The roar of a meticulously crafted V8, the unmistakable silhouette of a long-bonneted, tightly-tailed beast, and the sheer audacity to challenge established titans. This is the essence of the Mercedes-AMG GT, a machine purpose-built to conquer circuits and captivate onlookers. As the automotive world evolves, so too does AMG’s flagship sports car. The second-generation GT aims to be more than just a track monster; it promises a more rounded, versatile experience. Yet, as we delve into the formidable Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro, pictured here aggressively cornering with its powerful front quarter profile, we ask: can a car priced at a staggering Rs 3.65 crore (ex-showroom) truly balance brute force with the nuances of daily driving? Or does its raw, unapologetic nature come with a steep price beyond the sticker?
The Mercedes-AMG GT has always been the halo car, the ultimate expression of AMG’s engineering prowess and performance philosophy. With the advent of its second generation, the design ethos has subtly shifted, aiming for a broader appeal without diluting its inherent aggression.
From the moment you lay eyes on the new AMG GT, its intent is clear. It’s a sexy sports car, retaining the classic grand tourer proportions with a dramatically long bonnet and a taut, muscular tail. While the cabin isn't positioned as far rearwards as in the original GT, the overall proportions feel cleaner, more refined, yet undeniably menacing. The front fascia is dominated by the billboard-sized Panamericana grille, a signature AMG element, flanked by power bulges on the bonnet that hint at the potent machinery beneath. However, not every design cue hits the mark for everyone; the 'peeled back' headlamps, for instance, might be seen as a departure from the more traditional, aggressive gaze of its predecessor. Despite this minor quibble, carbon fibre detailing is generously applied across the front splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser, underscoring its performance credentials. The blistered taillight design is a particularly cool and distinctive touch, giving the rear a unique character.
Opting for the range-topping GT 63 Pro variant brings with it a suite of enhancements that distinguish it from its slightly less extreme sibling. The most prominent visual cue is the fixed carbon fibre rear wing, an unmissable declaration of its track-focused ambition. Complementing this are the stunning 21-inch forged wheels, which not only look incredible but also contribute to reduced unsprung mass. Standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, a non-negotiable for serious performance driving, ensure phenomenal stopping power. Beyond the visible upgrades, the Pro variant benefits from enhanced underbody aerodynamics and uprated cooling systems, meticulously engineered to handle the demands of sustained high-performance driving.
The second-generation AMG GT has undergone a significant transformation beneath its sculpted sheet metal. It has grown substantially, becoming a full 200mm longer than the original, with 70mm of that increase dedicated to the wheelbase. This expansion was a direct response to customer feedback, aiming to deliver greater versatility, more cabin room, and increased luggage space. However, for those keen on carrying a space saver spare tyre (a prudent choice, especially on Indian roads), luggage capacity remains notably limited. One might argue that for an owner of such an exotic machine, a support vehicle for luggage would be a more practical solution anyway.
Crucially, the new GT shares much of its advanced platform with the latest-generation AMG SL roadster, a strategic move by Affalterbach to streamline development and integrate cutting-edge technologies. This includes sophisticated four-wheel steering, AMG’s performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system (4MATIC+), and clever cross-link dampers that ingeniously eliminate the need for traditional anti-roll bars, promising superior ride control and handling. Another significant engineering departure is the abandonment of the old car's rear-mounted dual-clutch transaxle gearbox in favor of a nine-speed multi-clutch unit bolted directly onto the engine. This change has shifted the weight balance from being slightly rear-biased to a slightly front-biased setup. This re-engineering, while introducing greater versatility, has come at a cost: the new AMG GT has piled on over 250 kg, tipping the scales at a hefty 1970kg. This substantial weight gain is a point of contention for purists who value lightness above all else in a sports car.
One element that largely carries over from the revered first generation is the engine: AMG’s magnificent 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. This brute of an engine, a masterpiece of German engineering, remains at the core of the GT’s identity. In the standard AMG GT 63, it delivers a formidable 585hp and 800Nm of torque. For the GT 63 Pro, these figures are dialled up further, unleashing an astounding 612hp and 850Nm. This powerplant is more than just a source of propulsion; it's a character-defining element, ensuring that the new GT, despite its added weight and altered dynamics, retains the signature AMG ferocity.
Stepping inside the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro is an exercise in discerning modern luxury and high-tech integration, albeit with a slight sense of déjà vu. The cabin, while exquisitely finished, reveals a strategy of commonality that might dilute some of the GT's unique persona.
