Driven: Mercedes Benz AMG GT S Review

Driven: Mercedes Benz AMG GT Review

Following my first drive of the Mercedes AMG GT S here are my thoughts on the Mercedes SLS replacement.

What is the Mercedes Benz AMG GT all about?

The AMG GT S is the successor for the Mercedes-Benz SLS. It is a two-seater front engined, rear wheel drive super car, providing the ultimate Mercedes-AMG driving experience.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Red 1

The design concept of the car is executed exceptionally well, from any angle the design looks very sleek, stylish and has a nice balance of aggressiveness in the mix too. I love looking at the car from the front, the long bonnet and large grille opening give the car a very appealing look.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Red 3

The AMG GT is available in a few different versions. The version we are testing here is the GT S. The GT S has boosted performance over the GT, with additional highlights that allow the configuration of vehicle systems to make it enthusiastic on the race track. The Mercedes-AMG GT S is an outstanding expression of the essence of AMG.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Yellow 12

The AMG GT S is powered by a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine that creates 503bhp and 650Nm of torque. All of this power goes through a 7-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels. This means that the car will get from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and will do and top speed of 193mph.

How does it drive?

Just looking at the AMG gives you thrills, but this is timesed by one hundred easy when you get behind the wheel. Firstly turning on the car is dramatic enough, hitting the start button and igniting the V8 engine creates one immense noise. The V8 creates a low and deep exhaust note that takes you a bit by surprise. I love it.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Red 12

Slowly driving the car around to the test track, this powerful supercar is as simple to drive as any other Mercedes. However once I got the car onto the test track and gave the car full throttle I was hit with all 650Nm of torque that rocketed the car forward at a tremendous rate. In full acceleration mode the sound from the exhaust is a V8 symphony. When shifting between gears the AMG GT S creates some nice exhaust pops which work as pleasant treat to the driver.

Mercedes Benz AMG GT S Review

When you give the AMG GT S full throttle you realise the automatic gearbox is beautifully designed, each shift is executed in milliseconds. To change gear you can either grab the paddles on the steering wheel or just let the car decide the optimum time to shift. The huge 390mm brakes worked incredibly well to slow the mass of the car from high speeds.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Red 5

What is it like inside?

The interior of the car was very impressive. Sitting in the car you feel low to the ground, you’re surrounded by the latest Mercedes interior design and it looks amazing. The entire interior of the car feels a bit overwhelming initially. The dashboard is an array of buttons, knobs and information displays, it certainly feels like another step forward for car interiors. It’s beautifully done.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Red 25

The Experience

This is what the AMG GT is all about. This car just oozes drama and puts on a show that will thrill the masses in many ways. If you’re after a fast drive through the mountains with that V8 screaming, or cruising through central London in traffic the AMG GT S will do both well and provide a fully unique and rare driving experience at the same time.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Red 7

Verdict

I do feel the AMG GT S lacks the gull wing door madness that the SLS had. But this aside the car has the looks, the style and the performance that supersedes the SLS. The GT S will certainly sell, and if you can afford the for the extra for GT S model over the GT model I would recommend it as it gives great additional thrills.

Mercedes Benz AMG GT S Review

Video Highlights

Specification

Mercedes Benz AMG GT

  • Price: £110,500
  • Engine: 4.0-Litre Turbocharged V8
  • Power: 503bhp
  • Torque: 650Nm
  • Transmission: 7 Speeds Automatic
  • 0-62mph: 3.8 Seconds
  • Top speed: 193mph
  • Weight: 1,695kg
  • Economy combined: 30mpg
  • CO2: 219g/km

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Author: Paul Hadley