MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GT ELECTRIC COUPE

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe turns EV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Background

AMG was once merely a tuning specialist. But for the last decade or so, it's been increasingly turning its hand to bespoke models. This is the most significant one yet - the second generation Mercedes AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. This isn't quite the Stuttgart sub-brand's very first electric car (that was the ultra-rare SLS AMG Electric Drive model of 2013). But it's AMG's first full-production dedicated EV, built on a platform christened AMG.EA, a chassis created specifically for performance. But what kind of performance? The original X290-generation version of this model attracted customers in search of the wildest version of Affalterbach's 4.0-litre V8, charisma you'd expect this replacement C590 EV version would struggle to emulate. But AMG says not, delivering here what it claims is the most thrilling performance EV yet made. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

This EV-era AMG GT 4-Door Coupe comes in three distinct flavours. The line-up's starting point is the GT 53, which uses a dual motor powertrain developing 544hp with synthetic engine sounds replicating a classic AMG 3.0-litre straight six. Those used to the previous generation model will prefer the two faster alternatives, both featuring a V8-inspired AMG soundtrack. With those, a second motor is added to the car's rear axle assembly, boosting power to 816hp in the GT 55. Or to a massive 1,169hp in the top GT 63. The latter figure easily out-strips the 843hp figure of the fastest version of the previous generation model (the GT 63 S E Performance); and more significantly, overtakes the previously class-leading 1,019hp figure of a rival Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Whichever model you choose, there's a 106kWh battery pack offering 483 miles of range in the GT 53, a figure that falls to 421 miles with the faster GT 55 and GT 63 variants. All models have a fully-variable 4MATIC+ four wheel drive system with a single-speed planetary gearbox at the back. And a front motor that operates as a boost unit, engaging only when required and disconnecting under lighter loads to reduce drag. In the tri-motor versions, there's torque vectoring across the rear axle. And all the motors used are of the special F1-inspired axial-flux design (rather than the usual EV radial-flux units), which makes them faster responding. You'd expect all of this to translate into stunning performance and, despite the car's prodigious 2,460kg kerb weight, it does. Even in the base GT 53, 0-62mph takes just 3.5s en route to as much as 143mph. With the GT 55, the figures are 2.8s and 162mph. And for the top GT 63, 0-62mph takes just 2.4s en route to 162mph, thanks to 2,000Nm of torque. Three physical dials on the centre console can be used to adjust the driving experience and there are nine stages for each. 'Response' alters the ferocity of power delivery and throttle response. 'Agility' alters torque distribution through the corners; and 'Traction' deals with the traction and stability programs. In total, combining these options with the three dials, the driver has 729 potential different settings. The GT 4-Door Coupe gets AMG's most advanced suspension set-up of course, an AMG RIDE CONTROL+ active system combining three-chamber air springs with semi-active roll stabilisation. With this, conventional roll bars are replaced by hydraulically-interconnected dampers which constantly vary roll stiffness within parameters set by the car's five available drive modes, which include 'Drift' and 'RACE'. The forged aluminium suspension uses four links at the front and five links at the rear. And there's a rear-axle steering system that promotes low-speed agility and high-speed stability by turning the rear wheels by up to 6-degrees through the turns. The braking system uses carbon ceramic discs, though only at the front (there are steel discs at the rear). And the whole set-up integrates with an energy recuperation system that can be adjusted via steering wheel paddles. Driver engagement has also been prioritised. First through that remarkably realistic synthesised sound system we mentioned earlier, which is paired with haptic feedback through the seat structure. And second through what's called a 'Synthetic Sequential Shift' function - basically simulated gearbox with steering wheel paddleshifters - like the sort of thing we first saw on an EV on Hyundai's IONIQ 5N. This set-up though, is more advanced, its effect reinforced by a centrally-mounted rev counter whose needle sweeps back and forth to suit the rising and falling vibrations. Control of the powertrain and chassis is handled by the AMG Race Engineer system which links together suspension, motor and braking functions. And as well as Launch Control, there's an available 'Boost' function, activated by pulling on the steering wheel paddles for an extra surge of acceleration. This lasts for 55 and 63 seconds respectively (in either the GT 55 or the GT 63), as throttle response is sharpened and the seat belts tighten. There's an active rear spoiler that deploys at just over 90mph. And an active rear diffuser (optional on the GT 53) that delivers additional high-speed downforce and extends from the rear bumper. With this, two under-body venturis are deployed from about 120mph to press the car into the tarmac. All these aero features can be manually operated via n 'Aero Set-up' menu on the centre screen.