Your interaction with the GT begins with the sleek, pop-out door handles – a touch of modern sophistication. Dropping into the multi-way adjustable AMG Performance seats, one immediately appreciates the generous roominess for a car in this segment. Getting in and out, while still a low-slung sports car affair, is surprisingly convenient. However, the initial impression of the interior is one of familiarity. The dashboard design, dominated by a large portrait-oriented touchscreen, feels a bit too similar to other Mercedes-Benz models. While the MBUX system itself is slick, crisp, and incredibly responsive, its pervasive presence arguably robs the AMG GT's interior of some of its unique identity. Unlike the old GT, with its distinctive V-shaped layout for knobs and dials that proudly emphasised the engine’s position, this new design, while ergonomic, sacrifices some of that bespoke AMG theatre. Nevertheless, the digital instrument cluster offers fantastic customisation with multiple themes, and the overall quality of materials and fit-and-finish is, as expected from Mercedes-AMG, absolutely top-notch.
The 11.9-inch central touchscreen serves as the control centre for nearly all the car’s features and functions. It’s here that enthusiasts can geek out on a wealth of car data, timing, and performance recorders – a digital playground for track days. The crisp 360-degree camera system is an absolute boon, making manoeuvres in tight confines far less stressful. While the touchpads on the steering wheel can be a bit finicky and frustrating to operate consistently, the pod-like shortcuts for drive modes and other frequently used functions are intuitive and highly appreciated. Configuring the exhaust loud mode and front suspension lift as go-to shortcuts is an almost immediate instinct for any discerning driver. The Burmester sound system, naturally, delivers sensational audio fidelity, and the ambient lighting offers extensive customisation. For those desiring more natural light, a glass roof is an easily accessible option, enhancing the sense of space.
On the safety front, the AMG GT 63 Pro comes equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, it's worth noting that these systems, while technically advanced, can prove overly sensitive for the chaotic and unpredictable nature of Indian roads, occasionally triggering braking or interventions when not desired. It becomes a common practice for drivers to disable these specific ADAS functions before embarking on a journey to avoid unnecessary surprises.
A new feature for the AMG GT is the option of specifying rear seats, making it a 2+2 coupé. While there is indeed some space behind the front seats, suggesting these are more for occasional use or very small children, most enthusiasts would likely prefer to keep this a strict two-seater and utilise any additional space for soft bags, ensuring it remains an uncompromised sports car experience rather than a cramped pseudo-family hauler.
This is where the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro truly comes alive. It's a machine built for speed, sound, and a visceral connection to the road. The numbers are staggering, but the experience transcends mere statistics.
Let’s talk performance figures: the AMG GT 63 Pro catapults from 0 to 100kph in a mere 3.2 seconds. Reaching 200kph takes just 10.9 seconds, and its top speed is a blistering 317kph. These aren't just numbers; they represent an acceleration experience that is absolutely brutal. You are not just pushed back into your seat, but rather pinned there with relentless force. The only respite comes from lightning-quick gear shifts at a thrilling 7000rpm. Responses are razor-sharp at any speed, and the 9-speed multi-clutch gearbox, a far cry from the previous transaxle, is constantly on the ball, anticipating your desires. Drive with an eager foot, and the gearbox will slam in with a perfectly timed upshift, maintaining the surge of power.
Beyond the raw speed, it's the soundtrack that truly elevates the AMG GT experience. The bark from the quad exhausts adds a new, glorious layer to every drive. At low speeds, it’s a deep, menacing rumble that promises untold power. But pick up the pace, drop a gear, and the sound level rises to a ferocious crescendo. The fury builds, punctuated by delicious pops and crackles from the exhaust on the overrun. This auditory spectacle is a powerful reminder of what makes AMG’s V8 engines so beloved, and a defiant statement in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape. Long live the V8!
What truly endears you to the AMG GT is its alive feel. It’s not just the speed and sound, but the constant communication from the road and wheels through the steering wheel. There’s a satisfying heft to the steering, keeping you intimately connected to the asphalt. The all-wheel steering system plays a crucial role here: below 100kph, the rear wheels turn up to 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front, enhancing agility and making the car feel surprisingly nimble despite its size. Above 100kph, they steer up to 0.7 degrees in the same direction, bolstering high-speed stability. However, when pitched against the benchmark Porsche 911, the AMG GT, with its added weight, can sometimes feel a touch less light and tight, a subtle distinction for those who prize surgical precision above all else.
