Friday, April 27, 2018

MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA Announces The Launch of the Locally Assembled Mercedes-AMG C 43 & GLC 43


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have created local history by offering locally assembled Mercedes-AMG C 43 performance 4 door sedan and GLC 43 performance SUV. This is the only brand right now who have done so and it is definitely a historic milestone. Priced at RM408,888 for the C43 and RM468,888 for the GLC 43, these offer a pretty stupendous performance to value ratio in the segment that they are in. 

Of course, what this shows is actually the confidence that the three pointed star marque has in Malaysia. No company would launch a high performance model unless they are completely satisfied that there is a demand for such vehicles and in this case, there is demand for high performance sedans and SUVs here in Malaysia. Now what does this state actually? Well, lots of high net worth individuals reside in Malaysia. 


“We are ecstatic to announce the launch of the first locally-assembled luxury performance cars in Malaysia – the Mercedes-AMG C 43 and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. With the introduction of these models, we expand the range of vehicles assembled at ourPekan production plant adding toour existing elegant limousines and premium SUV, the GLCs. With superior power, dynamic handling, aggressive design and luxurious appointment, this incredible AMG 43 pair of automobiles now come with irresistible value to the passionate Mercedes-AMG driver,” says Mark Raine, Vice President Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (pictured above) at the launch venue, the Sepang Circuit.

The Mercedes-Benz Plant in Pekan, Pahang is actually one of the best in the world. I had the opportunity to visit the plant October last year for one of their media briefings and I did come away impressed with the set-up. The facility at that point of time was actually among the top Mercedes-Benz assembly plants in the world and the production people are extremely proud of their achievements. In other words, local assembly of an AMG vehicle would be typically done to a world-class standard. I personally would have no qualms buying a locally assembled AMG model if my bank manager allows. 

Both of these AMG vehicles come with the AMG-enhanced Mercedes-Benz 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine which makes 367hp and 520Nm of torque. The powertrain is then coupled to the AMG specifically tuned 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission which then channels all of the performance through the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Of course, this is AMG optimised also.

What else can I say about this piece of news? It actually allows those who can afford these performance vehicles a chance to procure them at a slightly better price. From the looks of things, CKD or completely knocked down assembly of cars in Malaysia is the way to go if you want to sell more cars. Prices for locally assembled cars are cheaper from anything from RM10,000 to as much as RM200,000. And Malaysians have been taking advantage of the situation by actually buying these locally produced vehicles in larger numbers. 

There have been some other distributors or the manufacturers themselves who are still thinking whether to assemble locally or not. Of course it requires an investment of sorts but the proof is in the three pointed star by the looks of it.


PRODUCT BRIEF BY MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA -Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Followed by Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4MATIC

The racetrack limousine: Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC



The 43-series models from Mercedes-AMG provide the brand's hallmark emotive appeal and exciting Driving Performance for everyday use. Even at first glance, the characteristic AMG body styling leaves no doubt that this model is part of the Mercedes-AMG model family. The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC makes it possible for an even broader target audience to experience sports car technology and motorsports flair. The design is based on the AMG Line exterior, augmented by design elements specific to the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC in high-gloss black and silver chrome plus the "BITURBO 4MATIC" badge on the front wings.
AMG-specific: the 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine
The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine features technical advances including a modified boost pressure allowing AMG engineers to increase the engine's power output and torque as well as its dynamism and flexibility to typical AMG levels. With 270 kW (367 hp) and 520 Nm, the V6 engine sets new standards in its segment. The NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder liners is also used in the Formula One engines of MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS. Especially tough and, therefore, wear-resistant, this coating also reduces friction, thereby contributing to higher efficiency. The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminium insert in the engine cover.

Short shift times, high efficiency: AMG-tuned 9G-TRONIC
Thanks to the model-specific software application, the AMG developers managed to reduce substantially the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. The multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience. Defined ignition adjustments also provide faster gearshifts in the "Eco" and "Comfort" modes.
"Manual" mode can be enabled by pressing a button on the centre console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit.
With automatic variable damping: the sports suspension
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC offers the optimum conditions for high driving dynamics and outstanding comfort on long journeys thanks to the standard-fit AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. The four-link front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints; all components have been optimised in terms of rigidity.

