Coming Down Under in two grades, the new model is the latest member of the Mercedes-AMG GT family of super-sports coupes and convertibles, which includes the two-seat, two-door GT, GT S, GT C and track-focused GT R models.
In turn, the GT models are descended from the SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’, the first car developed in-house by AMG, which itself is a homage to the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters of the 1950s and ‘60s.
The top-flight model can reach 100 km/h from rest quicker than you can say Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupé and is the world’s fastest series production four-seater on the legendary North Loop (the Green Hell) of the Nürburgring, with a time of 7:25.41.
Little brother Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupe is no slouch, with a time of 4.5 seconds to reach the same speed from standstill. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine featuring EQ Boost technology, producing 320 kW of power and 520 Nm of torque in combination with an AMG nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive, plus an AMG Performance Exhaust System.
The full-on Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupé jumps to a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 punching out 470 kW and 900 Nm, mated with the AMG nine-speed auto and fully variable 4MATIC+.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupé sells in Australia for $249,900, plus on-road costs. Add a further 100 grand – but who’s counting – for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupe at $349,900, plus charges.
The GT 53 can be optioned up with the AMG Exterior Chrome Package ($2500), AMG Exterior Carbon-fibre Package ($9500), AMG Night Package ($2500), Luxury Rear Package ($5300), and Warmth Comfort Package ($1300), while GT 63 packages include the AMG Exterior Carbon-fibre Package ($9500), AMG Night Package ($1500), Luxury Rear Package ($4600), Warmth Comfort Package ($1300), AMG Aerodynamics Package ($7300), and AMG Carbon Package II ($11,600).
A further option for the latter is the Edition 1 Package, which includes the AMG Aerodynamics Package, special 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels in matt black with a high-sheen finish and AMG sports stripes.
Also included are so-called ‘climatised’ front seats, Exclusive grey/black Nappa leather with seatbelts in yellow, two individual rear seats, and AMG matt carbon-fibre trim. The whole lot adds $5900.
Standard features on the ‘53’ include AMG Dynamic Plus driving mode, AMG Ride Control+ suspension, Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. The list goes on with 14-speaker Burmester surround sound, AMG Performance front seats (heated and cooled) and AMG Performance steering wheel trimmed in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre, AMG Track Pace software, wireless phone charging, Multibeam LED headlights, and yellow-painted AMG brake calipers.
Safety is paramount, with active distance assist, active blind spot assist, brake assist with cross-traffic function, lane change and steering assist. Nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, and Pre-Safe accident anticipation system top out the roll call.
The ‘63 S’ gets rear-axle steering, an active dynamic engine mount, 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels, AMG carbon-fibre trim, power-closing doors and an AMG Performance steering wheel trimmed in black Dinamica microfibre as standard.
In calendar terms, the coupe has a four-door fastback set-up – low roof, wide stance and a bonnet as generous as an Aussie long weekend. It’s a design to match the car’s unparalleled performance and convenience for day-to-day use.
The rigid chassis – put to the test in a ‘63 S’ on a launch drive through all the Yarra Valley in Victoria could come up with – is the result of road and track development and aerodynamics lifted from the GT R.
The Ride Control suspension offers Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Comfort was quite able to handle any situation that came up on fast bitumen bends with mid-turn damp patches, rear diff lock and active rear wheel steering doing their bit here.
Heavy braking into sharp turns, plus the odd steering shuffle in close calls with centre-line hugging oncoming traffic were far from white-knuckle events.
Sport, naturally stiffened things up under foot and sharpened the mind for the person behind the wheel, while Sport+ marked every road blemish with unpleasant jarring to the body. Note: leave this strictly for racetrack-quality surfaces.
The AMG Performance Exhaust chimed in with the appropriate note in unison with the background theme of the bi-turbo V8.
And who’s up for the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe? According to Mercedes-Benz Australia, E 63 or S 63 owners, who are looking for a change, could be in the mix, with the majority favouring the V8 version.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupe $249,900
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ 4-Door Coupe $349,900
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for drive-away prices.
