AMG might be responsible for Mercedes’ most-powerful and appealing models, but the high-performance brand has yet to use its full potential as a car manufacturer. Sure, the Affalterbach-based division brought us the awesome SLS AMG, and more recently, the AMG GT, but it hasn’t developed more than one stand-alone vehicle at a time. Until 2018, when Mercedes-AMG launched the GT 4-Door, a four-door, four-seat version of the AMG GT sports car. Unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, it's the brand's highly anticipated competitor for the Porsche Panamera, and it includes the most powerful GT-badged model ever.
The company’s plans to develop a high-performance four-door became more than obvious at the 2017 Geneva Auto Show, where Mercedes-Benz unveiled the AMG GT concept. The show car also confirmed that the sedan will be based on the AMG GT in terms of design, but still feature some of the more traditional Mercedes cues seen on the regular sedans. The concept was pretty much a mash-up between the AMG GT sports car and the CLS four-door coupe, attributes that also made it on the production model. Let's find out what Merc's new performance sedan is all about in the review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe.
2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe
- Make: Array
- Model: 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe
- Engine/Motor: V8
- Horsepower: 456
- Torque: 443
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior
While most spy shots and drawing suggested an actual four-door version of the AMG GT sports car, the GT 4-Door is actually notably different than its coupe sibling. The front fascia is indeed aggressive and shares many features with the AMG GT, but the bigger headlamps and the revised bumper sets it apart and gives it a somewhat elegant look. I guess we could say that the front end merges elements from both the AMG GT and the recently unveiled CLS. But unlike the CLS, the GT 4-Door sports the race-style "Panamericana" grille of the AMG GT and an Airpanel in front of the center cooling vent for improved aerodynamic efficiency. The latter is borrowed from the hardcore AMG GT R.
Onto the sides, the GT 4-Door is actually very similar to the CLS. Features that set it apart include new vents on the front fenders, beefed-up rear haunches, actual quarter windows behind the rear doors, and a more aggressive roofline. The frameless side windows contribute to the sedan's coupe-style look. Around back, the main features link the sedan to the AMG GT coupe. The taillights are slim and long, while a tailgate replaces the conventional trunklid of the CLS.
The decklid is also shorter and sports a wing for increased downforce. Down below, a big diffuser hints that the AMG GT 4-Door is a true sports sedan. The diffuser becomes more aggressive on the V-8 models, as does the front bumper, which gain three horizontal louvers in the side air intakes.
All told, the AMG GT 4-Door has a sporty and imposing exterior, but it's far from impressive. It looks a bit too much like the CLS from certain angles and those sexy AMG GT cues are already pretty familiar. I'm not saying that it's mild and boring, but it brings together design cues we've already seen.
Interior
The interior of the AMG GT 4-Door also looks very familiar. But this is because it's almost identical to the CLS. Yup, instead of modifying the AMG GT's cockpit with a four-seat configuration, Mercedes took everything from the CLS, which in turn is heavily based on the current-generation E-Class.
The dashboard, the door panels, the infotainment layout, and the instrument cluster are identical to the CLS save for minor changes in the displays. It even has the same illuminated turbine-look A/C vents and the same flat-bottom steering wheel. However, the AMG Performance Steering Wheel can be equipped with several innovative features such as a round controller with an integral display beneath the right-hand spoke, plus two vertically positioned color display buttons beneath the left-hand spoke.
The two high-resolution displays, each measuring 12.3 inches, placed under the same hood was also carried over from the CLS. Not only they dominate the dashboard, but it also looks as if the car has a really wide screen from the behind the steering wheel toward the passenger side. This feature is standard on all AMG GT 4-Door models in the U.S. One element that's different is the center console, which is similar to the AMG GT sports car, which mimics the configuration of a V-8 engine. There a few changes to the buttons on the sides, and it also includes display buttons and capacitive switches. Other highlights include soft-touch upholstery all over the place and carbon-fiber trim, including on the steering wheel (on the range-topping GT63 S model).
