The GT Fourdoor Coupé is the third Mercedes that is fully developed by AMG. A bit strange for a car that is produced on the same production line as the E and CLS Class. But let’s not focus on marketing here. While the AMG SLS and AMG GT are more sportscars for the weekend, the GT fourdourcoupé should be more than perfect for day-to-day use. We drove the most powerful GT Fourdoor, the GT 63 S with 4MATIC+. And off we go.
Sensual Purity
Not everyone runs hot on the looks of the GT fourdoorcoupé. However, there’s no lack of presence. Starting with that massive sharknose. The least you can say is that the GT doesn’t look mean. Almost aggressive. There are three visual options for the nose: finished in high gloss black (part of the Night Package), chrome and carbon. The front splitter of ‘our’ GT 63 S was soaked in carbon in combination with chrome. Additionally there’s the Aerodynamics package which in particular can be recognized by the fixed rear spoiler. The adjustments from this pack increase the negative lift force while further reducing drag. Standard the GT comes with a foldable spoiler. And when it crawls back into her shell it makes quite some noise. Is someone knocking on the door?
I must admit, each time I was face to face again with the GT, I was deeply impressed. It was not love at first sight but the more time you spend with the car the better it looks. The color of the car is a different story. Designo magno blue is probably one of the most remarkable colors you can order on the GT. Especially at night the light show is inspiring. Admiring glances everywhere. But it requires some dare to order your GT in this magno blue. A few days later I was eye in eye with an iridium silver GT 63 and it gives the GT an additional flavour of class and stance. However after a night sleep the reunion with the blue smurf was a true pleasure each time.
Some people really have difficulties with the naming of this car. Just note there’s a simple solution. Just use the internal codename of the GT 63 S 4MATIC+ Fourdoorcoupé: X190. Not very sexy, but very efficient. Fourdoorcoupé? But Mercedes has the CLS right? Yes, but Mercedes aims the GT to be a Porsche Panamera competitor, while the CLS should be me more a real fourdoor coupé. Time will tell, but it seems highly unlikely that both models will survive next to each other in the long term.
M177
The number of GT versions is rather impressive. There’s the GT 43, the GT 43 4MATIC+, GT 53 4MATIC+, GT 63 4MATIC+ and the GT 63 S 4MATIC+ which we are driving. The price ranges from 91.960 to 168.190 euro. The engine output ranges from 367 hp (+ 22 hp from EQ) to a tailhappy 639 hp (thanks to 4MATIC+). It’s the most powerful Mercedes for sale currently. The additional output versus an E 63 S for example is thanks to a further optimized cylinder charge.
I did not notice the following phenomenon yet with an AMG engine, but this M177 engine is really gasping for air (no joke). The twinscroll turbochargers make up to 186.000 rpm, so quite some air is needed. The GT fourdoor does not have the M178 engine as in the GT coupé and roadster. However, the differences are limited. Main difference between the M177 and the M178 is that the latter has a dry sump lubrication while the M177 engine has a conventional oil (wet) sump and lubrication system.
Let’s already move to the less fun part of any AMG: fuel consumption. After almost 800 km of driving pleasure our average fuel consumption was 14,6 litre per 100 km. Acceptable for an AMG of this size, but still out of this world. However, you don’t need to be a superhero to bring the fuel consumption below 10 litre. It just requires some (read: a lot of) discipline. Constantly driving like a ‘hooligan’ results in an average fuel consumption of close to 20 litre (by hearsay). You would wear for less a yellow jacket to protest against high fuel prices.
Driving Performance
The GT Fourdoorcoupé is massive. Not only while driving the GT it’s highly noticeable, but also when you drive behind the GT, the width of the car is remarkable. The dimensions don’t lie: 5,05 m long and 2,07 m width. A car of this size and weight with this performance therefore needs a lot of braking power. The GT 63 S comes standard with composite brakes (mix of steel and aluminium) with size of 390×36 mm in the front and 360×26 mm at the back. This test car had the optional ceramic brakes (front: 402×39 mm, rear: 360×32 mm) which not only look good in the copper color but really perform well to stop a car that weighs 2.045 kg (DIN kerb weight excluding driver). Sweet Jesus, the GT 63 S really redefines speed. The velocity with which you can corner with this mass beats all physics laws. No wonder this is the fastest four seater around the Nürburgring (7:25:41).
