Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Buyers Guide

I have to say that as a car enthusiast, I don’t like the AMG GT series. I’m also not a huge fan of Mercedes in general, but I can’t deny this car’s hacking ability as well as the dynamic driving experience it delivers for the dollar it claims.

Originally, the AMG GT series was created to replace the lost giant, the SLS AMG. Which of course saddened me because the SLS AMG Coupe is perhaps one of the biggest long term hacks to buy right now.

However, the notoriety of the GT model cannot be ignored, especially as the rising sport of F1 in America has been using the AMG GT as a safety car since 2018.

This car turns heads due to the fact that it has huge visual presence and exciting, even bony sounds.

If you’re wondering which coupe might be right for you while keeping the excitement value in mind, keep reading to see if the AMG GT and any of its many trim levels might be right for you.

Driving experience

When asked to comment on the design and handling of the AMG GT, this is what Mercedes had to say: “With an unrivaled motorsport pedigree, Mercedes-AMG drivers have developed the GT to be a pure sports car with an ideal sense of balance.

From its proportions to its sound, each element reveals its raison d’être and its passion.

They were right. This car is in a class of its own in the mega Mercedes world and is unique in terms of design, handling and driver engagement behind the wheel.

The AMG GT comes with a twin-turbo 4-liter V8 engine mounted in the front of the stretched vehicle with more than 456 horsepower diverted to the rear. It makes the ride a little more compelling, taking the weight up front and the power out the back, this car can slip away from you if you’re not careful. So keep that in mind when hitting the on-ramps.

Like most of its models, Mercedes designed the GT to be incredibly user-friendly inside. Of course, being a coupe, the two-seat beast still offers a level of comfort in an otherwise very race-focused car.

The interface in both the center console and behind the steering wheel is large, bright and easy to maneuver and use without getting painfully confused and frustrated just trying to connect your phone to Bluetooth.

Mercedes-AMG GT Common issues

Mercedes is most commonly known for electrical/wiring issues, no matter the model, whether it’s a sports car, sedan, SUV or even a sprinter van, this is perhaps the most reported issue with the brand.

Issues more specifically related to the GT are faulty seals, steering system issues, and electrical/wiring issues.

Since the car has now been on the market for half a decade with many variants and trim models, there are a good number of recalls present on the GT models. Make sure when reviewing your next GT that all callbacks have been completed and any pending callbacks are scheduled immediately.

A complete list of active reminders is HERE it’s up to you to review.

Mercedes-AMG GT Cost of ownership/maintenance

Mercedes can be relatively cost-effective to repair, as long as you don’t drive into the franchise dealer’s lot. Mercedes is now to use beautiful buildings and attentive customer service to conceal or distract its customers from the hefty repair bills they can rack up just from a simple oil change.

Instead, take the time to research reputable third-party independent stores in your area, as these models have been around for a long time, most well-trained technicians will be able to offer the same quality repair and service at a fraction of the cost.

Vehicle trim styles will also matter, as the Performance(R) model may require more expensive tire changes, a GTS with carbon ceramic brakes may never cost you a dime for brakes, while the convertible GTC may require annual soft top checks to ensure integrity.

It’s important to know your car inside and out before you pull the trigger, so be sure to do a PPI on your future GT prospects to ensure someone else’s problems don’t become your financial headache.

Mercedes-AMG GT Trim differences

GT: (2015-2021) The GT is the entry-level variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT family. This variant’s engine is tuned to an output of 390 kW (530 PS; 523 hp) and 670 N⋅m (494 lb⋅ft) of torque, the main differences between this and its more expensive siblings being a mechanical limited-slip differential, an absorbing glass battery, the absence of the “Race Mode” setting in the AMG Dynamic Select adaptive transmission system, the absence of the AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension system, and an AMG passive. Sports exhaust system. Keyless-Go is also an optional feature, as opposed to standard equipment. The GT is fitted with 19-inch wheels front and rear.

GT C: (2017-2021) The GT C is a performance-oriented variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT. The M178 engine in this variant is tuned for 410 kW (557 PS; 550 hp) and 502 lb⋅ft (681 N⋅m) of torque. While the GT C retains the main mechanical differences that the GT S gains over the GT, it also has a wider body (2,007 mm (79 in)) and active rear steering, which the GT S does not have (even as an option). In the United States, the Lane Tracking and AMG Dynamic Plus option packages are standard equipment on the GT C.

GT S: (2015-2020) The GT S is a more equipped variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT. The M178 engine in this variant is tuned to an output of 384 kW (522 PS; 515 hp) and 671 N⋅m (495 lb⋅ft) of torque. Key mechanical differences the GT S gains over the GT include an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, “Race Mode” and “Race Start” mode settings in the AMG Dynamic Select adaptive drivetrain system, AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension system, an AMG Performance Exhaust system with dynamic flaps, and a lithium-ion battery. Keyless-Go is standard equipment, as is a set of offset wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear).

GT-R: (2017-2021) The GT R is a high-performance variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT. The M178 engine in this variant is tuned for an output of 430 kW (585 PS; 577 bhp) at 6250 rpm and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5500 rpm. The GT R accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph).

While the GT R retains the major mechanical differences that the GT C gains over the GT S, it also gains manually adjustable coil springs (in conjunction with the base models’ AMG Ride Control suspension), an active underbody fascia, a manually adjustable rear spoiler, and an AMG 9-mode traction control system. As befits a high-performance variant, the GT R loses Keyless-Go, integrated garage door opener, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors and reverts to the base lightweight 4-speaker audio system that comes with the GT, but these features can still be added as options.

When launched, the GT R received several cosmetic changes from the standard car, including vertical slats in the front grille, an adjustable rear spoiler, new front air intakes and new front and rear diffusers. The styling of the GT R is comparable to that of the AMG GT3 race car. However, the base GT variant got many of these cosmetic changes as part of a mild facelift during the 2017 model year.

He completed a lap of the Nuerburgring track in 7:10.92, making it the 5th fastest lap time for a road-legal production vehicle on the track at the time.

Mercedes-AMG GT Choice

Mercedes is one of those brands that offers a lot of a la carte options when it comes to their cars. Everything is up for debate, including upholstery design, color, wood and carbon fiber interior trim, wheel colors and designs, roadster hood colors and, of course, exterior colors galore. To understand which options tickle your fancy, I recommend checking out THIS Mercedes brochure to see the full showcase.

Best Mercedes-AMG GT Buy