2017 Mercedes-AMG E43 review, test drive

What's it like to drive?

Extremely rapid, to begin with. It would be. With the traction of the four-wheel-drive system and the zingy engine pulling hard all the way to the redline, the E43 is capable of doing 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds; hardly junior sedan performance. And what makes it even more enjoyable is that this motor loves to spin fast. In fact, the faster you spin it, the smoother it feels, and is also so sweet sounding and characterful to listen to that you just revel in pulling it hard at every opportunity. So, if you are willing to work the mill, the performance is there. Still, there's no getting away from the fact that you miss the effortlessness of the V8-powered cars, especially the explosion or torque, and that NASCAR-like rumble from the exhausts.

Also absent is the playful and crisp handling of the full fat AMG products. The V8s have what is as close as you can get to a purpose-built chassis. Sure, in isolation, the E43's steering is pretty good and because it is air-sprung, it seems more stable at higher speeds. The four-wheel-drive system, however, feels a bit slow to react and the E43 doesn't take corners with the same poise and grip as other AMG cars used to. So yes, this is a clear step down by regular AMG sporting standards. But on the flip side, its softer and more rounded character is likely to have a wider appeal. It feels more Mercedes, to begin with. The car is still very comfortable to sit in, almost as comfy as a regular Merc, and the driving controls are nice and light as well, but dig a little deeper and it does have a hint of a sporty edge. Ride, however, is a bit stiff at low speeds, even in 'Comfort', and the standard Merc-spec gearbox feels a bit slow, especially when you are waiting for the next gear under power.

Should I buy one?

If you are someone who enjoys driving a Mercedes, enjoys all the smoothness and refinement of the regular car, but at the same time wants a lot more performance, this AMG is for you. No, it isn't as sporty or as hard-edged as the V8-powered AMGs, that track-car-like handling is missing and it isn't as refined as a regular Merc either. But if you are looking for the perfect halfway house between one of AMG's extreme machines and a regular Merc E-class, this probably is it. Yes, it is likely to cost around Rs 15 lakh more than the E350d, the one with the long wheelbase and air suspension, and that isn't an insignificant amount. But if you are self-driven and like a bit more punch, power and individuality, the E43 is likely to offer a lot.