A more negative camber on the front axle and on the multi-link rear axle enhances lateral dynamics. The elastokinematics of both axles have been designed to be more rigid in general. All these measures improve agility, and boost the dynamics. In addition, the driver benefits from reduced body roll, higher lateral acceleration, better traction, and strong neutral handling at the limit.
The driver can select the automatic adjustable damping system's three suspension modes "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus" using a button on the centre console to fully customise the driving impression.
Characteristics at the tap of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
With the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes "Eco", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport Plus" and "Individual", the driver can tailor the characteristics of the C 43 4MATIC to individual preferences at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension set-up and steering.

The "Sport Plus" mode in particular delivers impressive hallmark AMG dynamics and enhances the emotional appeal: partial cylinder suppression during gear changes by means of a momentary and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection under full throttle allows for even faster gear changes, and is also audible to the driver. This is perfectly complemented by the emotive double-declutching function when downshifting.
In order to increase efficiency, the ECO start/stop function and the 'sailing' function reduce fuel consumption in "Eco" mode: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.
Direct and with clear feedback: speed-sensitive sports steering
The speed-sensitive sports steering assists the agile cornering of the new C 43 4MATIC with its variable ratio. It stands out with its precise, highly authentic feedback. The servo assistance can be varied in the "Comfort" or "Sport" setting. The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalised in "Individual" mode.

Design elements bear typical AMG signature
Characteristic features of the sporty, striking exterior design include detachable body parts and trim in high-gloss black as well as the two tailpipe trim elements in a twin-tailpipe design.

The sporty, striking exterior design of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC is based on the AMG Line exterior and is augmented with specific features. These include the diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome with "AMG" lettering, the "BITURBO 4MATIC" badge on the front wings and the two tailpipe trim elements in a twin-tailpipe design plus high-gloss black detachable body parts and trim. The AMG spoiler lip on the boot is the same as the one on the AMG Performance model. 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish round off the design visually.
Interior with exclusive, sporty flair

The interior greets the driver with an authentic sports car atmosphere, with multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section, sports seats with enhanced lateral support and an exclusive AMG instrument cluster with AMG menu. The seat covers, door centre panels and also the upper part of the dashboard and beltlines are finished with red topstitching, a feature which is typical of the 43-series models.

Sports seats with AMG-specific seat upholstery layout and pronounced lateral support offer long-distance comfort and brace the passengers during dynamic cornering. A fitting complement to the sporty handling is the 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with flat bottom. The convincing looks and touch and feel comes in part also courtesy of loving details such as red contrasting topstitching, the moulded grip area, steering-wheel paddle shifters and the silver chrome steering wheel trim.

The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC at a glance:

Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC
Displacement
2996 cc
Output
270 kW (367 hp) at 5,500 – 6,000 rpm
Peak torque
520 Nm at 2000-4200 rpm
Fuel consumption
NEDC combined
8.0-7.8 l/100 km
CO2 emissions
183 - 178 g/km
Acceleration
0-100 km/h
4.7 s
Top speed
250 km/h***
Price (OTR without Insurance)
*price is inclusive of GST
RM 408,888


* Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, without driver and luggage); ** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg); *** Electronically limited; 250 km/h with AMG Driver’s Package


The sports SUV: Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC

The 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is used in numerous AMG performance models. It delivers 270 kW (367 hp) maximum output plus a maximum torque of 520 newton metres. The GLC 43 4MATIC sprints from rest to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and its speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. The newly developed front axle, the taut elastokinematics and the highly precise AMG speed-sensitive sports steering make a substantial contribution to the agile driving experience.

High on power, low on consumption: the AMG 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine
The AMG 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is capable of producing a powerful output with low consumption and emissions. Installed close to the engine, the two turbochargers are especially spontaneous in their response.
The NANOSLIDE® coating on the cylinder liners was also enhanced in the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 V6 hybrid turbo engines. Especially tough and, therefore, wear-resistant, this coating also reduces friction, thereby contributing to higher efficiency. The same applies to the spray-guided multiple injection with up to 200 bar fuel pressure. The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminium insert on the engine cover.

Short shift times, high efficiency: the 9G-TRONIC
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is especially matched to the demands of the GLC 43 4MATIC. Thanks to the model-specific software application, the AMG developers managed to reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. The multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience. Defined ignition adjustments also provide faster gearshifts than in the "Eco" and "Comfort" modes. "Manual" mode can be selected using a separate button in the centre console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit.