Unlike the AMG GT, the GT 4-Door offers seating for four. There are two configurations available, starting with two carbon-fiber-backed seats. These offer optimum support under spirited driving, but they cannot be folded for access to the trunk. The second layout is the Executive Rear Seat package, which has a more comfortable layout and a 40-20-40 split configuration. In this setup, rear passengers can control a number of features via a touchpad screen integrated into the console between the seats. The features range from using data via the AMG menu to controlling the ambient lighting or the climate control and seat heating.
As a cool feature, the GT 4-Door is the first AMG model that has its own fragrance, described by the company as a "sporty scent to match the spirit of the performance brand."
Just like the coupe, the four-door comes with AMG Track Pace, an app that enables drivers to capture and analyze in detail over 80 vehicle-specific data as well as lap times on the racetrack.
Drivetrain
- GT53 model with EQ Boost hybrid tech
- GT63 S pack more power than any other AMG GT
- Up to 630 horsepower and 627 pound-feet
- 0 to 60 in 3.1 seconds
- Highest top speed at 195 mph
- Nine-speed AMG transmission
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Limited-slip differential
- Rear-wheel steering
Although the AMG GT 4-Door is theoretically a four-door version of the company's sports car, the two don't share all that much under the skin. Contrary to what the name might suggest, the AMG GT 4-Door isn't built on a stretched platform of the AMG GT. Instead, AMG used the underpinnings of the E-Class, which also provide the base for the CLS. However, the GT 4-Door did get the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 from the AMG GT coupe. It also gained the 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit with EQ Boost from the CLS.
The latter comes in the same configuration as in the AMG CLS53, meaning that it cranks out 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost system, which makes the drivetrain a mild hybrid, adds up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of twist. Total system power can hit up to 450 horses and 568 pound-feet, almost as much as the base AMG GT sports car. This version can hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, to go with a top speed of 174 horsepower.
Next up is the GT63, powered by the familiar 4.0-liter V-8 rated at 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet. This output is on par with the hardcore AMG GT R, but with 33 pound-feet of twist on top. Pretty cool huh? Hitting 60 mph from a standing start takes only 3.3 seconds, while top speed goes up to 193 mph. The European version of this model gets even more torque, being rated at 800 Nm, or 590 pound-feet.
Finally, there's the range-topping GT63 S model, which comes with a whopping 630 horsepower and 627 pound-feet, more than any version of the AMG GT two-door sports car. In this configuration, 60 mph comes in only 3.1 seconds, while top speed increases to 195 mph. Again, the Euro specs are slightly different for this model too, with the torque figure placed at 900 Nm, or 664 pound-feet.
Both V-8 models feature cylinder deactivation for enhanced fuel economy and use the new AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic as standard. Tuned specifically for this engine, it handles extremely short shift times and fast multiple downshifts. A wet clutch reduces weight and inertia, while the Race Start function provides optimum acceleration.
The six-cylinder engine in the GT53 model mates to a slightly different AMG Speedshift nine-speed transmission. which works in conjunction with the torque converter. All AMG GT 4-Door models are fitted with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. A rear-axle limited-slip differential is added to the GT63 S model, while both V-8 variants come with active rear-wheel steering. The latter is not available for the six-cylinder model.
Prices
It's way too early to talk about pricing, but the GT 4-Door should start from around $140,000 in the United States. For reference, the Mercedes-AMG GT S fetches $129,000 before options.
Competition
Porsche Panamera
Redesigned for the 2017 model year, the Porsche Panamera is now sportier than ever, and its design incorporates even more 911 styling features. The cabin is loaded with state-of-the-art tech, and the driver is connected to the car via two seven-inch displays in the instrument cluster and a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen on the center stack. Drivetrain options are as varied as they get. The base model has a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 325 horsepower and 332 pound-feet, while the Panamera 4S comes with 434 horses and 406 pound-feet on tap. The Turbo model uses a 4.0-liter V-8 with 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet. The new Panamera also comes with a diesel engine and two hybrid drivetrains. The range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid cranks out a massive 671 horsepower and 627 pound-feet that Mercedes-Benz will have a difficult time competing with. Pricing starts from $85,000 and goes up to $150,000 before options for the Turbo models.