Below some technical highlights that have a significant influence on the outstanding driving experience of the GT with two extra doors. If you’re not that techy, just scroll your way through.
- Electronic AMG locking differential: improves straight stability and acceleration out of corners. Next to that, the rear axle differential has a newly developed mount to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
- AMG rear axle steering: below 100 km/h the rear steers in the opposite direction of the front wheels and above 100 km/h it extends virtually the wheelbase by steering in the same direction as the front wheels.
- Dynamic AMG engine mounts: depending on the selected driving mode the connection between the engine and the body is adjusted.
- AMG Speedshift MCT 9G: Multi Clutch Transmission with flashing fast gear changes resulting in incredible acceleration times. Notwithstanding, the gear changes were not always that smooth. The GT models with the 6-inline petrol engine (and EQ boost) have the TCT 9G as transmission with a more conventional Torque Clutch Transmission.
- 4MATIC+: thanks to fourwheeldrive there is ideal torque distribution possible based on the driving conditions via an electro-mechanical controlled clutch. Based on the selected driving mode, the bias (four wheels vs. rear wheels) can be triggered.
- AMG Ride Control+: adjustable air suspension from comfort to sporty.
- AIRPANEL: Aerodynamics are optimized by radiator shutters and the airpanel in front of the centre cooling air inlets.
- Cylinder deactivation: thanks to this technology, rides under 10 litre per 100 km are possible. Mercedes promises an average fuel consumption of 11 litre per 100 km. The deactivation (cylinder 2, 3, 5 & 8) is available in comfort driving mode between 1.000 an 3.250 rpm.
- Twin-scroll turbo’s: For the first time Mercedes-AMG is combining twin-scroll technology with turbine wheels mounted in anti-friction bearings for the two turbos.
- CRP Technology: The AMG rigid bodycell is partly made out of CRP plastics to limit weight.
Despite all the potential of the GT, it is possible to drive this car so peacefully that sometimes I was wondering why people were still staring. Right, because I was still driving this eye-catching blue banana. The double character of this car is stunning. Based on the driving mode you can go from an oasis of comfort and peace to hardcore cracking in less than a second. This is where AMG (and Mercedes) excels. Even though the GT 63 S can go from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3,2 seconds, has a top speed of 315 km/h and is a master in cornering I enjoyed as much driving the GT ‘take-it-easy’.
Hug
Let’s move into the interior through the frameless doors and start at the back. There are several options for the back seats. Luckily there is a considerable amount of room at the rear. This is the advantage of the flattened Shooting Brake concept and not being a real fourdoorcoupé such as the CLS. Standard the GT comes with two separate back seats. Additionally a first class compartment is possible with center console. We would recommend the optional foldable back seats that increases the boot from 395 litres to 1.324 l. Otherwise it’s a shame that with a car of more than 5 meter you cannot transport longer objects. The separated seats of our testcar not only look fantastic, also the comfort level is spot on thanks to the tilted seating position.
Also at the front, customer can choose between a wide range of seats. The AMG Performance seats look awesome with the integrated headrest but don’t bring the best levels of comfort. For this type of cars, you’re better off with the comfort seats. These seats are just better adjustable to your body and in addition, the optional multicontour seats really grab your body. A hug is nothing compared to it. There are eight (capacitive) display buttons integrated into the centre console: manual gear shifting, sport exhaust, driving mode, volume, suspension, ESP, rear spoiler and Eco Start-Stop. Just in front of the typical GT gear changer new touch sensitive buttons can be found to activate the radio, navigation, phone, media and vehicle settings.