The versatile AWD system is highly tunable, allowing drivers to play with various settings to fine-tune their experience. In its most composed mode, power is split 50-50 front-rear. As you delve into the sportier modes, the rear bias progressively increases, culminating in the exhilarating Drift mode, which sends 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels. Engaging Drift mode is an experience that demands courage and skill, definitely requiring your bravest pills. The addition of AWD has fundamentally altered the GT’s character. Where the previous-generation GT R was known for its playful-to-vicious programmable ESC modes, the new GT feels more exploitable, offering a safer yet still immensely thrilling way to harness its 612hp, ensuring you stay on the right side of the road.
While the AMG GT is undoubtedly brilliant for spirited drives or track days, its suitability as an everyday companion is a different matter. Ground clearance is strictly limited, necessitating frequent use of the front suspension lift system, which provides an additional 30mm of clearance. While geo-tagging trouble spots allows the car to automatically raise its ride height upon approach, navigating less-than-perfect roads still demands extreme caution. Then there's the ride itself. The AMG GT's setup, featuring short-travel springs and 21-inch rims shod with low-profile rubber, is inevitably a losing battle against challenging road conditions. At low speeds, every imperfection is felt, and even as speed increases, the ride remains very busy, never truly settling into a relaxed rhythm. Things only firm up further in the sportier modes, leading to a ride quality that, despite the 'GT' moniker, rarely feels as comfortable or composed as one might desire from a traditional grand tourer.
Unsurprisingly, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing over 600hp is not designed for economy. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro has an insatiable appetite for 100 octane petrol, and its 70-litre tank can deplete alarmingly quickly during a day of enthusiastic driving. Our real-world tests yielded a rather telling figure of around 3-4kpl, firmly placing it in the realm of cars where efficiency is a non-factor.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro stands as a bold statement in the ultra-luxury, high-performance coupe market. Its nearest and most formidable rival is undoubtedly the Porsche 911. The standard GT 63, priced at Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom), directly challenges the 911 Carrera 4 GTS (Rs 2.78 crore), while our featured GT 63 Pro, at Rs 3.65 crore, takes on the mighty 911 Turbo S (Rs 3.8 crore).
While the Porsches might offer a fractional edge in outright speed or a more clinical, precise driving experience, the AMGs carve out their niche with a distinctly more flamboyant and emotionally charged approach. The 911 represents the pinnacle of German engineering efficiency and surgical precision; the AMG GT 63 Pro, on the other hand, embodies raw, untamed muscle car spirit infused with sophisticated European luxury and track-honed dynamics. It’s a car that sounds, goes, and feels like a modern muscle car, but one that is equally capable of holding its own on the most demanding racetracks, blurring the lines between pure sports car and grand tourer.
The second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro is an undeniably magnificent machine. It is a technological tour de force, a powerhouse of performance, and a stunning design statement. It offers a level of visceral engagement and auditory drama that is increasingly rare in today's automotive landscape. While it has embraced a more 'rounded' personality with added versatility, it hasn't completely shed its predecessor's hardcore spirit. The trade-offs in everyday usability, especially on diverse road conditions, and its thirst for fuel are undeniable, yet they are part and parcel of owning such an extreme performance vehicle. For those seeking a super sports car that combines track-ready aggression with a lavish, if somewhat familiar, interior and a flamboyant character that few rivals can match, the AMG GT 63 Pro offers a truly compelling, if slightly compromised, proposition. It's a car that doesn't just transport you; it envelops you in an experience, leaving an indelible mark long after the engine falls silent. In a world where perfection is often sought, the AMG GT 63 Pro bravely, and gloriously, chooses character.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro: A V8 Symphony of Power, Flamboyance, and Everyday Compromises
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro: Redefining the High-Performance Grand Tourer
A Design Evolution: Aggression Meets Sophistication
The Pro Distinction: Visual Cues and Performance Enhancements
Beneath the Skin: A Shared Pedigree, A Heavier Burden
The Thundering Heart: AMG's Iconic V8 Powerhouse
The Cabin Experience: Luxury, Technology, and Compromises
An Inviting, Yet Familiar, Interior
Digital Integration and Driver-Centric Controls
Practicality, or a Lack Thereof?
Unleashing the Beast: Driving Dynamics and Raw Power
Blistering Performance on Demand
A Soundtrack for the Ages
Precision Handling, With an Asterisk
The Gran Tourer's Everyday Challenge: Ride and Usability
Mileage and Efficiency: A Thirsty Beast
Pros and Cons of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro
The Verdict: A Flamboyant Challenger in the Super Sports Segment
Competing for Supremacy
Conclusion