2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Review: Full-Fat Four-Door Coupe
A little over a decade ago, Mercedes-Benz let AMG do its own thing. This was a momentous occasion, as AMG's mad scientists were finally let off their leash. The result was the SLS, and it was bonkers. It was replaced with the equally quick yet way more docile AMG GT two-door coupe after a reasonably short lifecycle. With the difficult second album completed, AMG moved on to the third act, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 four-door coupe.
Two AMG GT 63 four-door coupes are available, both powered by the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The standard 63 delivers 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, while the 63 S packs a massive 630 hp and 664 lb-ft punch. The AMG GT 63 is not as bespoke as the models mentioned above, though. It has more in common with traditional Mercedes-AMG models. Under the skin, it's essentially underpinned by the Mercedes-AMG E63 Sedan, only with an added dose of power. But with full AMG development, the model that takes the place of the old CLS 63, and the same ingredients as the E63 make for a different recipe with the Porsche Panamera Turbo firmly in its sights.
What's the Price of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63?
The base Mercedes AMG GT 63 carries an MSRP of $140,600, while the more powerful 63 S retails for $161,900. This excludes the destination fee of $1,050. It seems like a lot of money, but it's reasonable compared to the Porsche Panamera. The Turbo S model retails for $179,095 and is not as fast as the 63 S. For around the same money as the standard model, Porsche will sell you a Panamera GTS that also uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, but with only 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque.
Handling and Driving Impressions
There's a lot to talk about in this segment, so let's start with the basics. The GT is equipped with an AMG Sport suspension with adaptive damping. Unlike various other cars (some AMG products included), adaptive damping isn't just a fancy way of saying that you can select between varying degrees of discomfort. The Comfort setting is just that. Sure, it's stiffer than a proper luxury sedan but more than good enough for daily use. The other settings are simply too stiff for anything but silky smooth racetrack tarmac. Mercifully, an Individual setting allows you to set the suspension in Comfort and everything else in Sport, or whatever other combination of drive modes you want.
The 4Matic AWD allows you to enjoy the full power in a way that just isn't possible in a RWD car. Thanks to most of the weight being up front, it will understeer on the limit. Most see this as a negative, but it's the safest setup. A person's driving talent doesn't necessarily increase when their bank balance does. The brakes are also excellent, providing good pedal feel and epic stopping power. It's a sophisticated driving experience, and you don't have to work hard to get the most out of it.
We have to wonder whether some of the historic AMG magic hasn't been lost, though. The GT 63 is brutally effective but seems to have lost some of the emotion present in AMG's greatest hits - like the CLK 63 AMG Black Series.
Mercedes-AMG's engineers have not completely lost track of their roots, however. As with most AMGs these days, the GT has Drift Mode (only available with optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package). A word of caution: this mode is not a toy, and we're pretty surprised it hasn't been declared illegal in our health and safety-obsessed world.
Thankfully, the USA still allows Drift Mode. But unlike its Race Start counterpart, this mode won't flatter you. Doing donuts is easy enough, as you just keep your right foot planted, but proper skids require a lot more work. Getting it sideways is easy enough. Keeping it there is the trick. Once again, the engine shows its brilliance, as the linear torque curve doesn't have any nasty surprises that will send you flying off the track.
Verdict: Is the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 A Good sedan?
The new 2021 AMG GT 63 is a good car, but it's hard to justify. Yes, the styling is great, and the interior space isn't as bad, but the trunk is too small. You also can't fold the rear seats flat unless you pay extra. That being said, it is an epic cross-country cruiser.
The engine is a bit thirsty, and the gas tank is annoyingly small, not to mention you have to pay extra for some safety equipment that should be standard. On the plus side, it's an easy car to drive fast. It does the Jekyll and Hyde thing very well, and it will likely thrill you every time you get in it.
This car's main problem is its high price and the existence of the E63 Wagon, which we cover in more detail in the comparisons down below.
What New 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Model Should I Buy?
The GT 63 S may sound more appealing, but it's for sale at $20,000 more. For that, you get more power and torque, larger alloy wheels, dynamic engine and transmission mounts, Race and Drift modes, the steering-wheel-mounted AMG Drive Unit, and a 0-60 mph time that's 0.2 seconds faster. However, aside from the power, the Dynamic Plus Package is available on the base model for just $3,000 and the AMG Drive Unit costs just $400. There's hardly any difference in top speed, not that you're going to be doing it anyway. We'd save that $20,000 and spend it on all the lovely optional systems mentioned above instead.
2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Comparisons
2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 vs Porsche Panamera Turbo
The Panamera Turbo S is the GT's closest rival in terms of body style. Both four-door coupes are odd hatch-like sedans that have been styled to look like coupes. The Turbo S is more expensive, but it gets close in terms of power. Its twin-turbo develops 620 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. Fit the Sport Chrono Package, and it will outperform the Mercedes in a straight line, and it will achieve a higher top speed.
The Porsche is also more practical but not as handsome. It also has a tendency to feel a little clinical compared to the OTT Mercedes. We suspect a purchase like this will be emotionally driven, in which case the loony GT and its drift modes makes the most sense. Illogically speaking, of course.
2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 vs Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon
Sibling competitors - the GT is based on the same platform as the E-Class, and that creates a massive problem. An AMG E-Class already exists, and it's magnificent. Even more so when you buy the Wagon version, which to our eyes looks even cooler than the GT. The E 63 S Wagon isn't as powerful, but 603 hp is hardly underpowered. You also get double the cargo capacity, the ability to carry five passengers, and most of the standard features. All of this already makes a compelling case for rather going the E63 route.
The final nail in the coffin is the $30,000 price difference, increasing to $50,000 in the case of the GT 63 S. Is the GT 63 midsize sedan really $30,000 to $50,000 better than the E 63 S Wagon. Not by a long shot.