Design and Build

Given the radical change in drivetrain, you'd perhaps expect a radical change in looks for this second generation GT 4-Door Coupe - and that's pretty much what we've got. Faithful to the design cues we first saw on the brand's AMG GT XX concept, it's longer and wider than its predecessor. And incredibly, given that a massive battery has been inserted beneath the floor, it sits 4cm lower too. The dimensions - 5.09m long, 1.96m wide and 1.41m tall - make it slightly longer and taller, but narrower, than a rival Porsche Taycan. This MK2 design is more bespoke than its E-Class-based predecessor and the same underpinnings will also be used for a separate SUV model. The first glance, you take in the long nose and curved roof line. The gigantic grille can be specified with illuminating slats, the drawn silhouette has big shoulders and there are large 20-inch AMG forged wheels. The lengthy tail has three bespoke tubular LED lights and ends in a cut-off kamm-style section with active aerodynamic elements; including a large active spoiler concealed within the tailgate. Inside, there's even more of a cockpit-style design than the first generation model, with a higher centre console featuring three prominent rotary drive controllers. The dashboard has a single panel incorporating a 10.2-inch instrument display and a 14-inch central touchscreen angled towards the driver - plus there's a passenger-side touchscreen too. Ambient lighting features everywhere, including around the big panoramic glass roof which can have embedded 'SKYVIEW' patterning. There are a dual wireless phone charging areas. And the 'chain-link' air vent design is neat. One of the benefits of adopting axial-flux drive motors (rather than the usual radial-flux ones) for this MK2 model is more compact packaging. The motors are sourced from Mercedes-owned British specialist Yasa and each rear one measures no more than around 80mm wide. Which in turn benefits rear passenger space, which is considerably more generous than you might expect. Two six-foot adults can sit here comfortably on the individual seats, aided by useful 'foot garage' recesses in the floor. The boot is slightly bigger than you might expect too, at 400-litres - which makes it 74-litres bigger than that of a rival Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Plus there's a further 62-litre under-bonnet 'frunk'.

Market and Model

Pricing for this GT 4-Door Coupe starts with the twin motor 53 model at £103,275. If you want a tri-motor variant, prices start from £120,095 for the GT 55. It's £159,870 for the top GT 63. In each case, there's a choice of standard 'Premium' trim or (for around £14,000 more) plusher 'Premium Plus' spec. Even 'Premium' spec of course is very well equipped. There's the Mercedes 'DIGITAL LIGHT' system for the LED headlamps, AMG RIDE CONTROL+ active suspension and an auto parking package with a 360-degree camera. You get big 20-inch AMG multi-spoke forged wheels with red callipers; and the brand's 'AEROKINETICS' active rear spoiler. There's a panoramic glass roof and a powered tailgate. Standard luxury features include a Burmester 3D Surround Sound system, a front passenger-side display and heat for the front seats and steering wheel. Obviously, there's a complete portfolio of camera safety features. 'Distance Assist DISTRONIC' adaptive cruise control comes as standard and the optional 'MB.DRIVE ASSIST' set-up adds semi-autonomous steering on motorways and a lane change assist system. Just flick the indicator and the car will change lanes for you. 'Premium Plus' spec adds features like a 'SKYVIEW' feature for the panoramic roof with illuminated patterning, climatised front seats and an upgraded 'AMGFORCE 4D' Sound system.

Cost of Ownership

This car's 800V electrical architecture theoretically allows it to DC-charge at 600kW. There isn't anywhere in the UK currently that allows you to DC-charge of that kind of incredible speed but if there was, then 287 miles of range could be added in just 10 minutes. And a 10 to 80% top-up could be completed in just 11 minutes. Mercedes says that up to 242 miles can be added every ten minutes during normal DC charging, with a 10-80% DC charge needing just 16 minutes at an appropriately fast charger. Thanks to the integrated reservation function for Mercedes-Benz charging stations as part of the brand's 'MB.CHARGE Public' package, a seamless and intuitive experience should be possible. At home, connected up to a two-phase 11kW AC wallbox, you'll need 11 hours for a full charge of the big 106kWh battery - it'd be well over 13 hours with a single-phase 7.4kW supply. Mercedes says that this car is 'prepared' for V2G and bi-directional charging, so it can act as a battery or a 'storage solution' in integrated home systems using solar power. To preserve charge at cruising speeds, the front motor can be decoupled to save energy.

Summary

Whatever kind of ultimate performance GT you want, AMG argues that you'll find it here. In one sense, everything is different from the original AMG GT 4-Door Coupe model we loved so much - this certainly isn't merely an electrified reinterpretation of that car. But a previous owner would still recognise the aggressive, extrovert feel of this C590 replacement design - and maybe even the noise it makes. It's all quite an achievement as the Affalterbach brand re-sets its future model lines for a new area. Extreme speed is matched with the kind of driver-centric involvement and feedback you might never have expected to find in a fast EV. And it'll reward your F1 fantasies better than any four-door rival should you ever take it on track. It is, quite simply, an immense achievement. And a remarkable piece of engineering.