The wheel where you can shift between driving mode (Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual) was probably the button that was most used during the weekend drive. The other functions can be controlled via the central touchpad or the swipe buttons on the steering wheel. Additional controllers on the AMG Performance steering wheel can be used to tune the parameters that are integrated on the centre console. The missing central rotary controller that is replaced by a touchpad takes some getting used. Don’t keep looking for a classy IWC watch, because there is none. Nevertheless the GT is a real AMG. One moment you are flirting with 8.000 rpm while few moments later you find yourself in an oasis of peace.
Living Large
Standard, the GT 63 S comes with everything you need and much more. However, the option list of the car is endless. Personalisation of the interior and exterior such as carbon package, aerodynamic package, rims, designo leather and special colors will cost you a fortune. Also multimedia, technology, safety and other comfort features will take you hours to make your choice. Luckily Mercedes has some interesting packages such as the Premium Plus Pack that combines Keyless-Go, Blind spot detection, heated seats, Head-up display, 360° camera and wireless charging. The price of the GT 63 S starts at € 168.190 in Belgium (including 21% VAT), but our testcar topped at € 206.407. Let’s hope you can negotiate a good rebate at your local dealer, because that’s a hell of a lot of money. Or being good in financial gymnastics could also be an option.
Conclusion
The GT 63 S 4MATIC+ Fourdourcoupé is an overpowered gearhead that no common man or woman really needs. It’s almost a class of its own. But it’s definetely one of the most controversial cars (in a positive sense) I’ve ever driven. It’s really a conversation piece. Thanks to its dual character it is probably one of the best daily’s for those who live large. Nevertheless, in this price category you’re probably better of with an S 63 AMG. Not only the S-Class is more a ‘real’ Mercedes with an incredible amount of (AMG) history, but technology, comfort and gadgets just work better as a whole in the S-Class than in this GT. Nevertheless the GT Fourdoorcoupé is there for those who are done with their Porsche Panamera (or their S-Class?) and value looks and the fastest lap around the Nürburgring. And a bit of kindergarten behaviour. If you want to be a bit more ‘reasonable’ in terms of money to spend, the E 63 S 4MATIC+ is also worth considering. And the E 63 AMG is more than everything you’re expecting from an AMG.
Special thanks to Mercedes-Benz Belgium for the testcar and to Jordi for some of the wonderful pictures.
| AMG | Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ X190 |
|---|---|
| Engine | M177 4,0 l V8 |
| Horsepower | 639 hp between 5.500 and 6.500 rpm |
| Torque | 900 Nm between 2.500 and 4.500 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 8.6 : 1 |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G |
| Drivetrain | Permanent fourwheeldrive with fully variable torque distribution |
| Brake discs | Internally ventilated and perforated discs |
| Emission class | EURO 6 |
| Average fuel consumption (NEDC) | 11,2 l / 100 km (NEDC) |
| Average fuel consumption (test drive) | 14,6 l / 100 km |
| Carbon footprint | 256 g CO2 per km (NEDC) |
| 0 - 100 km/h | 3,2 s |
| Topspeed | 315 km/h |
| Boot | 510 l |
| Price (standard) | € 168.190 (Belgium, 21% VAT) |
| Price testcar | € 206.407 (Belgium, 21% VAT) |
| Options testcar (Prices including 21% VAT) | AMG Carbon Exterior Package: € 4.477 AMG Exterior Silver Chrome: € 1.270 AMG Carbon Interior Package: € 3.570 Driving Assistance Pack: € 1.754 Designo Brilliant Blue: € 3.388 Carbon Ceramic Brakes: € 8.410 Electric sliding roof: € 1.361 Active Multicontour seats: € 1.950 |
| Other possible options (including 21% VAT) | Edition 1: € 22.385 AMG Aerodynamic Pack: € 3.448 Keyless-Go: € 956 Premium Plus Pack: € 6.413 (Keyless-Go, Blind spot detection, heated seats, Head-up display, 360° camera, wireless charging) AMG Engine Cover in carbon: € 908 Designo roof sky: € 1.936 First class back seats: € 4.416 Rear seats with three seats: € 835 Burmester high-end 3D Surround System: € 3.872 |
