New Beginnings The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT two-door has evolved into a sleek, refined powerhouse that no longer embodies the raw, aggressive, and brutish persona of its earlier iterations. German engineers at Affalterbach have subtly refined the essence of their high-performance halo vehicle, imbuing it with an air of refinement, while expanding cabin and trunk space to create a more practical iteration akin to the iconic Porsche 911. While some argue that plagiarism is the highest form of flattery, our understanding suggests that these demands and requirements stem directly from the desires and preferences of Mercedes’ customer base. If left unchecked, AMG would likely have crafted a new GT that was even wilder and more extreme than its predecessor, staying true to its reputation by situating the driver’s seat near the rear axle, adorning it with an aggressive body kit, and pairing it with a ferocious engine. The art of ticking away: A sleek timepiece that embodies sophistication and elegance, this CLK or SL Black Collection watch is the epitome of refinement. Its black dial, reminiscent of a dark, mysterious night sky, provides the perfect backdrop for the gleaming hour markers and slender hands that seem to dance across its surface.
As an alternative, a subtle AMG GT presents itself, its sleek profile evoking the image of a fish having swum effortlessly up from the depths of a swift-moving stream. With its unadorned design, the brand-new GT effortlessly blends into the background, a deliberate nod to the understated elegance of the Porsche 911, with its sleek silhouette evoking a sense of sophistication and simplicity. One other coincidence? Here is the rewritten text in a different style:
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63’s price tag of $195,000 places it comfortably alongside the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS, which retails for $191,700. Indeed, the full extent of its presence wasn’t apparent until we saw it in person; while we still prefer the more angular and phallic SL 63 for its design alone, our GT 63 appears imposing when its High-tech Silver hue catches the setting sun’s rays, with shadows subtly creeping into the paint flakes.
The Mercedes-AMG GT is currently available in two trims: the entry-level GT 55 and the flagship GT 63, which was put to the test in our examination. Fitted with a meticulously crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the -63 model boasts an impressive 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its sophisticated 9-speed multi-clutch transmission. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 63 AMG boasts the same engine tune as its SL counterpart, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.2 seconds, rivalling the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica’s performance and surpassing that of the Porsche 911 GT3, which takes a slightly longer 3.4 seconds to reach the same benchmark.
As the engine roars to life with unrelenting fervour, the GT 63 catapults itself onto the asphalt, accelerating with an otherworldly ferocity that renders even the most ardent coffee connoisseurs redundant. With the advanced 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, you can count on the precise traction control and stability-enhancing features to keep you firmly grounded, even in the most challenging driving conditions. As it bursts forth from corners, the vehicle’s rapid-fire gear shifts, courtesy of its multi-clutch transmission, propel it forward with a sense of urgency and responsiveness. The smooth handling and effortless acceleration of this vehicle create a thrilling experience, making it a joy to drive on long stretches of open road. As the speedometer climbs, the GT 63’s performance transforms into a distinct entity. The vehicle will be calibrated to prioritize stability and traction control, deliberately favoring gentle understeer and controlled slides rather than risking a loss of grip and the resulting high-speed balancing act. The specification sheet discloses a 54:46 front-to-rear weight distribution, marking a notable shift from the previous model’s 46:54 ratio, which sheds light on its distinct performance characteristics.
The GT 63’s handling is compromised when applying mid-corner throttle, as it prioritizes utilizing its powerful carbon ceramic brakes to correct its trajectory and rely on its chassis and substantial 21-inch tires shod in the latest Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires to navigate through corners? While the original GT’s rear-wheel drive layout had its limitations, we sought to inject more playfulness into this new iteration. The ominous threat of understeer casts a shadow, while even the most aggressive traction and stability systems can feel relatively permissive in their highest modes. If you haven’t been privy to the storied past of AMG’s DTM variants or indulged in the fervent enthusiasm surrounding its Black Series merchandise, then the new GT 63 will undoubtedly evoke a sense of brand loyalty. Despite their varying powertrains, even the 4-Door GT and E 63 all deliver a uniformly smooth, refined, yet conservatively modulated driving experience.
The driving experience on this trip is more fluid and seamless when travelling at a faster pace, lacking the delicate vulnerability of the SL 63. It appears to be an entirely distinct infrastructure hiding beneath the surface. The vehicle’s ride is compromised by its agency, jolting slightly as it navigates potholes, and the impact of each bump sends vibrations through the interior. Notwithstanding, the all-new GT has become increasingly practical for daily use. Stepping into the automobile is effortless, courtesy of wide-opening door portals that grant ample entry. Ample storage cubbies ensure a clutter-free cabin, while the exhaust note remains surprisingly subdued, even at closed-valve conditions. The SUV also features an optional front-axle elevation system, priced at $2,500, which utilizes GPS technology to remember the location where you initially activated it, allowing the nose to automatically lift as you move forward – a thoughtful feature that underscores AMG’s focus on practicality and everyday usability.
