The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT is not the same as the 2018 Mercedes AMG GT. It has two more doors. Allow us to explain.
The Mercedes-AMG GT is the company’s sportiest production car, a rival to machines like the Porsche 911 and the Audi R8. It usually comes as a 2-door coupe (this distinction will become pertinent in a moment) or a convertible, the Roadster model. For reasons best known to Mercedes-Benz, both of these variants have skipped the 2019 model year. They’ll be back for 2020. That does, however, leave us with the AMG GT Coupe, an all-new “4-door coupe” model and the sole offering for 2019.
This is a much more driver-focused creation (and more expensive) than the also new-for-2019 CLS-Class, the other “4-door coupe” from Mercedes-Benz, which is more of a luxury car and based on the E-Class. The foundation for this car is all-AMG, not a tuned-up version of an existing model from the regular lineup — although there’s nothing wrong with that approach, it’s provided the automotive world with many exciting products.
Like its 2-door siblings, this model is built using aluminum and carbon fiber to keep weight in check, since mass is the enemy of performance.
What’s New for 2019?
The AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is an all-new variant for this model year. See the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT models for sale near you
What We Like
- Range of gutsy to insanely powerful engines
What We Don’t
- It’s not in our garage right now
How Much?
$99,995-$159,995
Fuel Economy
The entry-level GT 53 has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. This is enhanced by an electric motor (Mercedes-Benz calls it EQ Boost) powered by a lithium-ion battery. Think of it as a mild hybrid system. The “boost” description doesn’t add to the final power numbers, but allows the engine to reach its peak output faster. This is 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, which goes through an AMG-tuned 9-speed automatic transmission to a fully variable all-wheel-drive system (called 4Matic Plus).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates fuel consumption at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in combined driving.
The GT 63 version has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 developing 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission and AWD system are also deployed here, although there’s a variation on this and the next version’s 4Matic Plus setup that we’ll go into in our Behind the Wheel section below. The EPA calculates fuel consumption at 15 mpg city/20 mpg hwy/17 mpg combined.
The GT 63 S has the same drivetrain as the straight GT 63, except that it’s boosted to 630 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The EPA reckons it will achieve the same fuel consumption figures as the non-S sibling.
Standard Features & Options
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is available with a choice of three drivetrains. It’s a 4-seater with a center console extending to the rear.
The GT 53 ($99,995) has 19-in alloy wheels, active LED headlights with automatic high beams, LED taillights, an adaptive rear spoiler, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, sport suspension with adjustable dampers, a sport exhaust, selectable driving modes, a powered tilt/slide sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, remote start, AMG sport seats, heated front seats with memory settings, fixed rear seats with carbon fiber backing, dual-zone automatic climate control, composite front brake discs, dual 12.3-in displays (one for driver information, the other an infotainment touchscreen), a rear window sunshade, a powered lift gate, a limited-slip rear differential, silver-painted 6-piston front brake calipers and single-piston rear calipers, simulated leather upholstery, 64-color ambient LED cabin lighting, forward-collision warning, blind spot monitoring, partially autonomous parking feature, navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone/audio, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, wireless charging, voice control, satellite radio and a Burmester surround-sound system.
The GT 63 ($137,495) brings the V8 engine, more aerodynamic additions, AMG Ride Control Plus adaptive air suspension, black Nappa leather upholstery and ventilation for the front seats, power-folding side mirrors, a race driving mode, rear-wheel steering, an electronic rear differential, composite rear brake discs and red-painted brake calipers.
The GT 63 S ($159,995) receives the boost in power and dynamic engine mounts. Its brake calipers are painted yellow.
An optional Executive Rear Seat package comes with controls for the climate system. The GT 4-Door Coupe also offers 20-in and 21-in alloy wheels, plus a cabin fragrance system with a model-specific scent.
Safety
Naturally, the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe has a full complement of airbags, plus the mandatory safety equipment that includes anti-lock brakes. The traction control system offers a mode that’s calibrated to allow some leeway for the driver to modulate the throttle and apply some steering correction before intervening. This is more suited to track driving.
Behind the Wheel
Taking up from where the 2019 CLS 53 leaves off, the GT 53 version has the same 0-to-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds, but has a top speed of 174 mph instead of 130 mph. This car also sits lower than the CLS.
Both the GT 63 versions have the famously hand-crafted V8 engines. The regular GT 63 sprints to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds on the way to a top seed of 193 mph. The GT 63 S shaves 0.2 of a second from the 0-to-60-mph time and adds another two miles per hour of maximum velocity.
The 4Matic Plus AWD system is fully variable. All available torque is sent to the rear wheels under normal circumstances, with up to 50% redirected up front to make the most of whichever wheels have the most grip at any given time. It all happens within milliseconds.
The two GT 63 versions have an extra trick, though. Optional in the GT 63 and standard in the GT 63 S, their 4Matic Plus systems have a drift mode that prevents torque going up front, allowing tail slides.
Other Cars to Consider
2019 Porsche Panamera — The Panamera is bigger and heavier, but Porsche’s sports car expertise is undeniably amazing. The 440-hp 4S could rival the GT 53, while the 550-hp Turbo might be an alternative to the GT 63/63S models.
2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe — Expected to pack 600 hp. It should be breathtaking.
Used Aston Martin Rapide S — Stunning looks, awesome 560-hp V12 engine.
Autotrader’s Advice
If this kind of thing sets off your fireworks and won’t send your accountant into an apoplectic fit, then go for it. The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is an all-new, high-class, high-powered sports car for four with plenty of luxury features. Find a Mercedes-AMG GT for sale
