MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GT COUPE SPECIAL EDITIONS GT 63 S E Performance 4WD Carbon Edition 4dr Auto

Mercedes-AMG has evolved its standard-setting GT coupe. Jonathan Crouch drives the second generation version.

Ten Second Review

The Mercedes-AMG GT reinvents itself in this second generation guise. The exterior changes made to this new Coupe-only model might be subtle, but the fundamental differences this time round are substantial. Porsche 911 customers will need to seriously consider this car as an alternative.

Background

Could Mercedes really build a credible rival to Porsche's iconic 911, we wondered, when the original Mercedes-AMG GT was unveiled back in 2014. The answer, as it turned out, was that the Three-Pointed Star got closer to that super sportscar standard-setter than expected - and plans to edge even closer still with this second generation C192 generation model. It's the fifth series production road car to be engineered from the ground-up by AMG and has shared its development with the latest Mercedes-AMG SL, alongside which it's built at the brand's Bremen factory in Germany. Don't be fooled by the very lightly evolved styling; much is different here. Primarily a switch to a 2+2 cabin and the adoption of 4WD. There's also a completely new interior, a longer wheelbase and a bigger boot. Sounds promising.

Driving Experience

Mercedes isn't developing any more fossil-fuelled engines, so it's no surprise that this second generation GT uses much the same twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 as its predecessor. What is different is the 9-speed AMG Speedshift paddleshift auto gearbox that works with it (replacing the previous 7-speed dual clutch transaxle unit). The old car's rear wheel drive arrangement continues with the base 421hp GT 43 version, but otherwise the biggest engineering change for this generation is the introduction of a fully variable four wheel drive system. If your AMG GT must have 4WD, your first option is the 476hp GT 55 4MATIC+ version. Next up is the GT 63 4MATIC+, which offers 585hp). The brand also offers the GT 63 here in PRO 4MATIC+ track-tamed form, where output's boosted to 612hp. And that same uprated engine also features in an SE E PERFORMANCE model, which pairs that unit with a 204hp electric motor, which if you plug its associated battery in provides up to 8 miles of EV range. Across the GT range, adding 4WD (and this MK2 model's bigger body) has upped kerb weight to a hefty 1,970kgs, but the '63' variant still makes 62mph in 3.2s on the way to 196mph. So you'll need the AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system. The active aerodynamic profile, concealed almost invisibly in the underbody in front of the engine, creates a Venturi effect that draws the car into the road and reduces front axle lift by around 50 kilograms at 155mph. A retractable spoiler is integrated into the vehicle's silhouette. It can adopt five different angles above 50mph depending on driving conditions. There's an AMG Dynamic Select controller providing a choice of six different drive modes - 'Slippery', 'Comfort', 'Sport', 'Sport+' and 'Race'. And the driver can alter the AMG Dynamics ESC stability system in three steps. The aluminium double-wishbone AMG Active Ride Control suspension uses constantly variable electronic damping, coil springs and semi-active roll stabilisation to suppress body roll. Plus on the V8s there's active rear-axle steering and active aerodynamics. All that's further aided by substantial engine bay bracing and a stiffer Modular Sport Architecture platform, a lightweight spaceframe-style structure using a combination of magnesium, steel, aluminium and plastic composites.

Design and Build

This second generation GT model has been visually evolved only lightly - yes, just like Porsche's 911 has been over that model's lifetime. Actually, the design differences here are greater than initial impressions might suggest. At 4,728mm in length, this C192 generation model is 182mm longer than before, as well as being 66mm higher and 45mm wider. As before, the long bonnet, curved roof line and angled tailgate deliver a cab-back profile. And there are big 21-inch wheels. This time round, there's only going to be a Coupe body shape. Inside, it really is all new, the cabin shared with the Mercedes-AMG SL. Which means you get a 12.3-inch instrument binnacle screen and a portrait-orientated 11.9-inch infotainment display, both featuring AMG-specific menus and graphics. There's an AMG Performance three-spoke wheel and the sculpted front sports seats have integrated headrests and automatically-activating side bolsters that tighten according to drive mode. The big change with this MK2 GT model though, is the switch to a 2+2 cabin configuration, made possible by 70mm extension in wheelbase length. That means you get a pair of 911-style rear seats, though these are only intended for use by small children. They can be folded down to extend the larger 321-litre trunk capacity right up to 675-litres.

