- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
4.0TT, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
384kW, 650Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 9.5L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2017 Mercedes-AMG GT S new car review
What is it?
AMG has updated its flagship sports coupe for 2017, adding more power and tweaking the looks to ensure it’s in tip-top condition to carry-on its fight against the likes of the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.
The most obvious visual change is the new Panamericana grille, which features 15 vertical bars that draws a link to the company’s racing heritage.
The restyled grille also features the brand’s new Airpanel active air intakes, that can open or close depending on the need for cooling to improve aerodynamic performance.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
Mercedes has expanded the AMG GT range since it arrived, originally only in ‘S’ form. With this update there are now three flavours to choose from - GT, GT S and the track-ready GT R.
The GT is priced from $258,711, the GT S starts at $298,711 and the GT R will set you back $348,711 (all prices exclude on-road costs).
Standard equipment for the GT S includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, adaptive suspension, electronic rear diff, performance exhaust, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, air-conditioning, Nappa leather seats, a 10-speaker Burmester sound system, an 8.4-inch infotainment system, navigation, Bluetooth, DAB+ and WiFi hotspot.
What’s under the bonnet?
The AMG engineers have managed to squeeze more power from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, taking the GT S outputs from an already healthy 375kW/650Nm to potent 384kW/670Nm.
Unsurprisingly, all that power and torque in a two-seat coupe makes for a very rapid car on the road. There’s ferocious acceleration accompanied by one of the most evocative and enjoyable soundtracks offered by any car. It’s a deep, guttural growl that sounds like thunder bearing down on you. And thanks to the sports exhaust that noise is even easier to hear, both in the cabin and for spectators.
And the bite matches the bark, with great low down pulling power coupled with a strong mid-range that stays steady right to the redline.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is well-suited to the GT. It is happy to cruise in the Comfort settings, taking advantage of all that bottom end torque, but it offers sharp shifts when you dial the drive mode into Sport or Sport+.
The only quibble with the transmission is the position of the stubby gear selector. It’s set so far back in the centre console between the seats you feel like you have to almost reach behind yourself when you need to switch between drive, reverse and neutral.
What’s it like to drive?
If you’re looking for a delicate and understated sports car experience, look somewhere else. The AMG GT is a big, bold and, at times, a brutal sports coupe.
As the name implies, it can play the role of grand tourer, happily soaking up big distances thanks to its powerful engine and more relaxed front-engined layout.
However, it doesn't take much provocation to unleash it as a serious sports car. Dial up the Sport or Sport+ settings and you get a more aggressive and responsive machine. The huge Michelin tyres provide plenty of grip, although even they can still be overwhelmed by the big V8 if you’re too generous with your right foot.
One of the most significant differences between the regular GT and the GT S is the addition of AMG’s Ride Control adjustable suspension and it is the key to that transition between grand tourer and sports car. It allows a comfortable ride (by sports car standards) when required, while still giving the body the support and control it needs when pushed hard into corners.
Like all good sports cars, the GT S requires you to learn its particular character before you can maximise it. Because of its long bonnet, which stretches out in front of the driver’s eyes an almost ridiculous distance, and coupled with light but responsive steering you need to get confident with placing the car in corners before you can really explore its limits. When you do, though, it’s well worth the pay off.
What’s it like inside?
It’s arguably the most impressive Mercedes interior design. It’s stylish and sporty but still practical - which is not a common trio in such focused sports cars.
The old-school round instrument clusters and air-vents harks back to classic sports coupes, while the digital dashboard screen and tablet-style infotainment screen add a modern touch.
The dials and switchgear are laid out between the driver and passenger in a V-pattern that also gives a subtle impression of being in a racecar. However, like the gear selector some of the dials are set a little to far back to be easy-to-use.
The layout allows for a pair of large cupholders at the front of the centre console, as well as lidded box at the rear which provide meaningful small item storage.
The sports seats look great and are also supportive and comfortable, if a little thin on padding.
The boot is hatch-like which makes loading items easy, but the boot itself is relatively shallow. It will take a couple of soft bags but bigger, boxy objects may be a struggle.
Is it safe?
There’s eight airbags (front, side, curtain and knee for both occupants) and a reversing camera as standard but also a few of the more modern active safety items. Adaptive cruise control, Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system, blind spot assist and lane keeping assist are also included on the GT S.
Would I buy it?
The AMG GT S is a Vegemite car - you either love it or hate it. While it may be fast and comfortable, its in-your-face looks and growling V8 mean this is not a car for those looking to blend into the background.
But if you like a brash and unashamedly bold sports car then the AMG GT S ticks the boxes that matter.
What else should I consider?
The Porsche 911 is in the same price range but is a very different sports car. It’s more about finesse and precision, as opposed to the GT’s brute force.
The most obvious new rival is the forthcoming Aston Martin Vantage, which uses the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.
2017 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: 670Nm at 4750rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive
Fuel use: 9.5L/100km