Nothing concerning the new 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT Four-door Coupe’s conduct on a race observe actually surprises me. The truth that probably the most potent 63 S mannequin effortlessly eclipses 150 miles per hour down the Circuit of the Americas’ again straight and expertly romps round its 20 corners are all issues I anticipate from a automotive developed by the parents at AMG.
Following the SLS and GT two-seaters, the GT Four-Door is the third purebred performer to come back out of Affalterbach, however in a extra sensible package deal with seating for 4 and sufficient trunk area to swallow groceries, baggage and different requirements. Stated one other means, AMG has constructed one severe competitor for Porsche’s lauded Panamera.
Observe strikes
Like different 63 S-badged cars, the AMG GT makes use of a Four.Zero-liter twin-turbo V8 firing out 630 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, working its solution to the bottom by way of a nine-speed automated transmission and 4Matic Plus all-wheel drive. Mercedes says the four-door will scoot to 60 mph in Three.1 seconds and hit a prime pace of 195 mph, which, contemplating how quickly this factor exits corners and builds momentum down straights, I completely imagine.
With the automotive in Sport Plus mode, Energy is prepared and ample all over the place within the rev vary, and the transmission rips off easy, completely timed shifts in its absolutely automated setting. For drivers preferring to be extra concerned, response to handbook shifts utilizing the steering wheel-mounted paddles is instantaneous and satisfying.
The GT 63 S has quite a lot of track-friendly tips up its sleeve together with adaptive dampers with air springs, rear-wheel steering, a rear-axle limited-slip differential and the aforementioned variable all-wheel-drive system. Sport Plus programming yields assured and drama-free cornering with some slight push at turn-in earlier than latching on and monitoring by way of a flip, the meaty 275/35ZR21 entrance and 375/30ZR21 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires offering super grip. There’s robust braking muscle from the optionally available carbon-ceramic discs, too. All the things about my first observe run within the GT 63 S evokes tons of confidence and offers a stable first impression of the AMG’s unbelievable prowess.
The V8 coronary heart of the 63 S is hand-built and pumps out 630 horses.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
On my second observe stint, Mom Nature decides to dump water from the sky, and observe officers mandate that stability handcuffs be absolutely energetic earlier than exiting the pits. As a substitute of 150 mph on the again straight, I solely see about 105, with the lead automotive’s hind lights utterly vanishing in big rooster-tails of water. By way of turns it is a fixed battle to maintain the GT 63 S on the pavement, with the rear tires at all times desirous to step out, however I am nonetheless having fun with decidedly brisk laps contemplating the very moist circumstances. The GT has stable wet-weather observe capabilities, although not getting a couple of extra laps on a dry observe is severely disappointing.
Street worthy
Flip the GT 63 S into Consolation mode and it performs like a correct grand tourer. Throttle response is not as speedy, the suspension softens, the steering lightens — all of it simply simmers down. There is a transient lull at throttle tip-in earlier than the V8 madly shoves off. And as soon as in control, a cylinder deactivation system surreptitiously works behind the scenes switching between four- and eight-pot operation, relying on load calls for to enhance effectivity. Official EPA gasoline financial system estimates aren’t obtainable simply but, however likelihood is in case you’re actually involved about that, you are not going for the GT 63 S, and even the 577-horsepower GT 63.
As a substitute, Mercedes will provide an AMG GT 53 powered by a Three.Zero-liter turbocharged I6 engine making 429 horses and 384 pound-feet, mixed with an EQ Increase mild-hybrid system that gives a further 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet for off-the-line acceleration. This is similar engine that is discovered within the new AMG CLS53 and E53 models, and it is no weakling, leading to a Four.Four-second Zero-to-60mph time, whereas providing ridiculously easy and linear energy supply. The drivetrain is a sweetheart and all that it is advisable to make the AMG GT Four-door an entertaining every day driver.
Consolation mode turns the GT Four-Door into a cushty grand tourer.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
On public roads, each the GT 63 S with its air springs and the 53 with its coil springs and adaptive dampers present a cushty journey high quality. The 63 S is clearly the sharper software for backroad blasting, however the 53 nonetheless presents properly weighted, responsive steering. The extensive Michelin tires do not fill the cabin with an excessive amount of undesirable noise, both.
A luxurious and feature-packed inside
Talking of the cabin, it is superbly completed with gentle leathers, Alcantara and gloss black trim, and presents spacious lodging for each entrance and rear passengers. Even with the fastback roofline, there’s sufficient headroom for adults to comfortably sit in again, and US-market vehicles get two bucket seats within the rear versus a three-across bench. A high-zoot Government Rear Seat Package deal shall be optionally available, which provides a hard and fast middle console with an built-in touchscreen that permits passengers to regulate inside settings and infotainment features. The console additionally has temperature-controlled cup holders, to not point out a few USBs and a wi-fi cost pad to juice up sensible gadgets.
On the know-how entrance, the sprint sports activities twin 12.Three-inch screens with reconfigurable layouts and the newest COMAND infotainment — no, the GT 63 does not get Mercedes’ new MBUX tech fairly but. Nonetheless, COMAND works properly, controlling a 14-speaker Burmester audio system, navigation, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay, however sadly not Android Auto. Audiophiles can have the power to improve to a 25-speaker Burmester system, too. A brand new middle console homes shade show buttons with bodily switches to regulate quantity, drive modes, stability management and exhaust settings. To restrict hands-off-the wheel time, the flat-bottom steering wheel makes use of the responsive and intuitive touchpad system from the E- and S-Class fashions to regulate the digital shows.
The newest COMAND infotainment system will run Apple CarPlay, however remains to be void of Android Auto.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
For security, automated emergency braking will come normal on all GTs. Options like adaptive cruise management, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping help, head-up show and a 360-degree digital camera can be found as choices.
Choices upon choices
As if all of the drive modes, gauge themes and seat layouts weren’t sufficient choices to digest — and, frankly, they really feel a bit like overkill — the GT 4-Door will even boast quite a lot of exterior styling packages permitting homeowners to personalize the already attractive wrapper. Probably the most purposeful one is an aerodynamics package deal that tacks on a bigger entrance splitter, rear diffuser and stuck rear wing that gives a further 66 kilos of downforce at 186 mph, in comparison with the automotive’s electronically adjustable spoiler.
For a sportier look, a carbon-fiber pack sees aero parts and numerous trim items constructed from the woven light-weight materials, whereas of us in search of a extra sinister look can spring for a Night time Package deal to have them completed in gloss black. To face out nonetheless extra, a Chrome Package deal provides a vivid and glossy end to the entrance splitter, parts within the entrance fascia and facet sills. It is not gaudy, however not my favourite.
There is not any scarcity of choices obtainable for the inside and outside of the Mercedes-AMG GT Four-Door.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
Coming quickly
Whereas the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe will land in European showrooms over the course of the subsequent month, the US must wait till subsequent yr. Plans name for the V8s to go on sale right here through the first quarter of 2019, and the GT 53 will arrive midyear. Pricing is not obtainable but, however I am anticipating six figures — the $104,000 Porsche Panamera 4S matches up properly to the GT 53 on paper, for instance. If the AMG begins under that, it will be a heck of a cut price.
Both means, you have obtained a while to mull your dream GT 4-door over earlier than it will get right here. From gentle to wild, AMG can have a automotive for you, and after sampling each the bottom and range-topping fashions, I can confidently say that you just will not be disenchanted with any model of this swoopy stunner.
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