Market and Model

Expect pricing for this Coupe model starting at around the £105,000 mark for the base 'Premium'-spec 421hp 43 version - you'll need another £6,000 for plusher 'Premium Plus' trim. Upgrading yourself to that 'Premium Plus' trim gives you a much wider powertrain choice, this level also including the 476hp 55 4MATIC+ version (think around £150,000) and the 585hp 63 4MATIC (think around £170,000). Beyond that is the innovative Plug-in Hybrid 63 S E PERFORMANCE derivative (think around £186,000), which has a higher 612hp output and a 204hp electric motor. For track day fiends, there's also a race-style GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ variant priced at around £180,000. There'll be a GT3 racing model too. Across the range, obvious rivals are coupe versions of Porsche's 911, the Audi R8 and the Aston Martin Vantage. Maybe also the McLaren GTS. Across the range, all the main things you'll want are standard, including constantly variable electronic damping, active roll stabilisation and four-wheel steering, which sees the rear wheels offering up to 2.5-degrees of steering angle. You get a very beefy set of brakes too, which combine 390mm still discs with 6-piston aluminium calipers up front, while there are 360mm steel discs and single-piston floating aluminium calipers at the rear. Standard safety features include active brake assist, lane keeping assist, speed limit warning, attention assist and a reversing camera. As you'd expect, this second generation GT offers lots of scope for personalisation, including cabin fittings like AMG Performance seats and track-ready upgrades like carbon ceramic brakes.

Cost of Ownership

You won't be expecting this GT to be frugal, especially with its increase in weight. The base GT 43 manages 27.4mpg on the combined cycle and 235g/km of CO2, but for the GT 55 4MATIC+ and the GT 63 4MATIC+, you're looking at just 20.2mpg and 319g/km. The S E PERFORMANCE model's electric motor-enhanced drivetrain offers 8 miles of EV range and improves that showing to 34.5mpg and 168g/km. Either way, the slippery aerodynamics help. This MK2 model gets a so-called 'Active air control' system inside the grille to alter airflow into the engine bay. Plus there's a retractable rear spoiler that deploys at 50mph offering up to five different wing angle settings; and a carbon fibre element in the underbody that lowers by 40mm at speed to create a slippery venturi effect. Service intervals for this GT will depend on how far you drive and under what conditions - but Mercedes does as usual offer 'ServiceCare', which allows you to spread your bills into manageable payments, guarantees the price of parts and labour for up to four services, and covers the cost of recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. Another thing we'll need to tell you is that the comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer.

Summary

This second generation GT is a much more complete product - and a much more complete competitor to its Porsche 911 arch-rival. Michael Schiebe, AMG's CEO, says the addition of 4WD to this C192-generation model is key, making it a car owners can use in winter conditions with much greater peace of mind. Almost equally important is the switch to a 2+2 cabin format, making this a Mercedes sportscar you could go touring in. In that respect, it's a much better prospect than its Mercedes-AMG SL roadster partner model. Because of the existence of that car, there was really no point in doing an open top version of this GT this time round, but customers might be slightly disappointed that so much inside is shared with the SL. The weight increase may also harm this GT in 911 handling comparisons. Overall though, there's been a big step forward here. If you're thinking Porsche, McLaren or Aston Martin in this segment, you simply have to factor in this Mercedes too.

