- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
4.0TT, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
340kW, 600Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 9.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2017 Mercedes-AMG GT S review
Kick the AMG GT S into life and it’s as dramatic as an Italian opera.
The exhaust splutters and snarls, magnifying the brawny design of AMG’s flagship sports car, while its disposition on the road seems intimidating, even if that is far from the case in real life.
There’s no doubt Mercedes believe the GT S is on a different level compared to cross-town rival, the Porsche 911, but it’s a well-known commodity for well-heeled buyers who want to (or at least look like they) drive fast.
The AMG GT isn't going to change that but it will put some doubt in the minds of those drivers when its long front bow and menacingly wide 'Panamericana' grille comes into view in the mirror. The GT S is properly quick but more like a sledgehammer rather than scalpel-like qualities of the 911 - the German giant hits with brutal power, sharp dynamics and most of all, exclusivity.
The AMG GT offers a more affordable yet more capable evolution of the Mercedes-Benz SLS introduced in 2010. Priced from $298,711 the GT S’s price adds to its exclusivity but still, at this end of town, there’s plenty of vehicle for the money.
Standard equipment includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport rubber, 10-speaker Burmester sound system, an 8.4-inch infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, DAB+ and capability to create a WiFi hotspot. Further kit includes adaptive suspension, electronic rear diff, performance exhaust, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, climate control and Nappa leather seats.
The GT S also features some of Mercedes’ latest safety such as AEB, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
Although based on a modified version of the SLS platform, the AMG GT misses out on the iconic gullwing doors. However, wide doors on the rear-set cabin sling open to a large entry and well-appointed interior which is just as dramatic and yet as refined as the exterior.
The driver is presented with a low-slung seat which can be finely adjusted to the ideal position. The steering is electronically adjusted to accommodate and has a good sporty feeling grip on its ‘Dinamica’ microfibre hand grips with a subtle centre line for when the roads begin to twist.
The electric heated seats are comfortable over extended driving and the standard soft Nappa leather finish is plush. A large panoramic sunroof expands the feeling of space and a deep foot well for the passenger accommodates long legs comfortably.
Rather than opt for the dual screen display found in some of the latest Mercedes models, the GT insists on infusing retro curves and a jet fighter style centre console which houses buttons for the vehicle’s important dynamics.
Mercedes’ ‘Comand’ infotainment control sits at an almost perfect resting hand position in it too, but the gear selector below it is a touch awkward to reach. It's not a big deal though as manual shifting is performed via solid metal steering wheel mounted paddles.
Underneath the long bonnet is an AMG built 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 which now, in the updated model, produces 384kW at 6250rpm and 650Nm at 4750rpm. It has some serious shove and propels the GT S from a standstill to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
As its name suggests, the GT is a grand tourer which feels at home chewing up long curving roads effortlessly. And it’s so docile when cruising or at low speed that it would make a completely viable daily driver.
We only spent minimal time around traffic during our first drive of the facelifted version but the GT is also a magnet for attention, noticeable more so with the bimodal sports exhaust enabled.
Further out from Melbourne we sampled some mixed country roads where the GT S was able to stretch its legs and open its lungs. The engine’s power delivery is glorious and complimented by a sophisticated adaptive suspension and chassis which underpins razor sharp handling.
There’s a noticeable difference when flicking the adaptive suspension between comfort and Sport+ settings. Where some sports car’s comfort mode remains too firm, the compliance in the GT S feels as though it’s almost tuned to some of Australia’s rougher (and common) country roads. Comfort suspension is still firm and dynamic, however, and body roll minimal.
Moving to Sport+ the suspension is noticeably firmer and better tuned to ideal road surfaces which can be few and far between. Combined with a rear-bias weight ratio and rear-wheel drive, Sport+ plants the car to the ground but will shuffle the rear on surfaces which aren’t pancake flat; sport mode seemed best for the poor roads we sampled north of Melbourne.
Equally as noticeable between driving modes was the weight added to steering feel which remains quick and sensitive regardless of what setting is engaged.
Getting into a quick downhill slalom, the steering response and feedback shone. It’s more sensitive than the average sports car but it offers perfect precision from a quick rack and sharp turn-in. The set-back cabin requires an adjustment in perception, but once dialled-in the AMG GT S proves a weapon on both fast-flowing and tighter roads.
And much of its pace is thanks to a wonderfully responsive 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 which turns up torque from early in its rev range. The full 384kW and 650Nm comes on a little later on but power is elastic from the get go and accompanied but a barrage of turbulent noise from the dual sports exhaust.
Gear shits are quick and hit hard too, and the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic never hesitates to engage regardless of where it will land in revs. Heightening the feel of quality gear changes are paddle shifters made from solid steel.
While powerful naturally-aspirated engines such as in the old SLS will be missed as they go the way of the dinosaur, the Mercedes-AMG developed twin-turbo V8 packs plenty of panache (just ask Aston Martin). Hit the exhaust button even at idle and the sound has been perfected.
Backing up the GT S’ tremendous power and 1645kg weight are front and rear ceramic brakes. Seeming almost immune to fatigue on an extended downhill section the stoppers have plenty of modulation and are easy to feather.
During calmer driving, the GT S slackens its response when required and is a comfortable cruiser, without twitching in anticipation for an aggressive input. The GT S is a grand tourer with plenty of attitude, but it doesn’t have to be driven hard to be appreciated.
The GT S may not be quickest super sports of its type, but that’s not really not point – it’s a brute in a tailored suit.
2018 Mercedes-AMG GT S pricing and specifications
Price: From $298,711 plus on-road costs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol
Power: 384kW at 6250rpm
Torque: 650Nm at 4750rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Fuel use: 9.5L/100km