Second-Gen Mercedes-AMG GT Bows – A 2+2 Now, Still Packs A V8, Gains AWD

The new second generation Mercedes-AMG GT flagship sports coupe bowed last weekend as one of the headlining debuts at the Monterrey Car Week event. Not only has it grown in size with the new styling to match, there are vast improvements across every aspect to note too.

Notably, Mercedes-AMG’s latest flagship coupe was built using inputs the brand took from customers. The result is a super-coupe that’s less harsh that’s both easier and comfier to drive on the daily with, but one that remains as a powerhouse still thanks to its continued use of a signature V8.

In fact, the car has been fully re-engineered from the ground up and features no carried over chassis components from the outgoing model, according to its makers. Also, unlike its predecessor, the AMG GT now comes exclusively as a hard-top coupe, leaving the SL model to cater to those seeking open-top thrills.

On the surface, the AMG GT remains instantly recognisable as how its predecessor was. It does boast new headlights with softer curves, slimmer taillights now connected via a trim piece underneath its active rear spoiler, and it also continues to wear the signature Mercedes-AMG Panamericana grille up front.

Up front, the signature Mercedes-AMG Panamericana grille design keeps things looking 'familiar'.

New styling touches include the softer headlight curves, new 'connected' taillights, as well as lightweight 20-inch (21-inch optional) wheels.

Visually, the growth in size isn’t apparent through the stylish new exterior. This new AMG GT actually sits 180 MM longer than before with its wheelbase lengthened by 70 MM too, and its body widened by 40 MM. the result sees it house a larger cabin with a 2+2 seating layout plus a larger boot too measuring between 321 litres and 675 litres.

Whilst here, it’s also worth noting the cabin’s adoption of new and all-digital instrument (12.3-inch) and infotainment touchscreen (11.9-inch) displays lifted from the SL. Additionally, besides having the AMG Performance steering wheel, the cabin also sports bucket seats with integrated headrests that can be specified with optional ventilation function.

Both the GT 55 and GT 63 harnesses a signature hand-built 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo, but both not get new
9-speed automatic boxes plus a trick new AWD driveline too.

At launch, Mercedes-AMG announced two versions, those being the ‘base’ GT 55 and full-cream GT 63 guises. Both continue to have House Affalterback’s signature 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo mill as their hearts, albeit with massive updates to conform with latest emission standards, and two differing output levels.

In the GT 55, the mill delivers 469 HP and 700 NM, where a the GT 63 ups the ante to 577 HP and 800 NM instead. All are paired with a new rear-mounted 9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic box with a wet clutch, as well as a fully-variably AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup too.

In GT 63 form, 0-100 KM/H takes just 3.2 seconds whilst V-max stands at 315 KM/H. The GT 55 is only slightly slower with its 3.9 seconds century sprint time and 295 KM/H V-max.

The result sees the GT 55 perform the century sprint in 3.9 seconds whilst enroute towards a V-max of 295 KM/H. Naturally, the more potent GT 63 does the century sprint in a quicker 3.2 seconds before topping out at a higher 315 KM/H V-max figure. In fact, all these figures mirror that of the equivalent open-top SL 55 and SL 63 duo, which are mechanically similar to this new flagship coupe.

Keeping things under control are the presence of tech like the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active roll-stabilisation, electronic rear-locking diff, active rear-axle steering, as well as active aerodynamics. As for its anchors, Mercedes-AMG has fitted composite rotors measuring 390 MM each up front. The model also rolls on 20-inch wheels as standard, though there are options for larger 21-inch types too.

On board, the cabin mirrors the SL here, especially through the all-new and all-digital displays.

Crucially, the cabin now sports a 2+2 seating layout with a larger and more practical boot, the latter measuring between 321 litres and 675 litres.

We’re certain this new second-gen Mercedes-AMG GT has won  plenty of hearts and minds already with its new styling, larger size, and the promise of being a better daily supercar over its predecessor. No price figures were disclosed yet, but sales and deliveries are set to commence later this year.

What are your thoughts of the new Mercedes-AMG GT sports coupe, then? Check out more images of it in the extensive gallery below before hitting the comments section here, as well as our social media pages…