The new Mercedes-AMG GT coupe has gone on UK sale just before Christmas, with prices that even Santa might bridle at: the first batch of Premium Plus, Performance and Launch Edition models start at £164,765.
That’s a lot of money for Merc’s 911 rival, but the price is inflated because it’s launching in punchy Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4Matic+ spec, meaning it’s the ballistic 577bhp AMG version complete with bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8.
The new GT launched this summer at 2023 Monterey Car Week after a long wait. And, while it doesn’t look all that different compared to the first generation, there’s a lot going on beneath those new curves.
Are you sure this is a new one?
We’re sure – mainly because this new GT shares its footprint and wheelbase with the SL convertible.
Key design highlights include what the design team call ‘power domes’ over the bonnet, new headlights with triple-dash day-running lights (DRLs) and 3D-shaped rear light clusters.
As standard, the AMG GT has an active rear wing, while an aero package on the options list features the fixed wing pictured above.
Inside, it’s almost entirely like its SL roadster sibling. Mercedes-Benz’s ‘hyper analogue’ display comprises a deeply inset driver’s instrument panel and a central touchscreen that rises up from the dashboard.
Unlike the SL’s version, though, it doesn’t adjust back and forward depending on sunlight. Given it’s a coupe with less chance of catching the rays in bright sunshine, this shouldn’t present a problem.
The biggest change, though, is the fact the AMG GT is now a 2+2. Given it runs on the SL platform (to save development budget), some of the SL’s traits have come along for the ride. But, given the low roofline, the rear seats are only for those measuring up to 1.5 metres tall, according to Mercedes-Benz. They can also fold down, boosting boot space – which, itself, is larger than before.
CAR has sat in the rear seats and can vouch that they are pretty diddy rear pews for occasional use or children. Handy for bags though.
So it’s more practical? What about performance?
Again, the new AMG GT leans heavily on the SL here. It launches as a V8 in GT 55 and GT 63 trims, with four-cylinder and even plug-in hybrid models set to join the range at a later date. And, to add to the engineering complexity, the V8 models launch with 4Matic all-wheel drive.
The GT 55 delivers 469bhp and 516lb ft, sprinting to 62mph in 3.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 183mph.
The GT 63 develops 577bhp and 590lb ft, good for a 3.2sec 0-62mph sprint and a top speed of 195mph.
On top of that, technology like AMG’s Ride Control adaptive suspension with active roll control is included, as is a rear differential and rear-wheel steering. Carbon ceramic brakes are optional.
