2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe first driving review: beautiful brutality

The behavior of the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe 2019 on circuit does not surprise me. The fact that the most powerful 63 S model effortlessly eclipses 150 miles per hour on the Circuit of the Americas is perfect for a car developed by AMG.

After the two SLS and GT seats, the GT 4-Door is the third purebred artist to come out of Affalterbach, but in a more practical format with four seats and enough space for shopping, luggage and other necessities . In other words, AMG has built a serious competitor for Porsche's famous Panamera.

Follow the movements

Like the other 63 S-badged cars, the AMG GT uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 630 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, reaching the ground via a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic Plus. drive wheels. Mercedes says the four-door will roll at 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and will reach a top speed of 195 mph.

With the car in Sport Plus mode, power is ready and ample anywhere in the rev range, and the gearbox tears out perfectly timed gear changes in its fully automatic setting. For drivers who prefer to be more involved, the response to manual changes using the steering wheel-mounted paddles is instantaneous and satisfying.

The GT 63 S has many on-track tricks, including air-springs, a rear-wheel steering, a limited-slip differential on the rear axle, and the all-wheel-drive system mentioned above. Sport Plus programming provides safe, hassle-free cornering with a slight thrust on the clutch before acquiring and following a corner. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 275 / 35ZR21 front tires The optional ceramic-carbon discs also have a strong braking power. Everything about my first race on the GT 63 S inspires tons of confidence and gives a solid first impression of the AMG's incredible feats.

On my second run, Mother Nature decides to dump water from the sky and the runway officials demand that the stability handcuffs be fully active before leaving the pit. Instead of 150 mph on the right back, I only see about 105, the taillights of the leading car disappear completely into the water cock tails. Throughout the corners, it's common to keep the GT 63 S on the sidewalk, with the rear tires still wanting to get out, but I still enjoy extremely fast lap times given the very wet conditions. The GT has strong track capabilities in wet weather, but not having a few more laps on dry track is very disappointing.

Road worthy

Switch the GT 63 S to Comfort mode and it behaves like a big tourer. The throttle response is not so immediate, the suspension softens, the steering clears – all that is simmering. There is a brief lull at the tip of the gas before the V8 is unleashed. And once at the top speed, a cylinder deactivation system works surreptitiously behind the scenes by switching between operation at four and eight pots, depending on load requirements to improve efficiency. The EPA's official fuel economy estimates are not yet available, but if you really care, you're not ready for the GT 63 S, or even the 577 horsepower GT 63.

Instead, Mercedes will offer an AMG GT 53 powered by a 3.0-liter I6 turbo engine producing 429 horsepower and 384 foot-pounds, combined with a soft hybrid EQ Boost system that delivers an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. line acceleration. This is the same engine as the new AMG CLS53 and E53 models, and it is not low, which translates into 0 to 60 mph, or 4.4 seconds, while still offering perfectly smooth and linear power. The powertrain is a love and everything you need to make the 4-door AMG GT a fun everyday driver.

On public roads, the GT 63 S with its air springs and the 53 with its coil springs and adaptive shock absorbers provide a comfortable ride quality. The 63 S is obviously the most powerful tool for blasting, but the 53 still offers a well-balanced and responsive direction. The large Michelin tires do not saturate the cabin either.

A plush and feature rich interior

Speaking of cabin, it is beautifully finished with soft leathers, Alcantara trim and gloss black and offers spacious accommodation for front and rear passengers. Even with the fastback roofline, there is enough safety margin for adults to sit comfortably at the back, and the US market cars have two bucket seats at the rear as opposed to a three-wheeled bench. A set of highly zooted rear seats will be optional, adding a fixed center console with integrated touch screen that allows passengers to control interior settings and infotainment functions. The console also features temperature-controlled cupholders, as well as a few USB memory sticks and a wireless charging pad to charge smart devices.

Technologically, the dashboard features two 12.3-inch screens with reconfigurable configurations and the latest COMAND infotainment – no, the GT 63 does not yet offer Mercedes' new MBUX technology. Still, COMAND works well, controlling a Burmester sound system with 14 speakers, navigation, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay, but unfortunately not Android Auto. Audiophiles will also be able to upgrade to a 25-speaker Burmester system. A new center console houses color display buttons with physical switches to adjust volume, driving modes, stability control and exhaust settings. To limit downtime, the flat-bottomed steering wheel uses the responsive and intuitive touchpad system of E and S models to control digital displays.

For safety reasons, automatic emergency braking will be standard on all GTs. Features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist, Head-Up Display and a 360-degree camera are available as options.

Options options

As if all the driving patterns, gauge themes and seating arrangements were not enough to digest – and, frankly, they seemed a little excessive – the GT 4-Door will also offer a number of customizable packs to the already magnificent wrapper . The most functional is an aerodynamic package that attaches to a large front splitter, a rear diffuser and a fixed rear spoiler that provides an additional 66-pound to 186-mph thrust force, compared to the electronically adjustable spoiler. of the car.

For a sportier look, a carbon fiber bag sees aerodynamic elements and various trim pieces constructed from lightweight woven material, while those looking for a more sinister look can get a shiny black finished night set. . To stand out even more, a chrome finish adds a brilliant, glossy finish to the front splitter, front panel elements and rocker panels. This is not loud, but not my favorite.

Be there soon

While the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door 2019 coupe will land in European exhibition halls next month, the United States will have to wait until next year. The plans state that V8s will go on sale here in the first quarter of 2019, and GT 53 will arrive mid-year. Prices are not available yet, but I'm waiting for six figures – the $ 104,000 Panamera 4S Porsche fits well with the GT 53 on paper, for example. If the AMG starts below that, it will be a hell of a deal.

Anyway, you have time to think about your 4-door GT before it arrives. From mild to wild, AMG will have a car for you, and after sampling the basic and mid-range models, I can confidently say that you will not be disappointed by any version of this amazing model.

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