2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Road Test and Review

2019 Mercedes AMG GT 63 S Black Parked Front Quarter ・ Photo by Mercedes-AMG

High-performance sedans like the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and BMW M5 have, to this point, been the benchmark for track-capable four-door transport. With the introduction of the GT 4-Door Coupe, AMG attempts to blur the line between two-door sports cars and four-door luxury vehicles in terms of driving dynamics.

The third in-house project from AMG is the tuner’s first family-friendly effort and a more aggressive substitute for the now-discontinued AMG CLS 63. Lighter than the E63, more practical than the GT 2-Door, but with performance and luxury features derived from both cars, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is uniquely positioned to satisfy track day addicts with full households. Our test of the entry-level AMG GT 53 puts the fastback four-door through its paces around Austin, Texas’ best roads. Read on for our first impressions.

What’s New for 2019

Apart from its design, the GT 4-Door Coupe introduces few features or technologies we haven’t seen before. Rather, the new model range assembles Mercedes-AMG’s latest goodies and engineering tactics in one compelling form.

The GT 4-Door Coupe will be available in three configurations, with two engines, and with one drivetrain. Entry-level GT 53 models utilize the forced induction six-cylinder hybrid from the all-new CLS Coupe, while GT 63 and 63 S versions borrow the twin-turbo V8 from the GT 2-Door and other AMG models. Performance highlights like dynamic engine mounts, an electronic limited-slip differential, air springs, adaptive dampers, carbon ceramic brakes, active aerodynamics, and a sophisticated all-wheel drive system are part of the mix.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

Exterior Styling

Fans of the Mercedes-AMG GT 2-door will find the four-door version positively swoon-worthy. Like the supercar, the 4-Door Coupe rocks a long, elegant hood, a slatted grille, striking LED headlights and taillights, radiator blinds, flared wheel arches, prominent intakes, air extractors, and a six-position active rear wing. Unique to the four-door is its gently sloping roofline, which blends nicely into the hatchback deck lid. Quad exhaust ports extend from an integrated rear diffuser. A wide range of 19-, 20-, and 21-inch wheel designs give customers plenty of customization potential when matched with metallic of designo (matte) paint colors.

AMG will offer several exterior packages for the GT 53, 63, and 63 S models. The night package includes high-gloss black trim elements; the chrome package gussies up the same details in bright chrome; two carbon fiber packages bring the performance look to the GT’s exterior; and an AMG aerodynamics kit adds a segment-exclusive fixed rear wing. Given the opportunity to configure our own GT 53, we’d pick the deep red paint and classic monoblock five-spoke wheels.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

Interior Comfort

Though the GT 4-Door Coupe is the sportiest interpretation of an AMG family hauler, its interior is every bit the high-tech, luxury suite we’ve come to expect of the brand. The same wraparound dashboard, widescreen monitors, turbine air vents, and high-quality trim pieces from the E-Class sedan mesh with the V8-design console from the GT 2-door for a truly special cockpit. A new AMG performance steering wheel features touch controls for the driver display and an optional dial/switch combo for quick adjustment of customizable settings. The wheel itself feels oversized for a sports car, but its flat-bottom design and Alcantara wrapping compensate with functionality.

Three front seat styles favor either comfort or performance, though all hold up well in corners and on long drives. The two rear passengers aren’t treated quite as well in their dark, tall-windowed quarters. Still, there is sufficient leg and headroom for full-size adults, and an optional executive package adds a permanent center console with entertainment and seat adjustments. Cargo dimensions aren't yet available.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

Powertrains

AMG offers two engines and three output tiers for the GT 4-Door Coupe, and while the GT 53 is down two cylinders to its more potent kin, it’s the only of the three to get an electric kick. The GT 53 pairs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder rated at 429 horsepower with an electric starter-generator for a 21-hp boost. Peak torque of 384 lb-ft is available from 1,800 rpm.

