THE SECOND GENERATION OF THE Mercedes-AMG GT two-door Coupé arrives in Australia as the performance brand’s new top model, offering owners the astonishing combination of highly dynamic driving characteristics along with increased suitability for everyday use.
The new GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé becomes the fifth independent series in the history of Mercedes-AMG, joining the SLS, two-door GT (1st generation), GT four-door Coupé and SL on an exclusive list that underscores the high levels of technological competence that the Affalterbach-based Mercedes-AMG development team was able to bring to their latest assignment.
The arrival in Australia of the second generation of the venerated GT two-door Coupé heralds a number of architectural achievements along with technological and packaging innovations that offer an even more dynamic and enthralling driving experience, but also increase its suitability as a vehicle that can be driven on a daily basis.
“The new AMG GT Coupé combines highly dynamic driving characteristics and distinctive sportiness with a high level of everyday comfort,” says Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes AMG GmbH.
“Our new GT is clearly the top-of-the-line product in our diversified portfolio and is therefore not only AMG’s youngest brand shaper, but also a clear commitment to the sports car made in Affalterbach.”
A new dimension concept
For the second-generation of its two-door sports coupé, Mercedes-AMG commissioned an elaborate composite aluminium body structure that delivers an expanded dimension concept, allowing the coupé to offer 2+2 seating configuration for the first time.
The body structure, including an intelligent material mix of aluminium, steel, magnesium, and fibre composite materials, also enables the highest possible rigidity at a low weight. With optimised material cross-sections and sophisticated component shapes, extra space has been created for the required comfort and safety equipment, extra sophisticated technology and a large luggage compartment volume.
With the interior increasing functionality for everyday use, the new GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé adds two rear seats for the first time, suitable for passengers up to 1.5 metres tall.
In addition, the large EASY PACK tailgate with HANDSFREE ACCESS function makes loading and unloading easier, while the luggage compartment can be expanded using split-folding rear seat backrests.
“With the new dimension concept and 2+2 seats, we are directly responding to the wishes of our customers,” Schiebe says.
Enhanced exterior design
The innovative body concept has also offered completely new options for the exterior design. Mercedes-AMG designers utilised the combination of a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a steeply raked windscreen to create a compact, powerful appearance.
There is an ideal balance of proportions in the side view, including the compact greenhouse with its fastback silhouette, the voluminous wheel arches, and an expressively modelled rear shoulder presenting the perfect balance of elegance and sportiness.
A deep, wide AMG-specific radiator grille and expressive power domes on the bonnet add to a dominant presence.
Now added: Fully-variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive
For the first time, the Mercedes-AMG GT two-door Coupé is equipped with fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. This intelligent system with fully variable torque distribution on the front and rear axle not only ensures optimum traction at the physical limit, but the driver can also rely on a high level of driving stability under almost any conditions.
The transition from rear to all-wheel drive and vice-versa takes place continuously, based on a sophisticated matrix that integrates the intelligent control into the overall vehicle system architecture.
With an electromechanically controlled clutch variably connecting the constantly driven rear axle with the front axle, the best possible torque distribution is continuously calculated based on the driving situation and the driver’s wishes.
This means the GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé can be driven in a continuously variable manner, ranging from traction-oriented all-wheel drive with 50:50 power distribution to the front and rear axles, to pure rear-wheel drive. This system also improves longitudinal dynamics, promoting even more powerful and assured acceleration.
Dynamically secure
An electronically controlled rear axle locking differential further improves dynamics by ensuring excellent traction. Not only is the traction of the drive wheels on the rear axle further improved, cornering speeds in the limit area also increase should drivers wish to take it on the track.
With active rear-axle steering as standard, the rear wheels can steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels (at speeds up to 100 km/h) or in the same direction (faster than 100 km/h), enabling agile and stable driving behaviour in equal measure. This delivers easier vehicle controllability as speed rises, as well as requiring less effort through more direct translation of steering inputs.
All the control, with extra usability
Replacing conventional mechanical torsion bar-type anti-roll bars is AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active roll stabilisation, which compensates for rolling movements in the new AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé in fractions of a second. The system works very efficiently because it uses the vehicle’s existing kinetic energy to positively influence roll behaviour.
