2024 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GT

It’s really a coupe. You know, with two doors instead of four. This is the second generation of the AMG GT Coupe, a car that could run with a pack that included the Porsche 911 and the now-discontinued Audi R8.

To be honest, we never thought we’d see the likes of such a vehicle again. After all, everyone seems to be going electric, putting their research and development budgets into battery-powered SUVs and trucks. Now here comes this coupe with optional 2+2 seating (we’ll explain that in the Interior section). And more importantly, with turbocharged V8 engines as well as a whole lot of drive-faster technology.

The AMG GT Coupe is all-new for 2024, but uses AMG V8 engines that we’ve already come to know and be awed by.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe starts at around $136,050. That would be for the 469-horsepower GT 55 model. The 577-horsepower GT 63 to begin at around $177,050.

The main rival is the Porsche 911 Turbo, starting from $197,200. If you can’t wait and absolutely must have a powerful AMG cruiser right now, the soft-topped Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster starts at $109,900. Although the same drivetrains as the AMG GT Coupe are in the SL 55 and SL 63, priced from $141,300 and $183,000 respectively.

With 469 horsepower emanating from a turbocharged V8, Mercedes-AMG says the GT 55 can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. By anyone’s standards, that’s fast. It’s just that the Porsche 911 Turbo has 572 horsepower and hits 60 mph in a claimed 2.7 seconds. Then again, the Porsche does start at just under $200,000. Start at. Closer competition comes in the form of the GT 63 with 577 horsepower and a claimed sprint time of 3.1 seconds.

An all-wheel-drive system is standard, but developed to apply lots of power to the road and withstand the considerable forces. The new AMG GT Coupe also has rear-wheel steering for optimum agility. We’ve driven other AMG vehicles with this feature and there’s an amazing flow to it, especially in Sport+ or Race driving modes.

Fear not, anyone who wants to drive their AMG GT Coupe as often as possible, an adaptive suspension is also included. There’s a Comfort setting among the driving modes. The suspension’s nose lift feature makes speed bumps and steep driveways easier to negotiate. The car remembers places where the nose lift is activated and does it automatically on subsequent revisits. Clever, huh?

On the other side of the driving coin, though, the AMG GT also comes with a limited-slip rear differential, plus a Track Pace package to record lap times.

Worthy inclusions like forward collision warning are made more interesting by a 3D-effect assistance display in the instrument panel.

It’s like a high-tech cockpit inside the new AMG GT Coupe. The instrument cluster is all digital and there’s a large-ish (11.9-inch) infotainment touchscreen taking up most of the center console. The standard front seats are power-adjustable, although buyers will be intrigued by the optional multi-contour sport seats whose side bolsters hold their occupants tighter when Sport, Sport+ or Race driving mode is selected. Fine Nappa leather is also on the options list.

You need to be under 5 feet tall to sit in the back. Coupes often have 2+2 seating. That means two proper seats up front and two smaller places behind. Think Chevy Camaro or Ford Mustang. Mercedes-AMG says this arrangement (with folding rear seats) is optional. A slightly lighter 2-seater setup is standard. This feature does help the new AMG GT Coupe fulfill the role of grand tourer as well as track blaster. A couple of weekend bags in the back and a tennis racquet or two can fit into a cargo space that expands from 11.3 to 23.8 cubic feet thanks to its hatch design.

The transition from the first generation of AMG GT Coupe to the second is akin to a slightly awkward duckling morphing into a graceful swan. To our eyes, the new AMG GT comes across as mature and assured.

It has a recognizable AMG-style grille, with vertical slats (as opposed to the horizontal bars in Mercedes-Benz cars) along with the classic coupe profile of a long nose, sloping roof and short overhangs. It’s also relatively light, fashioned from materials like aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber. And aerodynamically efficient, with a standard speed-activated retractable rear wing (a fixed wing is optional). There’s even an under-body active aerodynamic element patented by AMG that deploys automatically, creating more downforce at the front end so the car can steer into fast corners with greater stability.

A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 is in the engine bay of both AMG GT Coupe variants. In true AMG fashion, each example is hand-assembled by one technician, who then affixes a signed plaque when the work is complete.

The GT 55 model develops 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The GT 63 produces 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. AMG does have an endearing habit of making 63 S variants of other cars with 603 horsepower, so perhaps we have that to look forward to.

The transmission is a 9-speed automatic, with aluminum shift paddles just under the steering wheel. Power goes to an AMG-tuned all-wheel-drive system that can send torque to the front and/or rear axles according to the needs of the moment.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The Mercedes-Benz new-car and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s typical among European luxury car makers. We assume this will apply to the 2024 AMG GT Coupe as well.