2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C Coupe $1,789/mo Lease

PROS

V8 twin-turbo performance; supercar design; luxurious interior options; industry-leading infotainment displays

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

The AMG GT 2-door is offered in 4 separate trims, the AMG GT, AMG GT C, AMG GT S and the all-powerful AMG GT R. They are powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The roadster model is offered both in GT and GT C form and comes equipped accordingly. Horsepower starts out on the GT at 469 horsepower going all the way to 550 horsepower in the GT C and 577 horsepower and 516 foot-pounds of torque for the AMG GT R.

The 4-door version of the car also comes with a 4.0L twin turbo V8, but with a bigger body comes a bit more power: The standard version makes 577 horsepower while the 63S version makes a full 630 horsepower. Unlike the 2-door, the 4-door version sends power to all-four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features are plentiful across the lineup drivers are treated to AMG performance seats with memory wrapped in Napa leather, SmartKey keyless entry, an 8.4-inch infotainment screen, full LED headlights, COMMAND Navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming, dual USB ports, heated power mirrors with logo projectors, brake assist and adaptive cruise control.

Drivers can select from five different driving modes via the AMG Dynamic Select on the center console. Options include Individual, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Race providing complete control of exhaust notes, stability control, suspension dampening, shift engagement and even throttle response.

The AMG GT C adds wider tires, a multitude of staggered wheel setups, active rear wheel steering, more engine output, adjustable dampening, a lighter top for the Roadster, a Burmester stereo, and a slightly wider rear end paneling specifically designed for the upper scale GT models.

Stepping into the AMG GT R, standard features include forged staggered 19-inch and 20-inch wheels, Pilot Cup II tires, 9-way adjustable AMG traction control, an electronically controlled Limited slip differential, manually adjustable AMG coil over suspension, the AMG Dynamic Plus Package that includes Dynamic Engine and Transmission mounts, more aggressive camber settings and a wider power band up to 6,500 RPM.

Furthermore, 2019 buyers will be offered a wide range of standalone features like a panorama roof, custom 19-inch or 20-inch wheel designs, Napa leather seats, cooling ventilation for the AMG performance seats, even optional steering wheels with Napa leather or suede with a variety of DINAMICA-trimmed performance steering wheels.

The AMG Exterior Night Package includes black gloss accents to the front splitter that's also applied to the diamond front grille, air intakes grilles and air outlets on the hood and fenders. Also included are tinted windows, black exhaust pipes, and a gloss black roof paired with gloss black wing mirrors.

The 2019 AMG GT's standard safety features include eight airbags, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, Lane Keeping Assist and the Attention Assist system that alerts the driver if the system detects drowsiness. Collision Prevention Assist Plus alerts the driver of a possible collision, applies the ideal amount of braking and can autonomously apply the brakes at speeds up to 65 mph. Adaptive braking technology consists of Predictive Brake Priming (sets the pads closer to the discs for a more immediate braking response), Automatic Brake Drying (periodically applies the brakes just enough to remove water from the rotors) and Hill-Start Assist.

MODEL NEWS

The biggest news for the AMG GT line is the introduction of a 4-door model into the lineup. The new body style has a low sweeping roofline, giving the car far more coupe-like proportions than the 4-door moniker would imply. Available in GT63 and GT63S trims, the new body style should make an excellent competitor to the Porsche Panamera while also offering buyers a bit more value, thanks to the more powerful engines that come in the 4-door versions. Pricing for the new 4-door is in line with the rest of the AMG GT lineup, with prices starting at around $137,000 for the GT63 and $159,000 for the more powerful S version.

VALUE WRITEUP

The AMG GT is one of the most technologically advanced sports cars on the market, with a stunningly sculpted exterior and well-integrated technology, it is a stand-out in the segment. To go along with all the flash and gadgetry the GT's drivetrain is sharp and responsive providing seamless shifts via the 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission in-between roaring exhaust notes when given the room to roam.

With the AMG GT, Mercedes has taken direct aim at its German counterparts, particularly the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. While both vehicles are similarly priced and perform on the same level they go about the matter in completely different ways. The AMG is loud and menacing with heavy-handed styling and a front-mounted fire-breathing twin-turbo V8. The Porsche on the other hand with its rear mounted flat-six is more sophisticated and graceful with gentle sloping lines and refined features. Despite a hefty price tag the Mercedes comes much better equipped than most competitors in the segment starting at just over $112,000 all the way in excess of $159,000.