2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Which AMG GT does Edmunds recommend?

Overall rating

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT has been one of our favorite sports cars since its debut in 2016. What could make it even better? Well, Mercedes seems to think an extra pair of doors. The new 2019 AMG GT 4-Door Coupe doesn't offer S-Class levels of luxury, however. Instead, it trades rear-seat accommodations for a far more engaging driving experience. Of the brand's sporty four-doors, this one is certainly the most performance-oriented.

The base model comes with Mercedes' new turbocharged inline-six paired to a mild hybrid system. We like this powertrain in other Benzes, but it's safe to say that the 4.0-liter V8 that comes in the GT 63 is the one to get. Not only does it produce significantly more power than the inline-six, but choosing the V8 also adds mechanical upgrades that should make the sedan truly feel like a four-door sports car.

Along with the likes of the Porsche Panamera and the 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe should serve you well if you're looking for an adrenaline-charged combination of luxury and performance.

2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT models

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is an all-wheel-drive sports car sold in three trims. The six-cylinder AMG GT 53 is the least potent of the bunch, but it should still provide the acceleration expected from most buyers. The AMG GT 63 steps up to a V8 and includes more features, while the AMG GT 63 S adds a bit more power, plus performance upgrades.

The AMG GT 53 uses a mild hybrid powertrain, with the centerpiece being a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Total output stands at 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, adaptive dampers, a power liftgate, a sunroof, selectable driving modes, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, configurable ambient lighting, heated front seats with memory settings, and simulated leather/faux suede upholstery.

Technology features include a navigation system, a 12.3-inch central display, and a 14-speaker Burmester surround-sound audio system with six USB ports (three front, three rear), Apple CarPlay compatibility, HD and satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad.

Safety features include pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parallel and perpendicular parking,

The AMG GT 63 swaps the hybrid powertrain for a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It also adds an adaptive air suspension, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, illuminated doorsills, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, and a rear sunshade. Also included is rear-wheel steering, which reduces the turning radius at low speeds.

The most potent version is the AMG GT 63 S, which boosts the output of the V8 to 630 hp and 664 lb-ft. Additional features include 20-inch wheels, dynamic engine and transmission mounts, a sport exhaust system, and faux suede-covered steering wheel and headliner. Also on the table is Drift mode, which prevents power from going to the front wheels.

Some of the features on more expensive models can be ordered on lower trims. A number of packages are also available on all models. These include the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, lane centering, and front and rear cross-traffic detection with automatic braking) and the Warmth and Comfort package (a heated steering wheel, heated front armrests and a rapid-heating function for the front seats).

There's also the Executive Rear Seat package, which includes tri-zone automatic climate control, 40/40-split rear seats, heated and cooled rear cupholders, and a rear touchscreen. This package also swaps out one of the rear USB ports for a wireless charger and a 115-volt outlet.

Stand-alone options include carbon-ceramic brakes, a head-up display, massaging front seats, sport front seats, heated rear seats, an air purification system (paired with cabin fragrances), a 25-speaker Burmester audio system, a surround-view parking camera, a Wi-Fi hotspot, several exterior styling packages, and various 19-, 20- and 21-inch wheels.

Trim tested

Driving

Mercedes-Benz's turbocharged inline-six engine is one of our favorites, and it feels right at home in the AMG GT sedan. Power comes on strong and linear above 3,000 rpm and is accompanied (in Sport mode) by an aggressive soundtrack of growls and pops. Our as-tested 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds is quick, but some rival supersedans are quicker.

Body roll is minimal and the suspension is well-controlled. The steering is precise and weighted perfectly for the car's character. High grip and a sharp turn-in make the AMG GT 53 sedan feel fleet-footed, though it can never really hide its size and mass. The AMG GT 53 sedan is capable on a winding road, but it's only rewarding up to a point. Push it too hard and you'll find there's a numbness to the controls that isn't inspiring.

Comfort

We expect a certain stiffness from an AMG-branded car, and that's apparent here. You get a ride quality that's more like a sports car's than a luxury sedan's. Still, it's not harsh, even in Sport mode. What is problematic is the excessive amount of noise when driving over bumps. In a car that's otherwise relatively quiet, even small imperfections in the road create intrusive levels of sound.

The front seats hold you in place in turns and support you where you need it. Overall, the balance between luxury and sport is excellent, and the seats are comfortable even after several hours behind the wheel. The executive rear seats in our tester were equally pleasant.

Interior

There are a lot of buttons, and the operation of them can differ or be redundant. Some shortcut buttons make life easier, but the overall layout is confusing to learn and distracting when you need to find something. Another issue is visibility. The high dashboard makes judging the corners of the car from inside the cabin difficult. Visibility also suffers from the thick roof pillars, small mirrors and small rear window.

Getting in and out of the front seats is easy at least, especially since the front seat is relatively high off the ground for a sporty car. Rear-seat access is poor because of the tight foot opening and sloping roofline. It's particularly hard when you're parked in a narrow space. The rear seat suffers from a lack of headroom for taller adults.

Utility

The trunk offers a large, flat load floor and a generous opening thanks to the power hatch. There is room for overnight bags for four. But the rear bumper is high and deep, so you'll have to lift items high and lean over to access most of the space. While the rear seats in our test vehicle folded flat, the rear armrest did not.

Small-item storage is a weakness. The cupholders are deeply recessed, making short drinks difficult to access. Taller beverages still block controls, and any use of the cupholder blocks the cellphone tray that's buried deep inside the console. The door pockets are wide but shallow, and the center armrest bins are sufficient for storing cords and phones but nothing much larger. This isn't a particularly good sedan to buy if you have small children either since the small amount of space and contoured seating make child safety seat installation difficult.

Technology

The infotainment is a mix of Mercedes' old and new systems. Alas, it lacks most of the strengths of both. The menus can be complicated to navigate, and the settings are oddly located. Navigation is much more rudimentary than what's offered in less expensive Mercedes cars. Voice commands are hit-or-miss, and entering addresses by voice repeatedly proved a challenge.

Most of the driver aids work exceptionally well. The AMG GT sedan follows traffic naturally and is seldom tripped up by other vehicles changing lanes. With adaptive cruise on, steering assist feels organic. But when the system is off, lane departure intervention is jarring, yanking the car back in line.