2023 Mercedes-AMG GT43 / GT53 / GT63
Overview
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT sedan synthesizes performance and presence in a way that few four-doors can. Mechanically, it’s a distant relative of the GT sports car, but no matter—it behaves much the same. The inline-six in the GT43 and GT53 models have plenty of muscle but its the twin-turbo V-8-powered GT63 models that are the apex predators of the lineup. Handling is satisfyingly sporty for such a large vehicle—and brilliant in the most aggressive models. The fact that you can bring three passengers along on your joy rides is an added plus. Despite the car’s performance potential, it doesn’t skimp on luxury; the interior is nicely tailored in fine materials and dotted with modern conveniences. Rear-seat headroom isn’t as generous here as it is in the E63 sedan, but the GT’s low fastback roofline offsets that deficit with a more exotic look.
What’s New for 2023?
The V-8–powered GT63 and GT63 S models are back for 2023 after taking a year-long break. These high-performance variants of the GT sedan receive the same styling updates that the GT43 and GT53 models received last year. In addition, a range-topping GT63 S E-Performance model joins the lineup with a whopping 830-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d suggest going with the mid-range GT53, which offers plenty of horsepower and a pleasant driving experience. We’d add the Warmth and Comfort package, which adds a heated steering wheel, heated front armrests, and rapid-heating elements for the front seats. The Driver Assistance package is also appealing, as it adds a host of technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Then again, we were seduced by the 630-hp GT63 S when we last drove it.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hoods of both the GT43 and GT53 is a robust 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that features a turbocharger, an intercooler, an electric supercharger, and a small electric motor. From a stop, the electric motor and supercharger fill in the brief lapse in torque delivery before the turbo is spinning out full boost. The 3.0-liter, which packs a combined 429 horsepower in the GT53, snaps necks whenever you touch the accelerator. In our testing the GT53, which features a conventional nine-speed automatic transmission, it accelerated to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and its sporty suspension delivered flat, responsive cornering and sports-car levels of grip. The GT63 and GT63 S are powered by a thunderous 4.0-liter V-8. It’s a technological tour de force with dry-sump oiling, direct injection, and two turbochargers mounted in its V. It’s rated at 575 horsepower in the GT63, and cranked up to 630 horsepower in the GT63 S. These models also get a dual-clutch nine-speed automatic transmission and air suspension. In our testing, the GT63 S needed just 2.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. That’s as quick as a Porsche Panamera Turbo. An even more powerful GT63 S E-Performance plug-in hybrid model has been confirmed for 2023 and uses a rear-mounted electric motor to boost combined horsepower to a 830 hp. Tarmac everywhere need be worried.
Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing|Car and Driver
More on the GT Sedan
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With such extreme performance, it’s no surprise the Mercedes-AMG GT sedan is thirsty, but its EPA fuel-economy estimates aren’t as dire as you might expect. Both the GT43 and GT53 are rated for 19/25 mpg city/highway; a GT53 model returned 27 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel economy test. Ratings for the twin-turbo V-8 models have not yet been released. For more information about the GT’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While much of the GT’s interior is shared with the other four-door coupe from Mercedes, the CLS, the large console between its seats appears to have been pulled from the GT sports car. It’s a bit intrusive but makes for a sporty cockpit feel. The interior design overall is futuristic and visually exciting, but some of its ergonomics can take some getting used to. This is also a four-seater, which may be an issue for some families. Aggressively bolstered sport seats are standard and comfortable, while a fat and flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum trim, and digital gauge cluster fit the sedan’s high-performance mission. Build quality is exceptional, and the materials are in line with AMG’s pricing. This is a hatchback, and the GT coupe’s rear seats do fold down to increase cargo space, should you want to, ahem, pick up a few two-by-fours from the local Lowe’s. With its rear seats in use, there’s 12.7 cubic feet of space in the rear cargo hold. That’s plenty for most, but the Porsche Panamera offers more.
Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing|Car and Driver
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Unfortunately, the AMG’s infotainment system, while impressively capable, is complicated and can be frustrating to use. On the upside, its 12.3-inch screen is massive, and Apple CarPlay integration is standard along with wireless phone charging and navigation. Onboard Wi-Fi is available along with a rear-seat central touchscreen display. The front-seat area features three USB ports, and there are two more in the back.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Mercedes packs the AMG GT sedan with active safety-tech systems and driver aids. Standard systems include automatic high-beams, parking sensors, Mercedes Pre-Safe system, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The list of optional systems is even longer and includes active lane-keeping assist, active steering assist, active emergency-stop assist, and active distance-assist radar cruise control. For more information about the GT’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
With a four-year or 50,000 mile warranty, the Mercedes-AMG GT gets the same standard coverage as every other Mercedes car and SUV. It matches the warranty duration of the Porsche Panamera and BMW 8-series models; however, BMW includes complimentary scheduled maintenance, while Mercedes does not.
Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2019 Mercedes-AMG GT53 4-Door
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$127,300 (base price: $99,995)
POWERTRAIN
supercharged, turbocharged, and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter inline-6, 429 hp, 384 lb-ft + AC motor, 21 hp, 184 lb-ft; (combined system, 429 hp, 384 lb-ft; 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery)
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 14.2-in vented disc/14.2-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, F: 275/35ZR-21 108Y MO R: 315/30ZR-21 105Y MO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.2 in
Length: 199.2 in
Width: 76.9 in
Height: 57.3 in
Curb weight: 4563 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 4.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.4 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 31.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.8 sec @ 109 mph
Top speed (governor limited, mfr’s claim): 174 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 151 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.00 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 21/19/24 mpg
More Features and Specs