A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels via AMG’s 4Matic+ continuously variable all-wheel drive system. AMG quotes a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph, which is plenty fast for anything with four doors. While lacking the theatre of the V8-powered 63 and 63 S models, the GT 53’s EQ Boost is no gimmick. Off-the-line and mid-range acceleration is a lag-free punch that never misses.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

Driving Dynamics

Underpinning each GT 4-Door Coupe is a mixed material chassis that is designed to be both light and rigid. GT 53 models pair a four-link front and multi-link rear with steel springs and three-stage adaptive dampers to balance ride comfort and cornering stability. Standard rear-wheel steering can tighten the car’s turning circle at low speeds or virtually lengthen its wheelbase at high speeds. A mechanical locking rear differential works with the variable AWD system to apply power where it’s most effective. A variable ratio steering system changes both sensitivity and effort based on drive mode and behavior. Perforated composite brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires round out the performance hardware.

The interplay of each of these systems is based on AMG’s dynamic select system. Five distinct drive modes tune throttle response, steering, and damping to suit driving conditions. Additionally, there's a four-stage adjustment for the stability control, rear-wheel steering, and AWD systems. Whichever settings you choose, the ride quality is never harsh, and the power delivery is always smooth. Yes, this can sound confusing, but the execution is straightforward: The more aggressive the drive mode, the more responsive the vehicle behavior.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

Convenience and Safety Features

While not at the absolute cutting edge of Mercedes-Benz convenience tech (the latest MBUX system has yet to find its way into the full model range), the GT 4-Door Coupe’s COMAND module and long list of creature comforts are more than sufficient for luxury clients. A pair of 12.3-inch widescreen displays creates one continuous glass panel, showing driver data on the left and navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings on the right. Three gauge configurations — classic, sport, and supersport — prioritize traditional telemetry or performance data and can be further customized according to driver preferences.

Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Burmester sound system are all standard. For additional coin, a color head-up display, 360-degree camera, and 23-speaker 3D sound system are available. Depending on seat style, front passengers are treated to heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The only standout omission on AMG’s option sheet is Android Auto. Automatic emergency braking is standard on all GT models, while adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and other active safety features are available options.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

Pricing and Packages

Mercedes-AMG hasn’t released pricing information for the 2019 GT 4-Door Coupe, though based on its competition, a fair guess would be a starting figure of $100,000 for the GT 53.

Packages and options are extensive — too extensive to list. Highlights include an acoustic comfort package to limit wind and road noise, an aerodynamics package, and Designo matte paints, in addition to the many features that we've already described.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

Highs and Lows

Highs: - Sinister stance - Blistering acceleration - Balanced, communicative chassis - Well-damped ride - Plush, inspired cabin

Lows: - Claustrophobic rear seating

Photo by Mercedes-AMG

Competition

Though there are a number of four-door high-performance vehicles on the market, the AMG GT 53 will be most closely rivaled by Porsche’s Panamera 4S. Like the GT, the Panamera 4S uses a forced induction six-cylinder engine (albeit without the Benz's electric aid) to deliver 440 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. Porsche quotes a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 179 mph. Both figures best the GT 53, but we reckon the AMG would have the 4S sweating around a racetrack. Without official pricing, it’s impossible to say which of the two is a better performance bargain.

Other would-be rivals include the 600-hp BMW M5 ($103K) and AMG’s own 603-hp E 63 S sedan ($104K). If alternative energy is your thing, the Tesla Model S 100D ($94K) could also fit the thrill bill.

Photo by Porsche

Our Take

High-output sedans are wondrous beasts, but on track, they lack the lateral finesse of a two-door sports car. When the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe hits U.S. showrooms in the middle of 2019, it will successfully fill this performance gap while retaining the comfort and convenience of a traditional four-door luxury vehicle.

What’s more, with a striking silhouette, advanced tech, and granular levels of customization, the GT 4-Door is sure to impress even to those not wowed by its performance.

Photo by Mercedes-AMG