Learn more about the 2018 Porsche Panamera.
Aston Martin Rapide
Launched in 2009 as a spiritual successor to the Aston Martin Lagonda and the company’s first sedan in 20 years, the Rapide is based on the DB9 and shares the same VH platform. Power comes from Aston’s ubiquitous 5.9-liter V-12 engine, tuned to deliver 552 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Although it’s the most powerful of the bunch, the Rapide S won't be quicker than the AMG GT4 in its current specification. Its 203-mph top speed, on the other hand, places it above everything else in this niche. Inside, the Rapide S comes with Aston’s finest in terms of luxury and technology, although some might find its cabin design rather dated compared to the GT 4-Door’s. The British sedan isn’t cheap either, as it starts from $198,250 in the U.S. It's safe to assume that Aston Martin will offer a new-generation Rapide soon, so AMG will get a lighter, faster, and more luxurious competitor.
Find out more about the Aston Martin Rapide.
Conclusion
Given the similarities with the recently unveiled CLS, the GT 4-Door doesn't seem to be that much of a stand-alone model at first glance. However, things change when you look under the hood. While the CLS range stops at the 53 model, the GT 4-Door lineup takes over from there and takes the output to unprecedented levels for the "AMG GT" badge. Simply put, while the CLS goes against lower-trim version of the Panamera, the GT 4-Door joins the market as a more hardcore version aimed at the beefed-up Porsches. All told, this four-door was developed for a different audience, one that needs the seating layout and roomy trunk of the sedan during the week and the performance and dynamics of a sports car for fun weekends at the track.
References
Mercedes-AMG GT concept.
Read our full review on the Mercedes-AMG GT concept.
Spy Shots
February 20, 2018 - Mercedes-AMG GT4 caught wearing a matte black with yellow flames camouflage
December 29, 2017 – Playing in the Snow
We’ve been over these shots with a fine-toothed comb, and nothing has really changed since the GT4’s last outing. The only real noticeable difference is that this prototype is wearing round exhaust outlets as opposed to the square units seen previously. This indicates that this specific prototype is powered by a smaller drivetrain setup that is likely a combination of an electric motor, battery, and six-cylinder engine. That means that Mercedes is likely done testing the V-8 models and is now looking to fine tune its entry-level version prior to the car’s big debut. We’re expecting to see a debut sometime in 2018.
September 25, 2017 - Mercedes-AMG GT4 reveals its interior
August 22, 2017 - Mercedes AMG GT4 starts dropping camouflage
May 8, 2017 - Mercedes AMG GT4 begins testing session
Read more Mercedes news.
Rendering
If you're working why the two renderings we made are so different, the explanation is very simple. We created the first image as soon as the AMG GT was out and the first rumors about a sedan surfaced, so it looks very similar to the sports car. And to be honest, an AMG GT with a longer wheelbase and four doors is as sexy as they get. But when the AMG GT Concept was unveiled in 2017, it became pretty clear that Mercedes-Benz is gunning for a more elegant, less aggressive look. The rendering on the left pictures just that, being heavily based on the latest concept car.
Update History
Update 12/29/2017: The Mercedes-AMG GT4 was caught doing some cold weather testing and playing in the snow. Check out the spy shots section below to get a fresh look at the upcoming sports sedan.
Updated 09/25/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming AMG GT4 out for a new testing session and this time we can also take a look at the inside of the car.
Updated 08/22/2017: The upcoming Mercedes AMG GT4 was caught testing again, this time with more camouflage removed and revealing its fastback rear.
Updated 05/08/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Mercedes AMG GT4 out for a first testing session. The car is expected to debut later this year or at the beginning of 2018.