A Strikingly Novel and Captivating First Impression

Two sub-brands are set to be born within the Mercedes-Benz production model lineup: "Mercedes-AMG" and "Mercedes-Maybach." The former will likely pursue performance to the ultimate degree, while the latter will pursue luxury.

The car we gripped the wheel of in California this time is the "GT S," a high-performance variant of the new supersports car topping the Mercedes-AMG range. While there are many differences from the basic "GT" model, both are powered by a 3,982cc V8 twin-turbo engine. However, due to differences in tuning, such as boost pressure settings, the GT S boasts a maximum output and torque of 510 ps and 650 Nm, compared to the GT's 462 ps and 600 Nm. This is perhaps the most symbolic difference on the spec sheet.

Although the AMG GT series had its first encounter at the Paris Salon in the autumn of 2014, seeing its exterior again in California gave me a strikingly novel and captivating first impression as a cutting-edge supersports car.

The design, with its long nose and compact cabin, alone heightens expectations for the drive. And seeing this smooth, emotional form, one cannot argue against the decision not to carry over the gullwing doors adopted in the previous "SLS AMG." Daimler's Vice President of Design, Gorden Wagener, describes the AMG GT's design as "a perfect fusion of beauty and intelligence," and its exterior design possesses a persuasive power that fully supports this statement.

Mercedes-AMG GT | Mercedes-AMG GT

Mercedes' New Generation of Super Sports Cars

Test Drive: Mercedes-AMG GT (2)

An Interior Unlike Any Before

The interior design is also remarkably novel. Particularly striking is the control panel on the wide center console that bisects the cabin. With switches laid out in a motif of the V8 engine, four on each side, the finish is unlike anything seen in previous AMG models.

However, this control panel gives an impression of prioritizing design over function. Frankly, considering functionality, and including some switches located on the roof liner, I felt a dissatisfaction uncharacteristic of a Mercedes-badged model.

The most crucial function of this control panel, which is to alter the car's driving character, is the "AMG DYNAMIC SELECT" switch located at the top left. Modes such as "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport Plus," and "Individual" can be selected, and in the GT S, "Race" mode is also available. This system optimizes the control of the 7-speed DCT, steering, throttle response, suspension, exhaust system, variable rear spoiler, and ESP according to the driving situation.

A V8 Twin-Turbo Engine Like a Large-Displacement Naturally Aspirated Unit

Since the test course prepared for this occasion started in the city of San Francisco, I decided to begin the drive by selecting the "Comfort" mode, which also features an auto start-stop function.

From the moment I started driving, the direct impression that the AMG GT supersports car, and particularly its high-performance GT S variant, is an exceptionally spartan machine was palpable.

The direct reason for this was the firm ride quality, unlike other AMG models. It was a moment to reaffirm my resolve, knowing I was at the helm of an AMG that is special even among special cars. On the other hand, the body rigidity itself left no room for complaint, a testament to the craftsmanship of Mercedes-AMG.

Mercedes-AMG GT | Mercedes-AMG GT

Mercedes' New Generation of Super Sports Cars

Test Drive: Mercedes-AMG GT (3)

From Winding Roads to the Circuit

Leaving the San Francisco city streets behind, we headed towards winding roads along the coast. In this section, I tried the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" driving modes. The combination of the engine's wide torque band and the 7-speed DCT, which offers impressively fast shifts even in these modes, is truly captivating and exhilarating.

While the GT employs a mechanical differential, the GT S, with its electronically controlled differential, delivers highly rhythmic and, of course, high-speed cornering on winding roads. The front-to-rear weight distribution of 47:53 is a traditional setup, also inherited from the SLS AMG. With a further lowered center of gravity, the sense of stability during cornering feels dramatically enhanced.

The test drive program concluded with a session on the Laguna Seca Raceway. Unfortunately, the conditions that day were wet. However, I resolved to see this as an opportunity to test the car's behavior at much lower speeds than would be possible in the dry, and tried driving in "Race" mode, which I hadn't used on the road.

