Why the Mercedes-AMG GT Could Make You Forget About the Porsche 911

Mercedes-AMG GT has always been a car that speaks directly to the hearts of adrenaline junkies. It's a quintessential V8 wild child, built not for the faint-hearted but for those who relish raw power and high-speed thrills. This new generation of the GT promises to take that legacy further by blending spine-tingling performance with unexpected practicality.

The latest GT has grown in every dimension—length, width, and height. But don't be fooled by its larger footprint; the vehicle still maintains that iconic AMG athleticism. It's like a heavyweight boxer who's added more muscle but kept the speed and agility of a middleweight.

Mercedes decided to align the GT's development closely with that of the Mercedes-AMG SL roadster. As a result, the GT now shares its cabin layout, engines, and primarily aluminum spaceframe chassis with the SL. While you'd think that this might dilute the GT's distinct identity, Mercedes has done an impressive job of making sure each car offers a unique experience. The new GT offers 4Matic+ part-time four-wheel drive and optional rear seats, just like the SL, but with even firmer AMG suspension to retain its sportiness.

The car has ditched its previous two-seat, rear-drive format in favor of accommodating more passengers and adding four-wheel drive across all models. This change has also added about 250kg to the car's weight, without counting the hybrid components in the new GT 63 S E Performance version.

The new GT still retains its instantly recognizable styling; every body panel and every detail has been reworked. At 4728mm long, 1984mm wide, and 1354mm tall, it's grown significantly to offer more interior space and those back seats. The engine lineup remains compelling: the AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 is available in two variants—469bhp and 577bhp.

Underneath, the GT has swapped its old dual-clutch transaxle gearbox for a more conventional layout. The new nine-speed wet-clutch automatic gearbox is bolted directly to the engine, improving both weight distribution and handling. The AMG engineers didn't stop there. They optimized the engine further, repositioning the intercooler, revising the inlet and outlet ports, and redesigning the oil pan. All this is framed by an aluminum-intensive five-link front and rear suspension setup.

Interestingly, AMG's Active Ride Control system, first seen on the AMG GT Black Series, makes its way into the new GT. This system replaces traditional anti-roll bars with oil-based actuators at each wheel. The result? Superior control over body lean and a dynamic driving experience. Coupled with four-wheel steering and electronic limited-slip differential, the GT offers exceptional grip, traction, and cornering capabilities.

Behind the wheel, the GT's V8 engine takes center stage, delivering explosive performance and a thrilling roar. The car accelerates with a sense of urgency, courtesy of its twin-scroll turbochargers that kick in from 2500rpm. The new transmission shifts both rapidly and smoothly, making the driving experience even more exhilarating. The gearbox's additional two gears improve cruising capabilities, turning over at just 1800rpm at 80mph in ninth gear.

But while the GT is built for speed, it's not without its quirks. The ride can be harsh, especially on rough surfaces, and the steering, though precise, can feel jittery. The car's aggressive camber settings and rapid steering responses make it a bit edgy on winding roads.

Tuning down the suspension in comfort mode makes the GT more manageable, but it remains a highly engaging and visceral car to drive. It’s a vehicle that screams excitement and demands your full attention at all times.

On the inside, the GT loses some of the drama that characterized the original model. The new, lower center console replaces the button-festooned transmission tunnel, and drive selection is moved to a column-mounted shift wand. The car’s infotainment system now dominates the console with a large, portrait-style touchscreen displaying tactical icons.

The driving position is comfortable, and while the rear seats are more suited for occasional use, they enhance the car's practicality. The aesthetic might feel less exotic, but it's functional and driver-focused. Boot space extends from 321 to 675 liters when the back seats are folded, offering generous cargo capacity by sports car standards.

While the GT offers alluring performance, it comes at a steep price. In the UK, only the higher-end variants are available, starting at an eye-watering £162,000. Fuel efficiency isn't its strong suit either. Expect around 28mpg on motorway drives and significantly less if you're constantly tapping into its performance capabilities.

The hybrid GT 63 S E Performance doesn’t offer a substantial improvement in efficiency either, focusing primarily on augmenting performance. This, combined with the high entry price, elevates the GT into the rarefied echelons of top-tier sports cars.

The Mercedes-AMG GT remains an unapologetically bold and thrilling sports car. It may have evolved, offering more practicality and all-season usability, but it hasn’t lost its spirited soul. If you're looking for raw, unfiltered driving excitement and don't mind compromising a bit on comfort, the GT is a compelling choice. David from East Sussex might still find it a handful, but for those addicted to the thrill of a snarling V8, it’s a temptation that's hard to resist.