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The Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe was originally born as a rear-driven model and returns to that format in this vastly more affordable four cylinder entry-level 43 form. In many ways, this base variant is the definitive version of this car.
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Background
Could Mercedes really build a credible rival to Porsche's iconic 911, we wondered, when the original Mercedes-AMG GT was unveiled back in 2014. The answer, as it turned out, was that the Three-Pointed Star got closer to that super sportscar standard-setter than expected - and plans to edge even closer still with this second generation C192 generation model.
It's the fifth series production road car to be engineered from the ground-up by AMG and has shared its development with the latest Mercedes-AMG SL, alongside which it's built at the brand's Bremen factory in Germany. Don't be fooled by the very lightly evolved styling; much is different here. Primarily a switch to a 2+2 cabin and the adoption of 4WD. There's also a completely new interior, a longer wheelbase and a bigger boot. Sounds promising.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 105435 | 111535 |
| Insurance group 1-50 | 50 | 50 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 235 | 235 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 174 | 174 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Min | Max |
| Combined Mpg | 27.4 | 27.4 |
| Length (mm) | 4728 | 4728 |
| Width (mm) | 1929 | 1929 |
| Height (mm) | 1359 | 1359 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 321 | 321 |
Driving experience
Mercedes initially said it wasn't going to bring this four cylinder GT Coupe model to the UK - and that would have been a pity. It is, in Mercedes own words, 'the most agile car in the GT line-up'. That's partly because of lighter weight (1,974kg as opposed to the 2,121kg of the GT 55 or 63). And partly because of more even weight distribution. The engine is the mild hybrid 2.0-litre turbo four cylinder unit used by the Mercedes-AMG 45 super hot hatch, which puts out 421hp. Compare with 476hp for the GT 55 and 585hp for the GT 63.
0-62mph takes 4.6s (only 1.4s lower than the GT 63). All that power here goes to the rear wheels rather than, as with the bigger-engined models, to all four. There's the same AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed sport automatic transmission. Rear wheel steering (now standard on a rival Porsche 911 Carrera) is not part of the standard spec.
There's an AMG Dynamic Select controller providing a choice of different drive modes - 'Slippery', 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Sport+'. Add the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package and you get an extra 'RACE' setting. And the driver can alter the AMG Dynamics ESC stability system in three steps. The aluminium double-wishbone AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension is the same set-up as with more powerful models. It uses constantly variable electronic damping, coil springs and active roll stabilisation to suppress body roll. That's further aided by substantial engine bay bracing and a stiffer Modular Sport Architecture platform, a lightweight spaceframe-style structure using a combination of magnesium, steel, aluminium and plastic composites.
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Design and build
There's not much visual difference with this GT 43 compared to its more powerful stablemates - just a smaller front grille and a re-profiled front bumper. As with the V8s, there are 21-inch AMG wheels. If you want a convertible body style with this four cylinder AMG powertrain, Mercedes offers its SL with the same 43 engine.
This second generation GT model has been visually evolved only lightly - yes, just like Porsche's 911 has been over that model's lifetime. Actually, the design differences here are greater than initial impressions might suggest. At 4,728mm in length, this C192 generation model is 182mm longer than before, as well as being 66mm higher and 45mm wider. As before, the long bonnet, curved roof line and angled tailgate deliver a cab-back profile.
Inside, the cabin is shared with the Mercedes-AMG SL. Which means you get a 12.3-inch instrument binnacle screen and a portrait-orientated 11.9-inch infotainment display, both featuring AMG-specific menus and graphics. There's an AMG Performance three-spoke wheel and the sculpted front sports seats have integrated headrests and automatically-activating side bolsters that tighten according to drive mode.
The big change with this MK2 GT model though, is the switch to a 2+2 cabin configuration, made possible by 70mm extension in wheelbase length. That means you get a pair of 911-style rear seats, though these are only intended for use by small children. They can be folded down to extend the larger 321-litre trunk capacity right up to 675-litres.
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Market and model
Expect pricing for this GT 43 Coupe model starting at just above the £105,000 mark - that's in base 'Premium' trim - which isn't much different to what you'd pay these days for a rival Porsche 911 Carrera. You'll probably want to find another £6,000 for the plusher 'Premium Plus' version - which costs nearly £112,000 - but console yourself with the thought that this is still around £36,000 less than the mid-level GT 55 4MATIC+ model - and around £58,000 less than the GT63 4MATIC+ variant.
'Premium' trim gets you 21-inch AMG wheels, DIGITAL LIGHT LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof and AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive suspension. Inside, there's a 360-degree camera system, 64-colour ambient lighting, a nappa-leather AMG Performance steering wheel, Active Parking Assist, nappa leather upholstery for the powered front seats, the MBUX Navigation premium set-up and a Burmester surround sound system. In addition, there's a heated steering wheel, THERMOTRONIC climate control, a dashcam and smartphone integration. And there's also the usual active safety features, including Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
Upgrade to 'Premium Plus' trim and you get 21-inch AMG forged wheels in a black-painted 5-spoke design, multicontour climatised sports seats with a massage function, an MBUX augmented reality head-up display, carbonfibre cabin trim and the brand's ENERGIZING package plus. With both versions, extra camera drive assist features are available with an optional £2,500 Driving Assistance package. We would prefer to spend the money on the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, which gives you AMG dynamic engine mounts, an AMG electronic rear axle locking differential, suspension lowered by 10mm, an active aerodynamic profile made of carbon fibre, yellow AMG brake calipers and an extra RACE drive program. All of this costs £4,000 more.
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Cost of ownership
You might be hoping that this four cylinder GT model would be considerable more frugal than the V8 4MATIC+ variants; you might be disappointed. Sure, the quoted 27.4mpg combined cycle fuel figure is much better than that of the GT 55 and the GT 63 (both rated at 20.2mpg). As is its CO2 emissions figure of 235g/km (it's 319g/km for the two V8 versions). But of course if you drive this car as AMG intends, you'll get nowhere close to those figures - and you'll certainly struggle to better the readings of a rival Porsche 911 Carrera. Insurance is a top group 50, just like the V8s.
Service intervals for this GT will depend on how far you drive and under what conditions - but Mercedes does as usual offer 'ServiceCare', which allows you to spread your bills into manageable payments, guarantees the price of parts and labour for up to four services, and covers the cost of recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. Another thing we'll need to tell you is that the comprehensive three year unlimited mileage warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer.
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Summary
Still want that Porsche 911 Carrera? Look at one of these before you decide. In many ways, the 43 is the clever choice in the AMG GT Coupe range, lighter, more agile and with a better weight distribution than its vastly more expensive 4MATIC+ V8 stablemates. The AMG A 45-derived engine even contributes some of the snarling aural fireworks you might have thought you'd have to do without in downsizing the powertrain of your GT.
Whether it's a 911 Carrera-beater depends on your perspective. This Mercedes is half a tonne heavier, so it's never going to trump that Porsche in a circuit shoot-out, even though it has more power. But it's arguably more practical and every bit as good a super sports Grand Tourer. It's also our favourite Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe - and that makes it a very special car indeed.
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