The suspension hydraulics also feed a front axle lift system that can raise the suspension of the vehicle by 30mm, resulting in extra clearance of 41mm at the front bumper lip. This makes it easier, for example, to drive into underground car parks or over speed bumps. The lift system can be operated via the multimedia central display, using the AMG steering wheel buttons, or by direct voice control.
The position of deployment can also be saved using GPS technology, ensuring the front end of the vehicle is automatically raised each time the vehicle approaches the saved location.
Advanced active aerodynamics
A development focus of the new AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé was to create a perfectly balanced relationship between low air resistance and reduced lift, resulting in the development of extensive active aerodynamic elements at the front and rear, all seamlessly integrated into the exterior design.
The new aerodynamic measures help the AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé to meet the complex requirements of driving stability, air resistance, cooling, and wind noise.
A key technical highlight is AIRPANEL, a two-part active air control system. The first part operates with vertical slats hidden behind the lower air intake in the front apron, while the second is located behind the upper air intake and has horizontal louvres.
In normal driving conditions all slats are closed, to reduce air resistance and direct air towards the underbody, where it further reduces front lift. When certain temperatures are reached by pre-defined components, the slats progressively open to allow cooling air to flow to the heat exchangers.
Dynamic performance is enhanced by a new retractable rear spoiler that seamlessly integrates into the boot lid and can automatically assume five different angular positions to either optimise driving stability or reduce air resistance, depending on the driving situation. The control software takes into account driving speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and steering inputs.
Another new active aerodynamic element can contribute to improved handling. Hidden in the underbody in front of the engine, this carbon profile is an exclusive AMG development and protected by patents.
Depending on the selected AMG drive program, it can automatically lower by around 40 millimetres at 80 km/h to create a Venturi effect, which sucks the car onto the road and reduces lift on the front axle. As a result, the AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé can be steered more precisely in bends, with improved directional stability.
Now even more potent: the Mercedes-AMG biturbo V8
At the heart of the new AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé is the latest generation of the much-loved Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, assembled entirely by hand at the company’s site in Affalterbach according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle.
The engine has received a new oil pan, repositioned intercooler and active crankcase ventilation, while the inlet and outlet ports have been optimised for more effective gas exchange.
In the GT 63 4MATIC+ model, this engine delivers 430kW of power and provides maximum torque of 800Nm over a wide engine speed range. Accelerating from zero to 100km/h takes as little as 3.2 seconds, and the top speed is 315km/h should drivers wish to take it on the track.
Wet starting clutch paired with GT-adapted transmission
The biturbo V8 achieves extraordinary responsiveness with the assistance of an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission that has been specially tailored to the requirements of the new AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé, combining an emotional shift experience with extremely short shift times.
AMG developers utilised a wet starting clutch to reduce weight over the former torque converter. This also creates lower mass inertia and optimises accelerative responsiveness.
A high-performance composite brake system offers short braking distances, sensitive response behaviour and high stability, even under extreme loads. Brake discs (made of cast steel) and brake pots (made of aluminium) are now connected with special pins rather than screws to save space, which is utilised to improve brake cooling. A new directional perforation saves weight and offers better heat dissipation.
In full dynamic control
Drivers can choose between six AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Individual and RACE, encompassing a wide range of vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic. Each offers a driving experience precisely tailored to different driving conditions.
These operate interactively with AMG DYNAMICS, an integrated driving dynamics control that expands the stabilising functions of ESP with agile interventions in all-wheel drive control, steering characteristics and in additional ESP functions. The spectrum ranges from extremely stable to highly dynamic.
The AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé incorporates AMG TRACK PACE software as part of the MBUX infotainment system. This records more than 80 pieces of vehicle-specific data at a rate of 10 times per second while driving over a defined route. A total of 40 parameters can be displayed, with up to four visible at the same time.
Lap and sector times are displayed on the multimedia display, the head-up display and in the instrument cluster, as well as additional training and analysis tools. The navigation in the head-up display shows cornering angles and braking points, to help the driver to find the best line. Via augmented reality, a driving line from a saved recording can be shown on the MBUX multimedia display. In this way, the driver can improve their track driving style with the assistance of a virtual instructor. Acceleration and deceleration values can also be measured and saved.
Advanced interior design, skilled workmanship
The interior design of the new AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé skilfully translates AMG’s high-performance sports car genes into a digital world. The cockpit design, right down to the central display in the centre console, is focused on the driver, and the materials, workmanship and attention to detail evident underscore the vehicle’s claim to provide high levels of interior luxury.
