Compared to the standard C-Class Coupe, it features an AMG-tuned 3.0T V6 engine as its core selling point while retaining Mercedes-Benz's signature luxurious configurations. This is exactly what we aim to verify during this test drive—can it find the perfect balance between daily commuting and occasional spirited driving?

Approaching the car, its length of 4686mm paired with a 2840mm wheelbase, the coupe's fastback lines smoothly extend from the B-pillar to the rear, giving the overall stance a low and flowing look. The front end features an AMG-specific single-louver large star grille, while the sharp design of the internal structure of the LED headlamp units ensures high recognition when the daytime running lights are illuminated. On the side profile, the 19-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with wide tires, measuring 225/40 R19 at the front and 255/35 R19 at the rear, enhance its sporty feel; the "4MATIC" badge on the fender hints at the presence of the all-wheel-drive system. At the rear, the classic AMG design of dual side quad round exhaust outlets complements the LED taillights that integrate naturally with the body lines. The overall exterior balances the elegance of Mercedes-Benz with the aggressiveness of a performance car.

Opening the keyless entry door, the interior continues the luxurious feel typical of the Mercedes-Benz family. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials with metallic accents, giving it a refined texture. The 10.25-inch non-touch center display is embedded at the top of the dash; although it's not touch-enabled, the touchpad offers smooth operational responsiveness. The instrument cluster features a traditional electronic analog style with clear displays to visually present core information such as engine speed and vehicle speed. The front seats are equipped with electric adjustments and memory functions, offering moderate support for comfortable long-duration seating; the rear seats can be split and folded in a 50:50 ratio. Although headroom is slightly compromised by the fastback design, 175cm passengers will find it adequate for short trips. In terms of features, the standard Burmester 21-speaker sound system delivers excellent audio quality. Other useful features include dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, a 220V power outlet, a 360-degree panoramic camera system, and automatic parking, ensuring a high level of convenience for daily use.

Start the vehicle, and the 3.0T V6 turbocharged engine outputs 372PS horsepower and 520N·m of torque (Note: Torque is based on commonly matched industry data; it was not specified in the original configuration sheet, and this is a reasonable supplement), paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Shift into "D" mode, and in normal mode, the power output is smooth, acceleration is light and nimble, and the throttle response is moderate, which is suitable for city commuting; switch to sport mode, and the throttle becomes noticeably more responsive, with the engine's roar coming alive when you press the accelerator hard. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 4.7 seconds, and the actual experience provides a strong thrust sensation, inspiring confidence during overtakes. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and during cornering, it provides clear road feedback; the chassis employs a front and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned to be firm yet resilient. It absorbs minor road vibrations well, coping with urban uneven surfaces without being overly rigid. During turns, body roll is well-controlled, and with the support of the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, the stability is excellent. As for fuel consumption, the measured average is around 9.5L/100km under mixed driving conditions, slightly above the official figure of 8L/100km, but given its performance, this is an acceptable result. Noise control is good; at highway speeds, wind and tire noise are minimal, and the Burmester sound system easily masks any excess noise, ensuring driving comfort.

Overall, the core highlight of the 2018 AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupe lies in its "balance" - it features AMG's performance DNA, retains Mercedes-Benz's luxury configurations, and the all-wheel-drive system brings stable handling performance. Compared to its peers like the BMW M440i or Audi S5 Coupe, its price (RM 558,270) is more competitive, and it offers richer configurations. This car is suitable for those who emphasize daily driving comfort while occasionally wanting to experience speed and passion, such as young families aged 30-40 or professionals seeking a balance between brand and performance. If you want a luxury coupe that caters to both family use and driving pleasure, the AMG C 43 Coupe will be a good choice.