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Magic vision control

Electric windows with pre-safe closing function

Heat insulating dark tinted rear and rear side windows

Heat insulating and laminated safety glass windshield

Brakes

Electric parking brake

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Electronic stability programme with acceleration skid control

3 stage electronic stability programme

Brake pad wear indicator front brakes

AMG ceramic high performance composite brake system

Active braking assist with intersecion start-off function

Carpets/Rugs

AMG floor mats with AMG lettering

Chassis/Suspension

Front axle lift system

AMG RIDE CONTROL + Suspension

Active roll stabilisation

Communication

Wireless charging system for mobile devices

GPS aerial

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Cruise control with speedtronic variable speed limiter

Rear axle steering

Traffic Sign Assist, Traffic sign recognition including wrong way warning function and display of posted speed limits in the instrument cluster

Attention assist - Monitors steering behaviour and long journey fatigue

360 degree camera

Remote Services Premium

Blind spot assist with exit warning function

Instrument and media display and hybrid features including performance graph, electric range or energy consumption

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT - drive programs Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Slippery, Individual and race including Drift mode

Child presence detection

Driver Convenience

ECO Stop/start function

AMG DRIVE UNIT in a V8 style, 8 high-resolution display switches, gear selector lever with embossed AMG emblem

Driver Information

Head up Display

AMG track pace

Status display for rear seat belts in instrument cluster

Traffic sign assist

MBUX Interior assistant

Touchpad integrated into the centre console with clear haptic feedback

MBUX augmented reality for navigation

MBUX navigation premium

Mercedes-Benz emergency call system

12.3" driver display with AMG specific content

11.9" central display with touchscreen

AMG instrument cluster include AMG main menu with RACE TIMER, analogue round dails with 220 mph scale and Super sport display style

Engine

73 litre fuel tank

Petrol Particulate Filter

150 kW electric motor - All electric driving up to 12km

Entertainment

Burmester surround sound system

MBUX multimedia system

Widescreen cockpit with 12.3" media and driver display

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Fixed panoramic glass sunroof

AMG specific radiator grille

Model designation on the front wings and boot lid

Rear apron diffuser insert in high gloss black

Extendable rear boot spoiler

AMG illuminated door sills with AMG lettering and with exchangeable cover

AMG Performance exhaust, switchable

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

V8 BITURBO lettering on front wings with E Performance logo underneath

Radiator fins in black

E performance badge on front wings

Exterior Lights

Adaptive brake lights

LED daytime running lights

LED tail lights with sequential turn signals

Multibeam LED headlights with adaptive highbeam assist plus

AMG Light display

Auto headlights

LED 3rd brake light

Digital light headlamps

3rd brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control

ENERGIZING air control

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Black roof lining

Glove compartment - lockable, air conditioned and illuminated

Glasses stowage compartment

2 cup holders in front

AMG steering wheel buttons

3 Stage AMG speed sensitive steering

Stowage compartment in the front with 12V socket and armrest with compartment incl 2 USB ports and SD card slot

AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/microcut microfibre

AMG illuminated door sills with AMG lettering, PETRONAS colours and exchangeable cover

AMG Performance steering wheel in carbon fibre design / MICROCUT microfibre

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting with choice of 64 colour settings

Packs

Mirror package - AMG GT

Keyless go comfort package - AMG GT

Active multicontour seat package - AMG GT

Stowage space package - AMG GT

AMG track pack - AMG GT

AMG Dynamic plus package - AMG GT 55/63

AMG exterior carbon package with AMG aerodynamics package - AMG GT 63

Load compartment package - AMG GT 43/55/63

USB package plus - AMG GT 43/55/63

Parking package - AMG GT 43/55/63

Memory pack - AMG GT 43/55/63

ENERGIZING package Plus - AMG GTS 63 E Performance

Air balance package - AMG GT 63

AMG Exterior Night package - AMG GT 63

Safety

First aid kit

Warning triangle

Front passenger seat occupancy sensor

Black seat belts

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Airbags - windowbags

Child locks on rear doors

Predictive pedestrian protection

Automatic front passenger airbag deactivation

Airbags - kneebag for driver

Airbags - driver and front passenger

Front and outer rear seats seatbelt pre-tensioners with belt force limiters and automatic belt height adjustment

