Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Buyers Guide

I have to say, as a car enthusiast, I don’t love the AMG GT series. I am also not a huge fan of Mercedes in general, but I can’t deny the hackability this car possesses along with the dynamic driving experience it gives for the dollar it boasts.

Originally the AMG GT series was created to take the place of the lost giant, the SLS AMG. Which of course saddened me as the SLS AMG Coupe is perhaps one of the greatest longer-term hacks to buy right now.

However, the notoriety of the GT model can’t be ignored, especially as the rising sport of F1 in America has used the AMG GT as the safety car since 2018.

This car is a head-turner due to the fact it has a tremendous visual presence and sounds exciting even bone stock.

If you have been wondering what coupe could be best for you whilst keeping value to excitement as a factor in mind, then keep reading to see if the AMG GT and one of its many trim levels may be right for you.

Driving Experience

When asked to comment on the design and drive of the AMG GT this is what Mercedes had to say: “With an unmatched motorsports pedigree behind it, the racers at Mercedes-AMG developed the GT to be a pure sports car with an ideal sense of balance.

From its proportions to its sound, every element reveals its purpose and its passion.”

They were correct. This car is in a class of its own amongts the mega Mercedes world and stands alone in terms of design, driveability, and driver engagement behind the wheel.

The AMG GT comes with 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine mounted in the front of the elongated vehicle with 456+ horsepower being diverted to the back. This makes the drive a bit more compelling, taking the weight in the front and the power to the back, this car can get away from you if you aren’t paying attention. So keep that in mind when hitting the on-ramps.

Just like most of its models, Mercedes has designed the GT to be incredibly user-friendly on the interior. Of course, as this is a coupe, the two-seated beast still boasts a level of comfort in an otherwise very race-centric car.

The interface both in the center console and behind the steering wheel is large, bright, and easy to maneuver and utilize without getting painfully confused and frustrated just trying to connect your phone to Bluetooth.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Common Problems

Mercedes are most commonly known for electrical/wiring problems, it doesn’t matter what model whether it is a sports car, sedan, SUV, or even a sprinter van, that is perhaps the most widely reported issue with the brand.

Issues more specifically related to the GT are faulty seals, steering system issues, and electrical/wiring issues as well.

Given the car has now been out on the market for half a decade with numerous variations and trim models, there are a fair amount of recalls present on GT models. Be sure when looking into your next GT that all recalls have been done and any pending are scheduled right away.

A full list of active recalls is HERE for you to review.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Cost of Ownership/Maintenance

Mercedes can be relatively cost-effective to fix, so long as you don’t drive onto the franchise dealer’s lot. Mercedes is now for using beautiful buildings and caring customer service to disguise or distract its customers from the very hefty repair bills that they can rack up just from a simple oil change.

Instead, take time and research reputable third-party independent shops in your area, as since these models have been around for a good amount of time, most well-trained techs will be able to offer the same quality of repair and service at a fraction of the cost.

The trim styles of the vehicles will also matter, given the Performance model (R) may need more expensive tire changes, a GTS with carbon ceramic brakes may never cost you a cent for brakes, while the convertible GTC may require annual checkups to the soft top to ensure its integrity.

It is important to know your car inside and out prior to pulling the trigger, so be sure that you get a PPI done on your future GT prospects to make sure someone else’s problems don’t become your financial headache.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Trim Differences

GT: (2015-2021) The GT is the entry-level variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT family. The engine in this variant is tuned to an output of 390 kW (530 PS; 523 hp) and 670 N⋅m (494 lb⋅ft) of torque, with the key differences between this and its more expensive siblings being a mechanical limited-slip differential, an absorbent glass mat battery, the lack of the “Race Mode” setting in the AMG Dynamic Select adaptive drivetrain system, the lack of the AMG Ride Control adaptive suspensive system, and a passive AMG Sport Exhaust System. Keyless-Go is also an optional feature, as opposed to standard equipment. The GT is equipped with 19-inch wheels at the front and rear.

GT C: (2017-2021) The GT C is a performance-oriented variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT. The M178 engine in this variant is tuned to an output of 410 kW (557 PS; 550 hp) and 502 lb⋅ft (681 N⋅m) of torque. While the GT C retains the key mechanical differences the GT S gains over the GT, it also has a wider body (2,007 mm (79 in)) and active rear steering, which the GT S does not have (even as options). In the United States, the Lane Tracking and AMG Dynamic Plus option packages are standard equipment on the GT C.

GT S: (2015-2020) The GT S is a more highly equipped variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT. The M178 engine in this variant is tuned to an output of 384 kW (522 PS; 515 hp) and 671 N⋅m (495 lb⋅ft) of torque. The key mechanical differences the GT S gains over the GT include an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, “Race Mode” and “Race Start” mode settings in the AMG Dynamic Select adaptive drivetrain system, AMG Ride Control adaptive suspensive system, an AMG Performance Exhaust System with dynamic flaps, and a lithium-ion battery. Keyless-Go is standard equipment, as is a staggered set of wheels (19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear).

GT R: (2017-2021) The GT R is a high-performance variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT. The M178 engine in this variant is tuned to an output of 430 kW (585 PS; 577 hp) at 6,250 rpm and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm. The GT R accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph).

While the GT R retains the key mechanical differences the GT C gains over the GT S, it also gains manually adjustable coil-over springs (in conjunction with the AMG Ride Control suspension of the base models), an active underbody fairing, a manually adjustable rear wing, and a 9-mode AMG Traction Control system. As befitting of a high-performance variant, the GT R loses Keyless-Go, the integrated garage-door opener, the heated and power-folding side mirrors, the auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors and reverts to the basic light-weight 4-speaker audio system that the GT comes with, but these features can still be added as options.

When it was launched, the GT R had several cosmetic changes compared with the standard car, notably the vertical slats in the front grille, an adjustable rear wing, new front air intakes and new front and rear diffusers. The styling of the GT R is comparable to that of the AMG GT3 race car. However, the base GT variant gained several of these cosmetic changes as part of a mild facelift in the 2017 model year.

It completed a lap of the Nürburgring track in 7:10.92, making it the 5th fastest lap time for a road-legal production vehicle around the track at the time.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Options

Mercedes is one of those brands that offer a lot of a la carte options when it comes to their cars. Everything is up for debate including upholstery design, color, interior trim in woods and carbon fiber, wheel colors and designs, roadster top colors, and of course exterior colors galore. To figure out what options tickle your fancy, I recommend checking out THIS brochure from Mercedes to see the full showcase.

Best Mercedes-Benz AMG GT To Buy