Stuttgart - The facelift that was announced for the C-Class range last month has now been applied to the Mercedes-AMG C43 model and it also brings more power to the party.
Although it doesn’t inherit Merc’s new straight-six as many fans might have hoped for, the current 3-litre twin-turbo V6 has been beefed up to the tune of 17kW, now producing 287kW, while peak torque remains at 520Nm. 0-100km/h comes up in 4.7 seconds, according to claims, while the top speed is limited to 250km/h.
As before, power is transferred to the road by a nine-speed automatic gearbox and rear-biased, AMG-tuned 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
Styling changes are subtle, with the C43 getting a new twin-louvre grille design upfront, finished in matt iridium silver, as well as new aprons front and back and two fresh alloy wheel designs. Buyers can opt for an AMG styling package that brings a more prominent front splitter, broader side skirts and a spoiler lip.
Moving inside, the C43 is now available with a 31.2cm digital instrument cluster, with three AMG-specific display modes. Unlike in the latest A and E-Class, the instrument and infotainment screens are not adjacent - instead the former is built into the deep-set instrument cowls to create a far sportier effect.
Also lifting the cabin ambience are a redesigned flat-bottom steering wheel, with galvanised gearshift paddles, and new dashboard trim elements, including open-pore oak wood and walnut and longitudinal-grain aluminium.
As for gadgets, the Track Pace system has been improved to provide keen drivers with even more dynamic data, including lap and sector times, and for less exciting situations the Energising Comfort Control system has been added to the options list, networking the various comfort systems including ventilation, lighting and music to create mood-specific wellness programmes.
The facelifted C-Class range is due to go on sale in South Africa around mid-year, with C43 models possibly following at a later stage.