The AMG GT does a good job of flying under the radar – at least in some respects. While not as extroverted as models such as Porsche 911 and Aston Martin Vantage, which are perhaps its closest rivals, it manages to deliver a unique combination of thunderous V8 power, striking design, and everyday usability – with a choice of sports car or four-door GT bodywork, the former being more out-there than the latter, which is much more subtle way of packing up to 800bhp. Not for everyone, of course, but certainly not a car you’ll forget having driven.
The AMG GT is an incredible feat of engineering, using AMG and Mercedes’s incredible motorsport pedigree to build an engineering showcase for the road. It’s a supercar in many ways, but not in others – if you need it to be, it can be quite docile, while unlike other high-performance models, the showmanship is as much on the inside as it is on the outside. The cabin is a work of art.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioNew AMG GT models start from around £100,700 for the entry-level GT 43 Coupe, rising to over £181,555 for the flagship GT 63 S E Performance hybrid. Visit the options list and you can do a quarter of a million if you put your mind to it – so no, this isn’t a cheap car. Used AMG GTs (2015 onwards) can be found from about £50,000 for early GT or GT S Coupes, with well-equipped GT C, GT R, or 4-Door Coupes typically ranging from £70,000 to £130,000 depending on age, mileage, and specification. They’re very hard to value, as each specification is individual and has its own type of appeal.
Here’s where the core to the AMG GT’s appeal lies – under that seductively curved bonnet. The smallest and least powerful engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit in the GT43. But while that might sound puny, it isn’t – it kicks out 416bhp and 500Nm of torque, so still delivers phenomenal performance. It sounds better than it has any right to as well. Most other GTs have a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. In the GT 55, it produces 469bhp, while the GT 63 increases this to 577bhp. Topping the range, the GT 63 S E Performance hybrid creates an astonishing 805bhp and an immense 1,420Nm of torque.
The GT 63 S E blends the power and soundtrack of that V8 engine with the efficiency and instant torque of an electric motor, hence the breathtaking acceleration and immense torque, but it also benefits from improved fuel economy – everything is relative, though, and it’s not a frugal car. Acceleration across the range is supercar-quick. Even the GT 43 sprints from 0–62 mph in 4.6 seconds, the GT 55 achieving it in 3.9 seconds and the GT 63 in 3.2 seconds. The GT 63 S E Performance delivers this in an incredible 2.8 seconds. Most models are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering either rear- or all-wheel drive, with adaptive suspension and a host of driver settings and advanced assistance systems.
The AMG GT might be about raw performance when you want it to be, but if you don’t need it to feel so eager, it’s also refined and surprisingly easy to use around town. The ride is firm but composed, especially in comfort mode, while sportier settings change things, to sharpen handling and throttle responses and minimise body roll.
While not as nimble as some rivals, notable those from Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche, the AMG GT is still a car with immense grip to match its performance. Its tractability and stability are never in doubt, but compared with some rivals the car’s sheer size and weight make it feel less nimble. That said, the steering is excellent, and the brakes are powerful, making it a confident companion for both road and track use.
Inside, the AMG GT exemplifies Mercedes luxury with high-quality materials such as Nappa leather, carbon fibre, and aluminium throughout the cabin – and that’s at the entry level. The car is equipped with an expansive 11.9–12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital cockpit, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and multiple Some of the ambient lighting settings are pure theatre – you can play around with them to make things change colour at night, or set light features that entertain your passengers while you focus on the road. All models get heated and ventilated seats and wireless charging as standard. For those seeking additional luxury, options include a panoramic sunroof, Burmester premium audio, and a range of advanced driver assistance systems. Personalised and AMG Line options are many and multiple – ranging from diamond weave leather floor mats to sparkly headlining, as well as some more functional extras such as illuminated door handles and polarising glass. It’s unlikely you’ll find two AMG GTs the same.
The Coupe offers 321 litres of boot space, which is enough for weekend luggage but not really suited to a tip run – but then, nor is the car. If you need more boot space, then the four-door Coupé increases practicality with up to 456 litres of ordinary luggage capacity and folding rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, it increases to approximately 675 litres, which should be enough for your golfing partner’s clubs as well as yours. Cabin storage is limited, but there are a few cupholders and small cubbies, as well as a phone charging tray in the console.
Standard equipment on the GT43 includes Mercedes’s excellent MBUX infotainment system, which even in earlier models is a well-integrated and easy-to-use set up. Native navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and digital dashboard are also standard, as is a full suite of driver aids (adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, surround cameras). Step up to the GT 55 and you get that brilliant premium Burmester sound system, upgraded upholstery, massage seats and additional ambient lighting settings. The GT 63 and GT 63 S E Performance add a panoramic sunroof, advanced adaptive suspension, and larger alloy wheels. At the top of the range, the track-focused GT 63 Pro has bespoke interior trim options, AMG-specific styling enhancements, and the most advanced adaptable driver settings in the range.
The AMG GT is available in GT 43, GT 55, GT 63, GT 63 S E Performance, and GT 63 Pro trims, with a wide choice of exterior colours and interior finishes for personalisation. Colour choices include the perennially popular Cirrus Silver and Obsidian Black, Patagonia Red, Arabian Grey, Moonlight White, and a number of bespoke AMG Line colours in matt and chrome-effect finishes. Interior options range from classic black to Auburn Brown, Red Pepper and Savanna Beige, again with some premium, bespoke options.
The AMG GT is equipped with all of the advanced safety features you’d expect: collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic braking, lane-keep assist, and multiple airbags. Reliability is generally good, with robust engines and build quality, but due to the high performance nature of the powertrain it does require regular, specialist maintenance and that won’t come cheap. It has not yet been Euro NCAP tested.
Fuel economy is pretty poor across the range, as you’d expect. The GT 43 and GT 53 models can achieve up to 24 mpg (WLTP), while the more powerful GT 55 and GT 63 versions return between 13 and 20 mpg. The GT 63 S E Performance hybrid is capable of up to 24 mpg (WLTP), but this depends entirely on how you use it – make the most of its eye-peeling performance and you won’t get anywhere near, nor will you probably care. All are in the highest insurance group, with annual road tax rates of £620 per year, and £5,490 in Year One.
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