The experience on the circuit surpassed my expectations by far, even overwriting the positive impressions I had gained on the road. What was particularly striking was the steering's response, which felt even more linear. The movements from corner entry to exit clearly demonstrated that Mercedes-AMG engineers have placed a strong emphasis on aggressive turn-in.

Incidentally, even in Race mode, the ESP maintains its sport handling setting. Unless you manually deactivate the ESP yourself, it continues to control stability while providing ample driving enjoyment, offering peace of mind.

Mercedes-AMG GT | Mercedes-AMG GT

Mercedes' New Generation of Super Sports Cars

Test Drive: Mercedes-AMG GT (4)

A Supersports Car That Directly Expresses Brand Value

The GT S prepared for circuit driving at Laguna Seca was a "First Edition" special specification, loaded with various equipment. While some of the GT S models I drove on the road were equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes, I was struck by the significant difference not only in braking power but also in cornering behavior between these and models with standard steel brakes.

While the initial touch of these brakes on the road, before they reach optimal temperature, leaves a slight dissatisfaction inherent to this type of brake, experiencing their overwhelming stopping power and fade resistance on the circuit, and above all, the lightness of the chassis, makes them a highly desirable optional upgrade.

Still, how has Mercedes-AMG created such a captivating supersports car that so directly expresses its brand value?

While the AMG GT series follows the SLS AMG, considering its size and price, it is not a successor model. In terms of price range, its direct rival would naturally be the Porsche "911" series.

With its novelty as a new model, the latest mechanics enveloped in its flowing style, and its exhilarating, passionate performance that shares commonalities with Italian supersports, this may well be a new model with the potential to become the first choice in the world of supersports. I look forward to the day I can once again take the wheel in Japan.

Mercedes-AMG GT S
Body Dimensions | Length 4,546 × Width 1,939 × Height 1,288 mm
Wheelbase | 2,630 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,680 / 1,651 mm
Weight | 1,570 kg
Engine | 3,982 cc V8 Direct Injection Twin-Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 83.0 × 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.5:1
Maximum Output | 375 kW (510 ps) / 6,250 rpm
Maximum Torque | 650 Nm / 1,750-4,750 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-7)
Gear Ratio | 1st 3.40
2nd 2.19
3rd 1.63
4th 1.29
5th 1.03
6th 0.84
7th 0.63
Final Drive Ratio | 3.67
Drivetrain | FR
Suspension Front/Rear | Double Wishbone / Double Wishbone
Brakes Front | Ventilated Disc
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Disc
Tires Front/Rear | 265/35R19 / 295/30R20
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.8 seconds
Top Speed | 310 km/h
Fuel Consumption (NEDC) | 9.4 ℓ/100km (approx. 10.6km/ℓ)
CO2 Emissions | 219 g/km
Trunk Capacity | 350 liters
Price (incl. 19% VAT) | 134,351 Euros

Mercedes-AMG GT
Body Dimensions | Length 4,546 × Width 1,939 × Height 1,287 mm
Wheelbase | 2,630 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,686 / 1,651 mm
Weight | 1,540 kg
Engine | 3,982 cc V8 Direct Injection Twin-Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 83.0 × 92.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.5:1
Maximum Output | 340 kW (462 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 600 Nm / 1,600-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-7)
Gear Ratio | 1st 3.40
2nd 2.19
3rd 1.63
4th 1.29
5th 1.03
6th 0.84
7th 0.63
Final Drive Ratio | 3.67
Drivetrain | FR
Suspension Front/Rear | Double Wishbone / Double Wishbone
Brakes Front | Ventilated Disc
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Disc
Tires Front/Rear | 255/35R19 / 295/35R20
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 4.0 seconds
Top Speed | 304 km/h
Fuel Consumption (NEDC) | 9.3 ℓ/100km (approx. 10.8km/ℓ)
CO2 Emissions | 216 g/km
Trunk Capacity | 350 liters
Price (incl. 19% VAT) | 115,430 Euros