Mercedes-AMG GT: The Ultimate Luxury Sports Coupe Cometh
Living a double life as the impressive SL roadster, Mercedes-AMG has ripped the covers off its new GT Coupe, which seeks to take over the baton from the first-generation model that was introduced locally in 2015.
As a replacement for the iconic Mercedes-AMG SLS, the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe has always been a compelling grand tourer that combines the usability of the GT S with the aggressive styling and dynamic precision of the brutal GT R.
It’s now entering its second generation, and to begin with, it will be sold in two variants: 63 and 55, both wielding V8 power. It remains to be seen if the SL 43’s 2.0-litre turbocharged unit will make its way to the GT series.
Speaking of the V8 power, it’s a 4.0-litre biturbo engine with 430kW and 800Nm in the case of the GT 63 and 350kW and 700Nm in the GT 55.
Both models’ performance is impressive, and with the 4Matic+ system, the GT 63 dashes from 0-100km/h in a Porsche 911 Turbo S-threatening 3.2 seconds before hitting the top speed of 315km/h. The GT 55, on the other hand, gets the same job done in 3.9 seconds en route to a 295 km/h top speed.
The transmission is a lightweight AMG MCT 9G ‘box with a wet starting clutch, which replaces the torque converter.
In terms of styling, the new Mercedes-AMG GT looks the part and follows the same recipe that we’ve been accustomed to in the outgoing model, thanks to a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a steeply raked windscreen.
In typical AMG style, the GT features a large Panamericana grille, distinctive headlights with digital illumination, and daytime running lights marked by three ‘light dots’. Other features include a darkened interior of the headlights with brushed surfaces, power domes on the bonnet, and a lower air intake.
Moving to the rear, the GT embodies a fastback silhouette, a large tailgate, an active, deployable spoiler, horizontally-connected LED taillights with a 3D ‘light dots’ lighting signature, as well as a large rear diffuser with neatly integrated twin tailpipes.
The duo rides on 20-inch wheels that measure 295/35 at the front and 305/35 at the back.
Inside, the GT can be optionally ordered with a 2+2 seat configuration, thanks to Mercedes-AMG making it longer than its predecessor. Interior features include an 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen information display, sports seats with integrated headrests, and an AMG performance steering wheel.
The AMG GT has always had its own distinctive identity and a charisma that is hard to resist. The new one boasts all the right ingredients to suggest it should be an even more exciting and better-packaged product.
