2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe: The Brand’s 2-Seater Flagship Coupe

          

Highlight: There is now a four door version of this vehicle.

E53 AMG Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $127,515 (Base Model: $116,895)

Seating Capacity: 2

Safety Features: ABS; air bags; active brake assist; radar activated high beam assist system; front and rearview cameras; parking assist aids; adaptive brake technology; electronic stability control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Features: 19-inch wheels; a 7-speed automatic transmission; a start-stop gas saving engine cutoff feature; 12.3-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; driving modes; AMG track pace; AMG sport suspension; color display buttons; steering wheel touch control buttons; Nappa leather with a performance steering wheel; heated performance seats with memory; leather-like interior; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a net and luggage cover; a stainless steel door sill trim; a performance exhaust system; high performance summer tires; AMG grille; a battery trickle charger; and an internal hood duct

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: AMG exterior night styling; 19 and 20-inch, 10-spoke design wheels; active radar cruise control system; heated and ventilated front seats; touchpad; AMG ride control; and Burmester Surround System

Other Trims:

AMG GT C Coupe

AMG GT R Coupe

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an AM/FM/HD/CD with satellite radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Smartphone/Android- AppleCar Play Compatibility: Yes

                                                                                              

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 4.0-liter, 8-cylinder bi-turbo /469-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 16-city/22-hwy

What’s New: A new AMG GT R Pro joins the line up, offering more performance and horsepower. This pushes the vehicle to a whopping 577-horsepower. There is also a $151,000 plus price tag to accommodate the additional power under the hood.

Why: For those seeking a sporty, two-seater German-engineered, performance coupe that accelerates from 0 to 60-mph in less than four seconds, the AMG GT Coupe should be immediately placed on one’s car shopping list.

Not only does the vehicle, with its standard 8-cylinder engine, make a grand entrance, when cruising around town, its highly noticeable performance exhaust sound system heightens the attention that is drawn to the vehicle.

Another key factor of this work of art on wheels is the iconic styling of the low-slung vehicle. The head-turning design seems more suitable for the race tracks, as opposed to a street cruiser. With the AMG GT Coupe, Mercedes-Benz gives buyers the best of both worlds. For those seeking a track experience, they can store key performance data, during track driving, while the graphics are displayed on the infotainment screen.

Added to that, the center console contains settings for the driver to find a driving mode -- that is designed to fit every mood. The driving mode enhances the driving capabilities by adapting the throttle map, changing the gears automatically and adjusting the optional suspension system, depending on the package.

Moreover, being that this is a driver-oriented vehicle, don’t expect to find a lane keep assist system or a radar-activated cruise control system. For true driving enthusiasts, the AMG GT allows the person behind the wheel to control this mean machine without the today’s self-driving aids.

Lastly, the GT line up has expanded since the last time we spent behind the wheel. Mercedes-Benz track racing vehicle is available as a hardtop roadster, a convertible and a sedan.

But: For those seeking the typical smooth luxury ride associated with Mercedes-Benz vehicles, one should steer clear of this performance handling coupe.

This vehicle is definitely designed for the track and street racing. Its literally too much power under the hood to be driven as an everyday driver. What a tease this vehicle is? Before making the investment in such a vehicle, one needs to have access to windy roads or a track, where they can test the vehicle to its limits.

Also the finicky touchpad system on our test vehicle should be outfitted with knobs and dials to adjust the audio, ventilation and navigation system.

Moreover, the brand’s smartkey should have been designed with a keyless entry system. From both a safety and convenience stand point, in this day and time, it seems somewhat antiquated when a remote control system is required to open and close doors and the rear liftgate. We must note a keyless entry system is considered to be an optional feature.

Furthermore, the vehicle should include a standard HUD (heads up display) system. For those driving the vehicle in the city, one needs to keep their eyes on the windshield at all times, making sure that this ‘monster’ is tamed, staying below the posted speed limit. The look and sound of the vehicle draws enough unwanted attention.

And for those seeking the latest safety driving aids, ranging from a radar-activated cruise control system to an automatic braking system, those features escaped this high-tech work of art on wheels.

Lastly, if one needs to replace the run-flat tires, this vehicle require that the vehicle be towed to the nearest dealer and/or authorized dealer. Unfortunately, there is no place for a spare and this is not a vehicle that one can easily swap out the high performance tires.

Verdict: For buyers seeking a well-engineered vehicle, that is a roadrunner on the streets, curvy back roads, highways or the tracks, the AMG GT Coupe, with its elongated hood that harkens back to the 1930s, is worth the six figure investment.