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.
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
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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