New Mercedes C-Class gains AMG C43 version and 4MATIC diesels
362bhp Mercedes-AMG C43 announced along with 4MATIC 4x4 versions of the regular C-Class
Mercedes is expanding its C-Class line-up in the UK, adding saloon and estate versions of its C43 performance model and making 4MATIC four-wheel drive available on selected diesel editions. The new cars are on sale now with the first deliveries due in September 2016.
The C43 saloon and wagon get the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol as the C43 coupe, with 362bhp and 520Nm, plus a nine-speed automatic gearbox and 4MATIC four-wheel drive. The saloon matches the coupe’s 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds, while the estate takes a little longer, at 4.9 seconds; the top speeds of both cars are limited to 155mph.
Standard kit includes Merc’s Artico synthetic leather, 18-inch alloy wheels and gloss-black side mirrors. The C43 saloon emits 178g/km of CO2 on 18in wheels and costs from £44,460, while the C43 estate emits 181g/km and starts at £45,250.
Merc’s 4MATIC four-wheel drive system is being offered on higher-end Sport and AMG Line versions of the automatic-gearbox C220d and C250d, meanwhile. It comes with a £1500 price premium over the equivalent rear-drive model, and also takes a modest hit on CO2 emissions.
The difference between models depends on wheel sizes, but the cleanest 220d auto saloon rises from 109g/km to 122g/km with 4MATIC, while a C250d estate on 19in rims jumps from 125g/km to 134g/km. Four-wheel drive is also being offered on the C200 petrol model, but only on the coupe.
In addition, Mercedes has added a new trim level to the C-Class saloon and estate ranges. Called SE Executive, it costs £1,295 more than an SE model but brings 17in alloy wheels, Park Assist, a Garmin-based sat-nav system, heated front seats and a split folding rear seat.
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