A ludicrously fast sleeper with a smooth, luxurious ride
FIRST DRIVE: 2019 MERCEDES-AMG GT 4-DOOR COUPE
AUSTIN, TEX. • If you think you can get by inconspicuously while driving the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, it’s not going to happen. It turns heads and people gawk.
The GT 4-Door is based on Mercedes’ MRA platform (modular rear architecture), which underpins the latest CLS-Class and other models. However, despite its resemblance to the CLS, the GT 4-door is a completely different car, developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG, using only some components of the MRA platform’s floor pan. The chassis has been strengthened to handle more power, and to provide trackready handling.
Three variations of the GT 4-Door Coupe will be available in Canada. The GT 53 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six with EQ Boost. That’s AMG-speak for mild hybrid; a 48-volt starter/alternator provides starting power for the automatic start/stop function while also assisting the engine under certain conditions to reduce fuel consumption, and kicking in with a temporary boost of 21 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque when needed. Additionally, the engine is equipped with an electric auxiliary compressor that pre-charges the intake to reduce turbo lag to almost nil. Engine output without electric assistance is 430 hp and 384 lb-ft, and that power transfers to the wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Moving up the power scale are the GT 63 and the GT 63S. Both have a 4.0-L twin-turbo V8; in the GT 63, it develops 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, and in the GT 63S, it’s boosted to 630 hp and 664 lb-ft. The V8 mates to a nine-speed automatic that incorporates a wet, multi-plate clutch for launching the vehicle. It also uses fuel-saving cylinder deactivation, cutting four cylinders when cruising, but only in Comfort mode.
Mercedes’ 4Matic+ allwheel-drive system is standard on all models. The GT 53 has a mechanical limitedslip differential, while on the GT 63 and 63S it is electronically controlled. The GT 63 models also get electronically controlled rear-wheel steering.
Adjustable, adaptive suspension is standard on all models, though the GT 53 uses conventional springs and 63 models are supported on multi-chamber air suspension.
If you’re into crunching numbers, the GT 53 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, the GT 63 does it in 3.4 seconds, and the 63S drops that time to 3.2 seconds. European fuel consumption numbers are 9.4, 11.1 and 11.3 L/100 kilometres for the 53, 63 and 63S, respectively.
AMG Dynamic Select offers five drive modes — Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Individual and Slippery — each one setting the parameters for exhaust sound, throttle response, transmission mapping, suspension and steering. The GT 63S also has a more aggressive Race mode, which includes launch control, and a drift setting.
The instrument cluster is a large screen with two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays; instruments are displayed on the screen ahead of the driver and infotainment is on the right side. They aren’t touch screens, but are controlled remotely via the steering-wheel buttons and a console-mounted knob.
Several interior trims, steering wheels and seats are available. The GT 63S comes standard with an alcantarawrapped steering wheel, but all steering wheels include convenient thumb trackpads. The left one controls the instrument display, and the right one operates certain functions on the screen to the right. The optional AMG Performance seats have deep side bolsters, providing excellent lateral support for fast cornering on the race track, but they are very firm and have an uneven seating surface. I’d leave the that box unchecked when placing an order.
We begin the day with a road drive in the GT 53, which exhibits a quiet and firm, yet refined ride, with a smooth engine and nine-speed transmission. At highway speeds in Comfort mode, it would be hard to guess more than 430 hp lurks under the hood — until you get on the throttle and it sinks you into the seat.
A brief road ride in a GT 63S reveals that it is more boisterous, in both sound and ride quality, the former because the V8 produces its characteristic rumble, and the latter because it is equipped with optional 21-inch wheels.
We spent more time thrashing the GT 63S around Circuit of the Americas, emphasizing its stellar chassis, monster ceramic-composite brakes and brutish power. When Race mode is engaged, it loosens the stability control and provides rear-biased AWD power delivery, allowing the car to pivot predictably mid-turn by using the throttle. When understeer is induced by an unintentional throttle lift in a fast right hander, pushing back down hard on the gas pulls the front end back in and pivots the car back on the racing line. Tight, responsive steering and a rigid, forgiving chassis make handling what would otherwise be hefty beast — at 2,158 kilograms — steer precisely while inspiring confidence behind the wheel.
The Mercedes-AMG 4-door Coupe will arrive at dealers in early 2019. Pricing has not yet been announced.