Mercedes-AMG GT review - Engines, performance and drive

One look at the specification of the AMG GT is enough to get you excited about the driving experience. An all-new 4.0-litre V8 with twin-turbochargers, a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, multi-link suspension and a low centre of gravity – it has all the best sports car ingredients.

You sit low in the car and the driving position is good, although the view is dominated by a large bonnet bulge. The engine is mounted behind the front axle for better weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity. As a result, the car feels sharper than previous AMG models and very stable.

Body control is excellent and, for a powerful front-engined rear-wheel drive car (which are often quite twitchy), the grip is sensational. The back end is really steady under acceleration and the AMG GT feels incredibly composed. The steering is light and sensitive, and it doesn’t have the same level of feedback that you’ll find in a Porsche 911. That can affect confidence when pushing on, but you'd need to find a track to really explore this car's limits. 

The GT C and R models rank up the planted, secure feel, with virtually no body roll and a more engaging steering setup. The extra stability of the wider track, combined with the extra power on offer, makes the R in particular a far more visceral driving experience, particularly on a circuit, where you can take advantage of its lower weight, active aerodynamics and rear-wheel steering that give it a greater sense of connection. The GT C almost matches it for fun at the wheel, but is more usable on the road. 

10

Despite its sharp handling, the AMG GT is actually a reasonably refined cruiser. The suspension is just the right side of firm and on smooth tarmac with the dampers in Comfort mode, the AMG GT rides decently enough to be comfortable. The wide tyres generate some road noise at speed and the engine does tend to make more of a racket than that of rivals, but overall refinement is good.

Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

Press the starter button on the transmission tunnel and the 516bhp 4.0-litre V8 barks into life. The noise is addictive and really comes into its own above 3,000rpm – especially with the sports exhaust activated.

With 670Nm available as low as 2,100rpm, the AMG-GT feels instantly responsive, yet peak power doesn’t arrive until over 6,000rpm – so there’s performance on offer throughout the rev range. 

As for acceleration, you’re looking at 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds from the standard model and 3.6 seconds from the R Coupe, while top speed is 194mph and 198mph respectively. The GT C splits the two at 3.7 seconds and 196mph. 

The dual-clutch gearbox shifts seamlessly, and there’s a nice blip on the downshift accompanied by pops and bangs from the exhaust when you’re decelerating. Those noises are even more pronounced on the GT C and R models, making every drive a real event.