The third model developed exclusively by the AMG division, the four-door GT is now available in several variants powered by six- or eight-cylinder engines.
The very recent arrival of the GT 63 SE Performance equipped with a plug-in hybrid engine generating a combined power of 831 horsepower and a titanic torque that can reach up to 1,084 lb-ft allows this model to reach new heights. of performance, but at a substantial price exceeding $200,000.
With its starting price of $119,800, the recently tested Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4Matic is almost a bargain and, although its performance is down on the GT 63 S, the pleasure is still there. For 2022, the GT 53 has been updated: the power of its mild hybrid engine is now rated at 429 horsepower, while its maximum torque is 384 lb-ft.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Advanced motorization
From a technical point of view, the engine of the GT 53 is very advanced since it is composed of a six-cylinder in-line three-litre engine, a turbocharger driven by the exhaust gases, a supercharger driven by a electric motor, and finally a starter-alternator. Concretely, during the initial acceleration, the alternator-starter and the electric supercharger are put to use before the engine speed reaches a speed high enough for the turbocharger to come into action. As a result, the forward thrust is fluid and continuous. The GT 53 can therefore complete the 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
In everyday driving, overtaking on secondary roads or entering the motorway poses no problem, the GT 53 achieving more than convincing times. Obviously, the more distinctive versions raise the bar in this regard, but the GT 53 is quite capable of meeting expectations without going overboard.
We regret, however, that the engine of the GT 53 is not equipped with the “freewheel” function which is present on other Mercedes-Benz with mild hybrid engines, which allows the car to cut the ignition of the engine and maintain the pace by means of the alternator-starter, slightly improving consumption. In this regard, the GT 53 delivered observed ratings of 12.9 L/100 km in the city, and 9.7 L/100 km on the highway.
Adaptive air suspension
The AMG suspension, both air and adaptive, has been reconfigured with the addition of two valves mounted on the shock absorbers, which independently adjust compression and rebound, allowing to optimize comfort as well as dynamics. These ground connections can be configured in several modes, from Comfort to Sport Plus, the character of the GT 53 evolving accordingly and allowing the driver to find what he is looking for, regardless of the environment in which the car is moving.
All-wheel drive prioritizes the rear axle and the nine-speed automatic transmission performs admirably in sporty driving. It is easy to switch from one driving mode to another using the rotary selector located on the steering wheel. A series of turns on approach? Sport or Sport Plus mode. Back in a straight line? Rotate to Comfort and you’re done. The steering, always precise, is lighter in Comfort mode and firmer in Sport and Sport Plus mode. As the AMG GT is also equipped with control buttons on the central console, it is possible, even in Comfort mode, to configure the exhaust in Sport mode, which is louder, while retaining the most flexible calibrations for the ground connections. .
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Our test car had all Manufacture Edition, billed at $25,000, which includes several optional equipment as well as a body painted in color Rubelite Red Metallic particularly striking, and 21-inch forged alloy wheels.
The passenger compartment features the dual color screen displaying instrumentation and infotainment, as well as a very wide center console. In addition to the drive mode selector, the steering wheel has four horizontal spokes on which there are a multitude of haptic keys to interact with several devices, however, it is sometimes difficult to do so with the desired precision, and a serious learning curve. will apply to the buyer.
Finally, the GT 53 may not have as much panache as a GT 63 or 63 SE Performance, but its qualities make it a road car that demonstrates a beautiful duality.