► AMG GT gains more powerful ‘Pro’ trim
► Improved cooling and aero changes
► Joins existing range and PHEV
Mercedes-AMG has revealed a new ‘Pro’ version of its AMG GT 63 coupe, bringing a power boost and track-aimed changes.
Revealed at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey, to coincide with the Goodwood Festival of Speed, it joins existing V8 GT versions and a recently-revealed new plug-in hybrid model. The Pro is intended to be the most track-focused version in the line-up and gets a power boost and styling revisions to give it a racier focus.
Mercedes says the changes have been made to improve ‘cornering performance’, while the 805bhp exists for those wanting the best ‘autobahn performance’, the firm says.
Its 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine gets a 27bhp and 37lb ft boost compared to the standard AMG GT 63, now putting out 604bhp and 627lb ft of torque. The 3.0-second 0-62mph time remains the same as the standard version, but extra torque aids improved performance as the speed climbs – 0-124mph is half a second quicker at 10.9 seconds – and the top speed stands at 197mph.
A fixed rear spoiler is also now included while a new front bumper improves cooling and aerodynamics, with Mercedes saying it’s taken lessons from the AMG One. Other changes include two new radiators in the front wings and a revised underbody that channels air flow better and improve downforce at the rear.
The forged 21-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres as standard in the UK, along with a standard carbon-fibre package.
Prices are yet to be announced, but it’s likely to come in at around £200,000 when sales begin later in the year.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT coupe has gone on sale in the UK in V8 form already. But the two-door coupe’s range has been expanded to include a flagship plug-in hybrid as well as a GT 43 four-cylinder rear-wheel drive model.
The first batch of V6 GT 63 Premium Plus, Performance and Launch Edition models start at £164,765 in the UK. That’s a lot of money for Merc’s 911 rival, but the price is inflated because it’s launching in punchy Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4Matic+ spec, meaning it’s the ballistic 577bhp AMG version complete with bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8.
The addition of the four-cylinder model and the plug-in hybrid will definitely expand the options available for those looking at AMG’s flagship coupe.
Are you sure this is a new one?
We’re sure – mainly because this new GT shares its footprint and wheelbase with the SL convertible.
Key design highlights include what the design team call ‘power domes’ over the bonnet, new headlights with triple-dash day-running lights (DRLs) and 3D-shaped rear light clusters. As standard, the AMG GT has an active rear wing, while an aero package on the options list features the fixed wing pictured above.
Inside, it’s almost entirely like its SL roadster sibling. Mercedes-Benz’s ‘hyper analogue’ display comprises a deeply inset driver’s instrument panel and a central touchscreen that rises up from the dashboard.
Unlike the SL’s version, though, it doesn’t adjust back and forward depending on sunlight. Given it’s a coupe with less chance of catching the rays in bright sunshine, this shouldn’t present a problem.
The biggest change, though, is the fact the AMG GT is now a 2+2. Given it runs on the SL platform (to save development budget), some of the SL’s traits have come along for the ride. But, given the low roofline, the rear seats are only for those measuring up to 1.5 metres tall, according to Mercedes-Benz. They can also fold down, boosting boot space – which, itself, is larger than before.
CAR has sat in the rear seats and can vouch that they are pretty diddy rear pews for occasional use or children. Handy for bags though.
So it’s more practical? What about performance?
As of April 2024, there are four-cylinder, V8 and plug-in hybrid models of the AMG GT.
The range starts with the new AMG GT 43: a rear-driven GT model using the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the A45, which develops 416bhp. Mercedes-AMG claims a 4.6sec 0-62mph sprint and a top speed of 174mph.
Then, there are the V8 options: GT 55 and GT 63, which both feature 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GT 55 delivers 469bhp and 516lb ft, sprinting to 62mph in 3.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 183mph. The GT 63 develops 577bhp and 590lb ft, good for a 3.2sec 0-62mph sprint and a top speed of 195mph.
On top of that, technology like AMG’s Ride Control adaptive suspension with active roll control is included, as is a rear differential and rear-wheel steering. Carbon ceramic brakes are optional.
Ahead of the 2024 China Auto show, Mercedes-AMG has also revealed its plug-in version of the SL. It has a rather long name: the GT 63 S E-Performance, but comes with a nuclear-powered 805bhp electrified powertrain – the same as the top-spec SL convertible, conveniently – that allows it to sprint to 62mph in 2.8sec. That means the GT 63 S E-Performance is the fastest-accelerating series production AMG ever.
How much is an AMG GT?
For the UK market, we currently only get the V8-powered GT 63. Prices start at a punchy £164,765 for a Premium Plus, rising to £175,765 for a Performance model.