More agility: the sports suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL
For more agility, more neutral cornering characteristics and higher traction even in intensive use the Affalterbach developers have designed an autonomous sports suspension on the basis of the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension. Also specifically adapted, the Adaptive Damping system ADS PLUS can be adjusted in the three stages "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport Plus". It thus increases the kingpin inclination between high comfort on long journeys and sporty driving dynamics.
The four-link front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints; all components have been optimised in terms of rigidity. A more negative camber on the front axle and on the multi-link rear axle enhances lateral dynamics.

Rear-biased and agile: AMG Performance 4MATIC
The standard-fit all-wheel drive AMG performance 4MATIC is characterised by the rear-biased torque distribution of 31 percent at the front axle to 69 percent at the rear axle. This configuration ensures more driving dynamics and higher lateral acceleration on the road plus improved traction during acceleration.
Characteristics at the tap of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT

With the five DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, the driver can tailor the characteristics of the GLC 43 4MATIC to individual preferences at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to extremely sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the driver has the option of pressing the "M" button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Sport" and "Sport Plus" are even more strongly configured for driving dynamics on the GLC 43 4MATIC than on the series-production models. This is thanks to the more agile, more direct accelerator characteristic and the more emotive gear shifting with shortened shift times, double-declutching function and cylinder shut-off. The higher idle speed also facilitates even faster moving off and acceleration from standstill.

In order to increase efficiency, in "Eco" mode the ECO start/stop function and the gliding function reduce fuel consumption: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 60 and 160 km/h, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode.

Direct and with clear feedback: speed-sensitive sports steering
The speed-sensitive sports steering has a variable ratio in the GLC 43 4MATIC.
It stands out with its precise, highly authentic feedback. The steering power assistance is variable in the "Comfort" or "Sport" tuning. The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalised in "Individual" mode.

The large-dimensioned braking system with interior-ventilated compound brake discs decelerates the performance SUV reliably and quickly. At the front axle perforated discs sized 360 x 36 mm with 4-piston fixed callipers and AMG lettering are used, at the rear axle they are sized 320 x 24 mm with single-piston fixed callipers.

Sporty and distinctive: the exterior design
The autonomous design is enhanced with silver chrome coloured and high-gloss black features. It builds on the AMG Exterior line. The diamond radiator grille features chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black with inserts in high-gloss chrome and the AMG lettering.  The sportily distinctive air intakes in the AMG front apron feature fins in high-gloss black, courtesy of the AMG Night Package. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

High-gloss black-painted, high-sheen 21-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels dominate the side view. There are also high-gloss black door mirror caps and the silver-coloured "BITURBO 4MATIC" lettering on the front wings. With Night Package, striking design elements in black underscore the sporty, expressive character of the vehicle.

Sporty look with model-specific details: the interior design
The interior reinforces the consistently dynamic bias with numerous specially designed details. Ideal for a committed driving style, the multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching, and sits perfectly in the hand. The driver and front passenger find a secure position in the sports seats even when driving at speed, thanks to the improved lateral support.

With two large round dials and central colour multifunction display with a 13.97 cm (5.5-inch) diagonal the AMG instrument cluster places all the important information in the driver's field of vision. The ECO display supports a fuel-saving driving style. Dials in a chequered-flag look and the distinctive typography lend the large displays an especially sporty touch.




The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC at a glance:

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC
Number of cylinders/arrangement
V6 biturbo
Displacement
2996 cc
Output
270 kW (367 hp) at 5500-6000 rpm
Peak torque
520 Nm at 2500-4500 rpm
NEDC fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined
8.7 – 8.3 l/100 km
CO2 emissions
199 - 189 g/km
Acceleration
0-100 km/h
4.9 s
Top speed
250 km/h***
Price (OTR without Insurance)
*price is inclusive of GST
RM468,888


* Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, without driver and luggage); ** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg); *** Electronically limited; 250 km/h with AMG Driver’s Package

Ownership and care for your Mercedes-AMG 43 series

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia offers the Performance Agility Care package that comes with great value-added benefits for the Mercedes-AMG 43. For an attractive monthly instalment of RM 4,088* for the Mercedes-AMG C 43 over three years, for example, customers will enjoy the benefits of Agility Financing and scheduled vehicle maintenance and servicing. The first 5 customers (based on contract activation) will receive a Mercedes-AMG gift set worth approximately RM 4,700. This package is available from one to five year tenure. The Performance Agility Care package was designed to give customers convenience and peace of mind.

*Terms and conditions apply.

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