The functional and optical centre is an 11.9-inch, portrait-shaped multimedia touchscreen with brilliant clarity to enhance navigation plus a range of control and comfort functions. The integral MBUX infotainment system is intuitive to use and capable of learning. It offers extensive AMG-specific content in five display styles. Exclusive menu items such as “AMG Performance” or “AMG TRACK PACE” underline the sporty character.
In the AMG Performance menu, the driver can call up a wide range of data from output, torque or lateral acceleration, to the power distribution of the all-wheel drive or the current vehicle condition with tyre pressure and fluid temperatures.
The driver‘s head-up display projects relevant information and actions in three dimensions to appear to interact with the real driving situation and environment.
Sports seats of exceptional comfort and support
A highlight of the opulent interior is the sculptural seat design of the electrically adjustable AMG Sports Seats with integrated headrests. They offer not only exceptional comfort, but also a high level of lateral support. Perfect ergonomics and progressive seam and stitching patterns complete the symbiosis of high-tech, performance and luxury.
The standard ENERGIZING Package Plus adds climatised and multi-contour front seats with inflatable side bolsters that can automatically provide extra support in Sport, Sport+ and RACE driving programs to ensure optimal lateral support at all times. This package also includes seat functions such as massage, plus different lighting moods to create either stimulating or relaxing interior environments as required.
The AMG Performance steering wheel in double-spoke design, with a flattened bottom and covered in Nappa leather, includes standard heating. An integral sensor also detects if hands are off the wheel, and can initiate a warning cascade which – if the driver continues to be inactive – finally activates the vehicle’s emergency stop assistant.
Two AMG steering wheel buttons are convenient and intuitive to use with brilliantly coloured LCD displays and modern icons. This allows important driving functions and driving programs to be controlled without undue distraction. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission can also be manually shifted using aluminium shift paddles arranged behind the steering wheel rim.
A stunning standard equipment list
Other highlights of a long list of standard equipment includes a Burmester® surround sound system with 11 speakers and 600-watt output; smartphone integration via Apple Car Play or Google Android Auto; wireless charging for compatible mobile devices; MBUX Navigation Premium including augmented reality; USB Package Plus; ambient lighting with 64 colours and 10 colour schemes; AMG aluminium trim; MANUFAKTUR roof liner in black DINAMICA microfibre; and a fixed panoramic sunroof with mechanical blind.
External features include flush-fitting door handles; DIGITAL LIGHT with select projection functions; AMG light display; 21-inch AMG 10 twin-spoke forged wheels and black-painted AMG brake calipers.
A suite of integral driver assistance equipment includes Driving Assistance Package Plus (Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist); a 360-degree camera; Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC; and GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection Plus.
Options to add extra distinction
The AMG Night Package adds a high-gloss black finish to exterior elements such as the front splitter and exterior mirror housings, plus black chrome finish for the radiator shell and Mercedes star at the rear, together with black chrome-plated tailpipe trims. This also includes the AMG Aerodynamics package, specifically sharpening the looks with a fixed rear spoiler while benefiting from improved driving characteristics. GT-specific 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels in matte black with high-sheen rim flange complete a distinctive appearance.
The AMG Carbon Fibre Package integrates parts made of carbon fibre or in a carbon fibre design, such as the insert on the front splitter or the trim strip on the side sill panels, to enhance the exterior from every angle and underline the performance capability of the GT 63 two-door Coupé. Inside, AMG carbon-fibre trim features on the centre console and doors, along with the AMG steering wheel which combines striking carbon-fibre with inserts of MICROCUT microfibre.
The AMG Performance Seat Package offers a strongly contoured seat shape with integrated head restraints and AMG badge, combining ideal lateral support with a particularly dynamic appearance.
Pricing
At launch, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ two-door Coupé retails at $366,500 (plus on road costs) and is available to order from Wednesday, 14 August at Mercedes-AMG retailers.
Optionally, at launch the AMG Night Package adds $9900, the AMG Carbon Fibre Package $12,900 and the AMG Performance Seat Package $2490.
Customers can further individualise their vehicle via a range of optional choices including six leather upholstery colours, 12 exterior paint finishes (including metallic and MAGNO paints), and six alloy wheel designs, including a new 21-inch cross-spoke forged wheel finished in MANUFAKTUR matte techgold.