Mercedes-Benz AMG GT review

After initially launching only with a V8, the 4cyl GT 43 now kicks off UK sales at £101,685. That approach didn’t exactly enamour us to the Porsche 718 Cayman – at around half the price – yet here it’s your one chance to still get a rear-wheel-drive AMG GT. And with a light 2.0-litre engine to help the nose tuck into corners, too. Mind you it claims 27.5mpg and 235g/km of CO2, figures which lag behind the almighty hybrid with almost twice the power (though at almost twice the price).

If you want a V8 you’ll need at least forty grand more, the GT 55 starting at £143,605 in Premium Plus trim, about £21k short of the more potent GT 63 that AMG still considers the core model in the range. The 55 is aimed more at genteel specs and sedate cruising, something lots of customers enjoy, apparently, though it’ll still hit 62mph in under four seconds and doesn’t trail its siblings in the way of chassis tech.

You’ll pay at least £164,905 for GT 63 in Premium Plus trim. You can then have that powertrain in Ultimate (£175,905) and Launch Edition (£180,905) forms. Those two trims add the fixed rear wing and aero pack, carbon ceramic brakes, 21-inch wheels and the sportier performance seats. The GT 63 Pro is likely to cost a similar sum of money when it lands in early 2025, adding all that hidden aero and cooling trickery plus forged 21s wrapped in gnarly Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres. Probably not the best choice for wintry weather, but at least it keeps the 4WD…

And the hybrid?

When you consider that the E Performance adds a huge amount of power and carbon ceramic brakes as standard (even on the Premium Plus trim), the premium of around £15,000 over the non-hybrid 63 does make it seem like fairly good value. It kicks off at £180,745, with the Ultimate trim costing £191,745.

A hefty chunk of money no matter which one you choose, especially as – if you’re used to lesser Mercs – the interior might not feel all that special. It’s big money for what is a relatively mass-produced car that doesn’t have the brand strength of Ferrari, Aston, Bentley, McLaren or even Porsche.

However, if you’re nervous about trusting the reliability and quality of Aston or McLaren, worried about the potential costs of Ferrari ownership and have decided the Porsche isn’t for you, then the AMG GT makes a convincing case for itself as a top end daily sports car.

Plus, in E Performance form it’ll keep up with any of its rivals in a straight line despite the very hefty kerb weight.