Bonnet with power domes

Driver and front passenger side airbags combined thorax/pelvis

Seats

Heated rear seats

Front and rear headrests

2 individual rear seats

Driver and front passenger seat heating plus

AMG sports seats with embossed AMG emblem in the head restraints and bezel in silver chrome with AMG lettering

Climatised front seats

Single front passenger seat

Rear seats with folding backrests upto 1.5m tall

Multicontour front seat with massage function

Security

Remote central locking

Alarm system with immobiliser and interior protection -Thatcham category 1

Keyless Go starting function

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection plus

Keyless Go with seamless door handles

Transmission

AMG performance 4MATIC+

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9 speed automatic sports transmission

Vanity Mirrors

Pull out sun visors with vanity mirror, illuminated and pivotable side window

Vehicle Charging

8m charging cable for wall box/charging stations

AC charging 3.7kW

Pre-installation for remote and charging services

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tirefit tyre sealant kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 90

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 25-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 62000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 4.8

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 36.3

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 11

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 11

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 11

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 11

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 40.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 1.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 1.5

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 7

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 4.8

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 3.7

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

CO: 0.35

HC: 0.013

NOx: 0.003

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0001

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 254

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 254

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 254

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92

CC: 3982

Cylinders: 8

Cylinder Layout: V8

Number of Valves: 32

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 8.6:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 9 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 15

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEL: 15

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEH: 15

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 22.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - TEL: 22.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - TEH: 22.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 24.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - TEL: 24.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - TEH: 24.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 23.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEL: 23.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEH: 23.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 21.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 21.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 21.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 18.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 18.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 18.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 12.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 12.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 12.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 11.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - TEL: 11.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - TEH: 11.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 12.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 12.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 12.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 13

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 13

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 13

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 11.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 11.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 11.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 25.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 25.2

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 25.2

General

Coin Series: GT63 S Per Carbon Ed

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: 100225

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Badge Power: 843

Badge Engine CC: 4.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 2.9

Top Speed: 196

Engine Power - BHP: 843

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 620

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 664

Engine Torque - NM: 900

Engine Torque - RPM: 2500

Engine Torque - MKG: 91.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 275/35 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 315/30 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: CROSS SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5054

Width: 1953

Wheelbase: 2951

Width (including mirrors): 2069

Height: 1447

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2380

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2760

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 73

Max. Loading Weight: 380

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 335

No. of Seats: 4

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.2

Embellishment Trims

Trim - AMG matt carbon fibre

Exterior Body Features

Manufaktur solid paint

Manufaktur magno paint

Manufaktur metallic paint

Interior Features

AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather black

Exclusive Nappa leather

Roof lining - macchiato beige DINAMICA microfibre

Packs

Driving Assistance package - AMG GT 63 Carbon Ed

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - Polar white

Metallic - Spectral blue

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - High tech silver

Paint - Special

Manufaktur magno - Spectral Blue

Manufaktur magno - Graphite grey

Manufaktur magno - Copper Orange

Manufaktur magno - Selenite grey

Manufaktur magno - Kalahari gold

Manufaktur metallic - Opalith white bright

Manufaktur metallic - Patagonia red bright

Manufaktur metallic - Olive

Manufaktur metallic - Cote d Azur light blue

Manufaktur solid - Yellowstone

Manufaktur solid - Vintage blue

Manufaktur metallic - Rubellite red

Trim - Leather

Nappa leather - Black

Exclusive nappa leather - Black

Exclusive nappa leather - Saddle brown/black

Exclusive nappa leather - Black/truffle brown

Two tone Exclusive nappa leather - Titanium grey pearl/black

Two tone Exclusive nappa leather - Red pepper/black

Wheels - Alloy

21" AMG 5 twin spoke forged tantalite grey painted alloy wheels with high sheen finish