Competes with: Porsche Panamera Turbo, Audi RS 7
Looks like: Production version keeps most of what made the AMG GT Concept stunning
Drivetrain: 429-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder (GT 53); 577-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 (GT 63); and 630-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 (GT 63 S); nine-speed automatic transmission; standard full-time all-wheel drive with variable torque split
Hits dealerships: Early 2019 for GT 63 and GT 63 S, mid-2019 for GT 53
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, the first sedan developed exclusively by Mercedes-Benz’s AMG, brings to production a striking design that stays faithful to the AMG GT Concept’s “Sensual Purity” theme. The performance luxury stunner was a hit of the 2017 New York International Auto Show.
Related: More 2018 Geneva Motor Show News
The concept’s family resemblance to AMG’s high-end two-seaters also remains intact, including the rear end that appears taken from the AMG GT coupe. The car will have its official unveiling today at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. A U.S. debut is expected at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
For the U.S., this AMG GT hatchback sedan will be solely a four-door, four-seat fastback, though a five-seater will be offered in some markets. There will be two AMG 63 V-8 variants with up to 630 horsepower that will go on sale starting in early 2019; an inline-six AMG 53 model with a mild-hybrid system will follow later in the year. All have all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Exterior
Like the concept, the production version of the AMG GT “4-door coupe” has a wide, deep grille, a hood that goes on forever and a fastback that slopes into a short, coupelike bootie with razor-thin taillights. Below the big mouth is an aggressive “jet wing” front bumper with gaping side inlets. As with the sleek new 2019 CLS, and the “coupe” effect is enhanced by the steep windshield rake, frameless side windows and the big wheel arches.
Extra-cost appearance options include a Night Package with glossy black trim, a Chrome Package that goes the other way, and a couple carbon fiber trim packages, as well as aerodynamic options that amp up the aggressive looks; these can include an active, extendable rear spoiler.
Interior
The interior has an AMG version of the S-Class curving dash and dual 12.3-inch displays for instruments and multimedia controls behind a single sheet of glass. In the AMG GT, you can select one of three styles for the displays: Classic, Sport and a new Supersport. The latter offers additional AMG-specific information, such as a prompt for gear changes when the transmission is in manual mode.
The center display handles functions such as navigation, phone and vehicle data. The configurable instrument screen includes the expected gauges, as well as performance choices such as G-force or the current output and torque.
Despite the sporty character of the GT, it’s still a big luxury car, and another S-Class touch inside is the available Energizing Comfort system with pre-programmed packages to set a cabin mood, varying climate control, seat control, massage functions, steering wheel heating and ambient lighting. It also includes varying scents, but the AMG GT gets one fragrance all its own that Mercedes describes as “sporty” (Axe body spray?)
A new AMG steering wheel includes the ability to control the infotainment system using finger swipes on touchpads, and available is an add-on that includes on the spokes a round controller with integral display and extra control buttons.
Upholstery and seat options range from performance seats to cushy quilted leather. Rear-seat options for the U.S. include a pair of non-folding carbon-fiber-backed seats and a 40/20/40-split, folding “executive” backseat that’s also available with its own touchscreen and controls.
Under the Hood
An abundance of power is a given for all versions of the AMG GT, and the engines will be familiar from other models. The GT 63 features a 577- hp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that puts out 553 pounds-feet of torque. For the GT 63 S, that output is boosted to 630 hp and 627 pounds-feet of torque, and the engine has standard active engine mounts (optional on the 63). The AMG 53’s inline-six puts out 429 hp and 384 pounds-feet of torque. All are mated to nine-speed automatics and include torque-splitting, rear-bias all-wheel drive.
The inline-six includes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an electric motor that combines the starter and alternator, and contributes up to 21 hp and 184 pounds-feet of torque. The system also includes a 48-volt battery to store energy and a converter to power a network for the conventional 12-volt accessories.
Mercedes estimates the AMG GT 63 and 63 S zero-to-60-mph times at a neck-snapping 3.3 seconds and 3.1 seconds, respectively. It estimates the AMG 53 at 4.4 seconds.
The V-8 models also include standard rear-wheel steering and an electronic locking differential, neither of which is offered with the six-cylinder. Also V-8-only (in the U.S.) is a Drift mode (standard on the 63 S, optional on the 63), in case you’re inclined to drift your very expensive car with very expensive tires. Suspension for the AMG GT 53 models includes steel springs and adaptive shock absorbers. The eight-cylinder models use multichamber air suspension. They also offer a performance ceramic brake option.
Drivers can choose from up to six dynamic drive modes, depending on the equipment on the car, that vary the performance, handling and drive system characteristics. They are: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race and Individual.
Safety
Mercedes has not yet specified the exact safety and driver assistance tech on the AMG GT models, but says it will incorporate Mercedes’ current Intelligent Drive functionality. For the 2018 S-Class, that includes upgraded sensor technology that looks farther ahead and behind the car than previous models, and adaptive cruise control that employs navigation GPS and map data to adjust speed for upcoming curves, turns and intersections. Steering assist also is advanced beyond previous lane centering to handle tighter curves, more speeds and degraded lane markings, as well as assisting in keeping control in evasive swerves. It also now includes an automatic lane-change function.
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