The brightest star in Mercedes's lineup is not a hybrid or an electric car; it has a twin-turbo V8 petrol engine

From the outside it might look like a more or less thorough restyling of the previous model, updated in March 2022. But beneath its striking bodywork, the new Mercedes-AMG GT hides a completely new platform and can now be ordered in a 2+2 configuration. The engine remains the powerful 4-litre V8, which receives many modifications and, for the first time on this model, is combined with the intelligent variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

At launch it will be offered in two versions: the 55 4MATIC+ with 476 CV, and the 63 4MATIC+ with 585 CV. The less powerful one has a homologated top speed of 295 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, while the 63 4MATIC+ reaches a top speed of 315 km/h and completes the sprint in 3.2 seconds.

Twin-turbo V8 engine, variable all-wheel drive

The 4-litre eight-cylinder block features twin turbochargers of the twin-scroll type and receives new manifolds and improvements to the lubrication system, among other modifications. But the most important change is that the torque-converter gearbox with seven speeds gives way to the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox. And for the first time, the AMG GT can be fitted with all-wheel drive. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system uses an electronically controlled clutch to distribute torque variably between the front and rear axles, sending up to 100% to the rear wheels and a maximum of 50% to the front axle. A limited-slip rear differential is standard on both versions.

Another important chassis innovation is the active rear-axle steering, which up to 100 km/h turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels, and in the same direction above that speed. The AMG Active Ride Control running gear, with adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars, is standard on both versions. From 2024 the high-performance braking system with steel discs can optionally be replaced by one with carbon-ceramic discs. The standard 20-inch alloy wheels take 295/35 tyres at the front and 205/35 at the rear, and 21-inch wheels are available as an option.

Mercedes-AMG has also paid special attention to active aerodynamics, with elements such as the Airpanel air control system in the front and a deployable rear spoiler with a variable angle of inclination in different positions, as well as an active low front air dam. An optional aerodynamics package is also offered, including deflectors in the front apron and rear spoiler, a different diffuser and a fixed rear spoiler.

A sporty Grand Tourer for 2+2 passengers

Thanks to a length increase of almost 20 cm, the new AMG GT can offer a 2+2 configuration for the first time, with two rear seats. The boot practically doubles in capacity, reaching 320 litres, which can in turn be doubled by folding down the backrests of the two rear seats. The dashboard, inherited from the Mercedes SL, features a 12.8-inch vertically oriented touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, integrating the brand’s MBUX multimedia system.

In this case there are AMG-specific indicators and content, as well as the exclusive AMG Performance and AMG Track Pace options, which offer a wealth of data such as lap times, accelerator or brake usage percentages, and engine, gearbox and tyre temperatures. AMG sport seats with electric adjustment are standard, as is the AMG Performance multifunction steering wheel. AMG Performance seats are available as an option.

The main rivals of the new AMG GT include the Aston Martin Vantage, the BMW 8 Series Coupé and the Porsche 911.

Mercedes-AMG GT – Image gallery