Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan, Estate and Coupe 2016 | new car sales price

Mercedes has confirmed the price of its new budget brawler, with the AMG C43 range to kick off from $101,900 (MSRP) when it arrives in Australia in October.

Designed to bridge the gap between the comparatively tepid C-Class range and the ballistic AMG C63 S, the new C43 is an AMG-tuned version of Mercedes' 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that'll generate 270kW and 520Nm, fed through a performance-fettled nine-speed torque converter automatic equipped with a double-declutch function in Sport and Sport Plus modes.

It's enough to send the AMG C43 to 100km/h in 4.7secs – just seven-tenths of a second slower than the most powerful C-Class sedan, the AMG C63 S.

Unlike the C63 S, which sends its power to the rear wheels, the AMG C43 range is equipped with Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system,  although with a rear-wheel bias which will send up to 67 per cent of the power to the back tyres.

The '43' models boast the characteristic AMG genes.

The AMG C43 range will arrive in three body styles - Sedan, Estate (wagon) and Coupe – with pricing from $101,900, $104,400 and $105,615, plus on-road costs, respectively. A fourth body style, the AMG C43 Cabriolet, is expected to arrive in December, accompanied by drop-top versions of the C200, C300 and C63 S.

"The extension of the C-Class family to include the new C43 models is another component in our growth strategy," says Mercedes-AMG GmbH chairman Tobias Moers. "The '43' models boast the characteristic AMG genes, which are also included in our GT and '63' vehicles, and thus consistently interpret our brand essence of 'Driving Performance' in their segment."

The AMG C43 marks the current C-Class's first entry into Australia's junior-performance market already occupied by Audi's S4 and BMW's 340i, both of which share the DNA of their RS and M Division siblings, without sharing the price tag. Likewise, the C43 shaves around $50,000 off the C63 S's $154,900 list price.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloys, a head-up display, sports suspension and exhaust, LED intelligent lights and a sat nav-equipped multimedia system paired with a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system.

It's not just about the power, it's about the performance components and level of specification.

The C43 also arrives with an impressive suite of standard safety kit including nine airbags, collision warning with AEB, lane-keep assistance and blind-spot monitoring, along with a 360-degree camera.

"The C43 range allows us to tap into a different performance enthusiast market in Australia," says Mercedes-Benz Australia's Public Relations and Product Communications Manager, Jerry Stamoulis.

"It's not just about the power, it's about the performance components and level of specification. All-in-all, it's a tremendous package for those who might not have otherwise considered a C63 S."

Mercedes-Benz expects Australian deliveries to begin in October.

Do you think the C43 will be your pick for your next performance car? Tell us what you think in the comments below.