2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Review: Power Isn't Everything
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 slots in below the GT 53 and the hardcore V8-powered 63 models. With fewer cylinders, these straight-six, four-door coupes seem to disappear in Mercedes-AMG's convoluted maze of models that grows by the day. The GT 43 is the baby of the GT family and is powered by a detuned version of the turbocharged inline-six engine found in the GT 53. With 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on tap, the GT 43 is not a slow car at all, providing more power than competitors such as the Porsche Panamera and BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe in base form. The GT 43 is more than just numbers: its interior is an elegant and luxurious space, and the cabin is littered with advanced tech such as Mercedes-Benz's fantastic MBUX infotainment system. This car deserves more time in the spotlight, but Mercedes-AMG has put it in a sticky situation where it competes with its siblings rather than outsiders.
What's the Price of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43?
Slap an AMG badge on any Mercedes-Benz, and pricing will increase dramatically. With an MSRP of $92,500, the GT 43 is more expensive than an entry-level Porsche Panamera, which starts at $88,400, and the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Coupe is even cheaper at $85,000. Fully loaded, the GT 43 can cost close to $130,000. These AMG GT 43's price excludes tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,050.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
199.2 in | 116.2 in | 57.3 in | 76.9 in | 65.9 in | 65.6 in | 4,530.0 lbs |
2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Consider the GT 43 a quick highway cruiser and comfortable city sedan, and you'll be more than pleased. As with any other AMG product, the GT 43 can be set up for a more thrilling driving experience when needed: Comfort Mode makes the GT 43 feel somewhat lazy and unresponsive, which is unbecoming of its heritage, but Sport Plus Mode turns it into a snappy thing that likes to shoot off at the mere mention of any throttle input. We'd suggest settling for Sport Mode, which loads up the steering and makes the suspension just stiff enough for a balanced yet responsive drive. The 19-inch wheels also strike a good balance between grip and comfort, and with AWD by your side, corner exit speeds are impressive. The GT 43 doesn't mind being thrown into a set of corners, but don't expect any drift action. This car is more at home driving fast on the highway or cutting through city traffic.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Interior
2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 A Good car?
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 might be the baby of the GT four-door range, but it makes it no less of an AMG product. Unfortunately, it gets lost in the maze that is the current lineup; with the CLS 450 in the mix, the GT 43 struggles to find its own identity, especially when one considers the fact that the CLS provides as much power as the GT 43 for much less money. Be that as it may, the GT 43 is still a stunning vehicle packed with tons of tech, an opulent interior, and enough punch to keep most happy. It will eat up the miles on the highway and, thanks to a bit of hybrid wizardry, feels like a rocket ship when called upon at lower speeds. Mercedes-AMG's available options that turn the GT 43 into a serial luxury machine, but we'd be careful of the price creep. With competitors such as the Porsche Panamera, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and even the CLS to contend with, we'd shop around first.
What 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4-Door Coupe Should I Buy?
There's only one model on offer, but with such a vast selection of optional extras on hand, we'd recommend adding a few extras to the GT 43 to make it yours. If we were buying, we'd add a few small extras such as the panorama roof, the Driver Assistance Package, and the AMG performance exhaust system, because why not be loud and obnoxious? With all of these options added to the bill, the GT 43 still comes in at under $100k.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4-Door Coupe Comparisons
2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4-Door Coupe vs Porsche Panamera
The Porsche Panamera has been sitting at the top of the German executive sports car throne for a while and continues to blow us away with its sheer capability and balanced approach to fast driving. The catch is that you have to pay to play, and in base form, the Panamera isn't all that impressive. In base configuration, its 2.9-liter engine produces 325 hp from 5,400 rpm and 331 lb-ft from 1,800 rpm, and you'll have to pay extra to get it in AWD guise. On the road, the Porsche is still a better car to drive, but the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 comes awfully close. The Porsche lags slightly behind in terms of standard features, and the MBUX infotainment system in the GT 43 absolutely blows the Porsche's system out of the water. The GT 43 also offers more driver assistance tech but fails to match the Panamera for overall practicality. If you want fun and space, get the Panamera. If you're a tech geek, go for the GT 43.
2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4-Door Coupe vs Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4-door Coupe
With a price difference of only $10,100, buyers have two options: go for the GT 43 and add $10k with extras, or go for the base GT 53 and enjoy the superior performance specs. The GT 53 is powered by the same engine but produces a stronger 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, making it four-tenths quicker to 60 mph and quicker through the gears at speed. Both cars even have identical EPA ratings, both have AWD, and both use the same nine-speed automatic. With the rest of the package being so similar, and real-world performance not much different, we'd suggest opting for the GT 43 and spending the extra cash on some of the optional extras that appeal to you most.