Sadly, V8 coupes are on the way out. With each passing year, the automotive world moves closer to its all-electric targets, flooding the market with electric SUVs and sleek hybrid vehicles. However, Mercedes-AMG is sticking to its roots in its highest-performance offerings. The unique performance car marque has bucked the trend by adorning its second-generation GT with a V8 motor producing 430 kW of power, not to mention a raft of new technologies, including active roll stabilization and rear axle steering.
Priced from $366,500 plus on-road costs in Australia, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé can now be ordered from your nearest Mercedes-AMG dealership. Optional extras include the AMG Night Package ($9,900), AMG Carbon Fibre Package ($12,900) and the AMG Performance Seat Package ($2490).
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According to Michael Schiebe, chairman of the management board of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and head of business units Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach, the new 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT is a purist’s dream. Sure, the claims of space and luxury are evident, but the AMG GT’s drawcard is that it still has a hand-assembled 4.0-litre biturbo V8 capable of torturing a set of road tyres in no time.
“The new AMG GT Coupé combines highly dynamic driving characteristics and distinctive sportiness with a high level of everyday comfort,” Schiebe said. “Our new GT is clearly the top-of-the-line product in our diversified portfolio and is therefore not only AMG’s youngest brand shaper but also a clear commitment to the sports car made in Affalterbach. With the new dimension concept and optional 2+2 seats, we are directly responding to the wishes of our customers.”
The 4Matic all-wheel drive system is being offered as standard and should stand as a boon on winter roads. However, you can switch to rear-drive on a track for the full smoky AMG tyre shredding experience on track, too. Mercedes-AMG has also changed the architecture with the new generation GT, incorporating a longer wheelbase and more interior space.
The newly introduced 2+2 (optional) layout has meaningful space to stow your belongings, and it no longer has the massive alien-like centre control festooned with buttons. Comparatively, on the SL you’ll see the latest design philosophy in full swing, with a large 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen and the latest MBUX infotainment system. Luxuries like Nappa leather seats with massage are also there, but that should come as no surprise to fans of the automotive marque.
While its days are numbered, AMG fans will undoubtedly be happy to note that the V8 lives to fight on despite the downsizing spree elsewhere in the range. That being said, the V8 has also seen a major overhaul. In top-spec GT63 form, it develops a sizeable 430kW of power and 800Nm of torque, harnessing that power via a new 9-speed automatic. This time around, it comes with a ‘wet starter’ clutch, which is lighter than the previous torque converter.
Specs-wise, Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h, which means it is enough to realise your autobahn fantasies of going flat out. If that’s a little too much to handle, there is a lesser-powered GT55 version with 469bhp, and the 0-100 km/h time increases to 3.9 seconds.
But what about the design? Make up your own mind from the images, but to us, the new AMG GT is curvier, smoother, and better looking than its rakish predecessor. Compared to the earlier AMG GT, it seems more svelte and hides its visual bulk very well with a typical German muscle car vibe.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé is priced from $366,500 plus on-road costs in Australia, and can now be ordered from your nearest Mercedes-AMG dealership.
