The Impressive 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT

Mercedes-AMG GT

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz… one of those names that you feel you can trust to turn out one great car after another, and the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT isn’t going to change that. Not one bit. Developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG (no trace of an E-Class to be found here,) the GT is a clarion call for fans of new and old Mercedes alike.

Take a look at its body, and you’ll see echoes of classics like the 300 SL, as well as callbacks to the far more modern SLR-McLaren and the GT’s predecessor, the SLS AMG. The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT is an evolution for the Germanic giants, with the car slimming down and gaining a new 4L V8.

Mercedes-AMG GT Review

Sadly, like some great flier being brought to Earth by the power of natural selection, the car has also shed the gullwing doors found on the SLS.

Under the hood, you’ll find the aforementioned V8, which comes in two different tantalizing flavors: the base GT develops 456hp, giving it a top speed of 189mph, and a 0-60 time of 3.9s. Plump for the more expensive option, the AMG GT S, and you’ll be getting .2 seconds shaved off that time, as well as a top speed boost of 4mph, bringing it achingly close to 200mph, the realm of true supercars. There’s also a Black Series incarnation of the AMG GT on the way, which some speculate will pack around 550hp.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GT

What this power does allow though, is the ability to take on the one-and-only, the living legend that is the Porsche 911. While the 911 Turbo may be inches ahead in the power stakes, it also costs 20K more, and, with a skillful driver behind the wheel, the AMG GT S could absolutely give the Porsche a run for its money.

Despite the drop in performance from the SLS AMG days (top speed of 196mph), the replacement has also seen a price drop – the Mercedes-AMG GT S is for sale with an MSRP of just over $130,000, compared to the 2014 SLS AMG GT, which sold for $200K.

Mercedes-AMG GT S

So how does it drive? Front-engined cars with RWD have often been recipes for sliding and oversteer in the past, but Mercedes-AMG have made sure that the GT doesn’t lose its cool. The car grips well, and combined with the quick, extremely sensitive steering, its a great driving experience.

As well as allowing you to channel your inner racer, the car’s also capable when it comes to a commute or freeway driving. You’re not going to confuse it with an executive cruiser anytime soon, but for its class, it’s perfectly decent.

Mercedes-AMG GT Interior

That brings us to the interior, which won’t fail to strike even the most jaded car fanatic. The large center console and a handful of roof-mounted buttons, combined with the shape of the cabin give an aviation-influenced impression. You feel special driving this car, and Mercedes-Benz does their best to ensure that feeling never fades, thanks to a gorgeous black and red color scheme, and aluminum and carbon fiber features that help keep you in the right (speedy) frame of mind.

While the AMG GT and GT S may not be as visually striking as their predecessor, they are fantastic cars in their own right, packing speed, looks, and high-quality construction into a comparatively affordable package.

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