Unveiling the Powerhouse: In-Depth Review of the New Mercedes-AMG GT - Better than a Porsche 911?
The world of high-performance coupes has a new contender, and it's not messing around. Enter the new Mercedes-AMG GT, a car that embodies the German philosophy of combining power, luxury, and advanced engineering. If its predecessor was like a pint glass, the new AMG GT is more of a German Stein - bigger, roomier, and undeniably heavier. But how does it stack up against the likes of the Porsche 911? Let’s explore every inch of this beast from its exterior elegance to its interior luxuries, and finally, how it performs on the road.
The Exterior: An Art in Motion
At first glance, the new AMG GT captivates. Its design has evolved, becoming sleeker yet more aggressive. The distinctive long bonnet, wide rear haunches, and that commanding front grille create an aura of power and elegance. The LED headlights are sharp and aggressive, contributing to the car's determined expression.
In the UK, the standard package includes smokey effect badging and the night package, adding to its mystique. However, there are some quirks, like the fake diffuser and exhaust tips that are smaller than they appear - elements that some purists might frown upon. But overall, the car's aesthetic is stunning, especially with its beautiful alloy wheel design, despite the enhanced risk of curbing them due to the wide rims.
Interior Luxuries and Annoyances
Step inside, and you're greeted with a blend of luxury and technology. The dashboard features striking turbine-style air vents, and the materials used are top-notch, ranging from carbon fiber to wood and alcantara. The steering wheel is equally impressive, featuring metal paddles and easily accessible controls for the various driving modes.
But not everything is perfect. Some elements, like the placement of the stop-start button, the feel of the gear selector, and the sun visor without a vanity light, could have been better executed considering the car’s price point. The overall space, however, is fairly decent for a sports coupe, even if the practicality falls short with a complicated glovebox and small door bins.
Rear Seats and Practicality
What sets the AMG GT apart in its class is the inclusion of rear seats. While they aren't the most spacious, they offer more practicality than one would expect from a sports car. Nevertheless, don’t expect your adult friends to enjoy a long journey there. The boot, on the other hand, is impressively sized at 321 liters, which is almost as practical as a Volkswagen Polo.
Handy features like under-floor storage for the load cover and rear seat folding mechanisms further enhance its usability, making it significantly more practical than the Porsche 911.
Performance: The Heart of the Beast
Now, onto what truly matters - performance. The AMG GT Coupe runs on a four-litre twin-turbo V8, offering variants like the GT 55 with 476 horsepower, the GT 63 with 585 horsepower, and the range-topping GT 63 SE Performance plug-in hybrid producing a staggering 816 horsepower. The technology behind this car is just as impressive, featuring a nine-speed automatic gearbox that opts for clutches instead of a torque converter for quicker shifts. Additionally, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures that you have the necessary grip when needed.
When launched, the GT 63 manages to hit 0-60 mph in an impressive 3.13 seconds, although this is slightly shy of the Porsche 911 Turbo S's 2.7 seconds. Nonetheless, the AMG GT feels quick and responsive, making for an exhilarating ride.
The Drive: A Blend of Comfort and Agility
On the road, the AMG GT offers a balanced experience. Its suspension is tuned to absorb bumps without compromising the car's sporty feel. The visibility is notably improved over its predecessor, making it easier to handle in urban environments. However, it does suffer from a less impressive turning radius compared to rivals like the Aston Martin Vantage.
One minor downside is the slight lag in gear changes with the paddle shifters, but it redeems itself with smooth braking and a commendable all-wheel system that provides exceptional traction.
Conclusion: A Worthy Contender
The new Mercedes-AMG GT is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It manages to marry luxury with performance while offering more practicality than you'd expect from a high-end sports coupe. Whether it trumps the Porsche 911 Turbo S or the Aston Martin Vantage is subjective and likely depends on personal taste and specific needs. However, the AMG GT stands out as a versatile, powerful, and beautiful machine worthy of serious consideration.