Despite this, the steering still feels a bit too aggressive. The rear-wheel steering system enables rapid, precise actions without lag or hesitation, producing a sensation akin to amplifying your gaming mouse’s sensitivity by 50%. This immediacy eliminates room for subtle adjustments, instead thrusting you into an immersive experience where the vehicle responds with unnerving alacrity, its trajectory morphing in a matter of degrees. To achieve smooth navigation, ensure your initial control settings are carefully calibrated. As the weight of the entry-level tires accumulates, one can’t help but sense that it’s not quite the same level of unadulterated driving experience as a 911, nor is it as untainted by luxury as the Aston Martin DB12; we’ll reserve judgment on the new Vantage for now. The lack of distinction in steering response when switching between driving modes is disappointing. While the quick steering ratios may not inherently be an unpleasant feature, they can, in fact, diminish the level of driver involvement, requiring time to adapt to their overly sensitive nature.
The exact impact on noise levels remains unclear regarding whether the exhaust has become quieter or the cabin insulation has been improved. We expect it’s the latter. The V8 engine idles smoothly, its gravelly hum a soothing accompaniment, while the anticipation builds as you feather the throttle, the sound of the exhaust notes harmonizing with your heartbeat as you press the gas pedal. As the throttle opens wide, the GT 63 summons its own sonic tempest, yet the accompanying soundtrack remains surprisingly restrained and refined compared to its earlier iteration. It’s as if the proximity to the exhaust hasn’t tamed the GT’s eight-cylinder vocals, which still deliver some of the most exhilarating sounds in the AMG portfolio.
One significant improvement to the Grand Touring’s level of usability comes from its interior. With the engine situated behind you, it’s as if a behemoth of V8 power is lurking just out of sight, its sheer force making you keenly aware of its presence. The GT’s unconventional design imbued it with a unique personality and driving experience that couldn’t be replicated by its competitors – the Porsche 911, Jaguar F-Type, or Audi R8. With the brand-new GT design, the driving experience is reinvigorated, placing the driver at the forefront of a more spacious and airy cockpit. The revamped interior features enhanced visibility, ample elbow room, and expansive areas to stretch out, while a streamlined central console – albeit still slightly cluttered due to its small storage compartments – now prioritizes ease of use over aesthetics?
A vast expanse of digital wizardry unfolds within the cabin, where intricately embroidered, precision-crafted embossed, and mesmerizing electronic animations converge in an dazzling display of badges and logos. Our test automobile was resplendent in Pink Pepper Nappa leather-based, its undercarriage dressed to impress like a high-end Louboutin shoe. Carbon fibre accents added a touch of sophistication, while the optional AMG Efficiency seats ($3,175) proved essential for their enhanced lateral and thigh support compared to standard seating.
While sharing similarities with the SL 63 in terms of pricing, the standout feature that sets the GT apart is its optional rear seating configuration. Unfortunately, this option comes with an additional $2,500 fee, which seems counterintuitive given that it’s supposed to be a cost-free selection. While offering an alternative storage solution, the fabric-lined parcel shelf is somewhat limited in its functionality, as it lacks partitions or nets to keep items organized and secure. The trunk of this tree is incredibly massive, making it surprisingly easy to navigate.
Will the availability of a potential convertible GT variant potentially cannibalize Mercedes-Benz SL sales? While AMG may have satisfied this void with the GT 63 PRO, a track-focused variant boasting a 26-horsepower and 37-lb-ft torque increase, an enhanced cooling system, active aerodynamics, upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes, and standard Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. The new GT 63 E Efficiency model, boasting an impressive 816 horsepower, is now available in various markets, featuring a plug-in hybrid configuration similar to the recently tested 4-Door GT. As planned, we will factor in the Black Collection’s performance towards the end of its product lifecycle when making our calculations.
The Mercedes-AMG GT’s dynamics have been refined to make the high-performance coupe more approachable, yet its very essence remains unchanged – a symphony of emotions ignited by its thunderous V8 engine and alluring design. The newly minted GT has transformed into a refined and more livable iteration, trading its raw, unbridled edge for a more tempered and approachable nature. Not as successful, but still more usable.
The all-new 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupe: A High-Speed Masterpiece
Excessive-tech Silver
$195,000
$236,220
2,900
4,728 / 1,984 / 1,354
4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8
577 hp @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
590 lb-ft @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
9-speed multi-clutch transmission
Entrance engine, AWD
: 18.2
Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires feature a unique combination of sizes: 290/30R21 for the front and 305/30R21 for the rear.
