Hot on the heels of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe, Mercedes-AMG has finally revealed their new AMG GT Coupe.
This is the third wholly developed AMG model, following the SLS AMG and the AMG GT, and fills the void vacated by the now defunct CLS 63. Despite being wider and having a shorter wheelbase, and sharing its underpinnings with the new CLS and E-Class, the body shape is all new, and very closely eschews the design of the original AMG GT.
There will be three engine variants on offer. The entry-level model is the GT 53, and much like the recent CLS 53, is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 motor that uses a 48-volt electric system and an electric compressor to support a large, conventional turbo for 336kw and 770nm.
There will also be GT 63 and GT 63 S models, and these gain the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo from the E63 but with a different tune. In the GT 63 it will output 430kw and 800nm, while the GT 63 S will have 470kw and 900nm. Thanks to its AMG-tuned 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and 9-speed transmission, the GT 63 S will rocket from 0-100kph in just 3.2 seconds before maxing out at 315kph.
There is talk of a more powerful, 600kw variant on the way as well. The AMG GT Coupe goes up against the Porsche Panamera Turbo, and Audi RS7 when it launches later this year.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG GT 53 Coupe starts at around R1,850,000, while the GT 63 will set you back approximately R2,200,000 and the flagship GT 63 S commands around R2,650,000 in South Africa.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe worth buying?
If you've got the cash and want a proper four-door rocket that can embarrass supercars at the traffic lights, absolutely, the GT 63 S delivers 470kW of pure German fury that makes it worth every rand of that R2,650,000 price tag.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Coupe?
The GT 63 S blasts from 0-100kph in just 3.2 seconds thanks to its 470kW V8 biturbo engine and hits a top speed of 315kph, making it one of the fastest four-door cars you can buy.
Q: What are the main competitors to the AMG GT Coupe?
The AMG GT Coupe goes head-to-head with the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Audi RS7, all of which are proper four-door performance weapons for serious petrolheads with deep pockets.
Q: Which AMG GT Coupe variant should I choose?
The GT 63 S is the sweet spot if money's no object, delivering 470kW and 900Nm for ultimate bragging rights, while the GT 53 at R1,850,000 offers serious performance with its clever 336kW inline-6 hybrid setup for those who want AMG thrills without the full V8 bill.
Should You Buy It?
The best four-door performance car over R1,800,000 in South Africa is absolutely the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Coupe at R2,650,000. With 470kW on tap, a 3.2-second 0-100kph sprint, and drop-dead gorgeous looks that'll make Panamera owners weep, this is the ultimate expression of German engineering madness. Sure, it's not cheap, but if you can afford the entry fee, you're getting a proper supercar that happens to have four doors and can carry the family to the Drakensberg in serious style. Buy it if you want the absolute pinnacle of AMG performance and have the budget to match your ambitions.
