We drove a used 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 coupe and fell for its perfect grand tourer qualities. With room for four plus some luggage, and a powerful twin-turbocharged V8, this is the perfect weekend getaway car and daily driver.
2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT: Quick Overview
- Overall, Vehicle History owners are very satisfied with their AMG GT, rating it 4.8 out of five stars–and 83% of the feedback included five-star reviews.
- The AMG GT is perfectly capable as a daily commuter. However, switch the drive mode to a more aggressive setting, like Sport or Sport+, and awaken the beast within. Opt for a V8 and you will have over 500 horsepower on tap.
- No matter the trim selected, the AMG GT vehicles hold their own in the performance arena. AMG GT will register between 15 and 19 mpg in the city, with 20 to 24 mpg on the highway. The hybrid system not only makes it a more fuel-friendly option, but the EQ Boost system was available for immediate extra power.
2019 Mercedes AMG GT is Offered in 4 Distinct Trim Levels, Each with its Own Level of Awesomeness
The 2019 AMG GT came in three distinct variations all based on its powerplant–ranging from a 3.0L turbocharged inline six-cylinder to two twin-turbocharged V8 power plants.
AMG GT 53 Carries an Entry Price of Just Under $100k but Doesn’t Lack on Features
Getting your foot into a grand tourer from Mercedes-AMG will cost you: The entry-level AMG GT 53 (pictured above) started at just under $100,000 brand-new. This is a luxury vehicle first, and a performance vehicle second. With two 12.3-inch high-resolution color displays up front, both driver and passengers will have a clear view of the information they need. Additional features include seating for four, large rear hatch for cargo, and display buttons that adjust to the drive-mode setting.
Hand-built 4.0L V8 & Updated Suspension Enhance AMG GT 63’s Performance
If the inline six-cylinder is not enough engine for your tastes, the AMG GT 63 is powered by a hand-built 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This more powerful engine is paired with an upgraded suspension and performance features. Additional features of the AMG GT 63 include rear-axle steering, wet-clutch automatic transmission, and six-piston red brake calipers.
AMG GT 63 S Adds Yellow-tinted Performance Brake Calipers & Unique Light-alloy Wheels
Taking things a step further in the performance arena is the AMG GT 63 S (pictured above). Taking full advantage of the AMG chassis tuning and suspension geometries, the AMG GT 63 S is truly an all-out four-door sports car on par with many two-door coupes. Along with features like AMG’s intelligent AWD with standard drift mode, drivers can have some fun breaking the traction of the rear tires loose in a pure RWD scenario. Other notable features include six-piston yellow brake calipers and light-alloy wheels.
AMG GT Edition 1 Includes Aerodynamics Package with Larger Front Splitter for Improved Performance
Celebrating the occasion of launching an all-new performance model, Mercedes-AMG made an exclusive Edition 1 version of the AMG GT 63 S that builds on the already stellar vehicle with its 4.0L engine and 630 horsepower. The Edition 1 adds an AMG Aerodynamics Package that contributes to a lower coefficient of drag while adding additional downforce that improves both longitudinal and lateral dynamics. Key additional features include a larger front splitter, fixed rear spoiler, and special graphics, wheels, and floor mats.
What Does a Used 2019 AMG GT Cost?
Mercedes builds quality products that are engineered to stand the test of time, and most Mercedes models hold their value extremely well–with the G-Class SUV actually appreciating over time. Original MSRP for the GT coupe was just under $100,000 when new, with prices reaching above $160,000 with options.
Given the limited nature of these vehicles, along with their performance pedigree, the market for them is very different than the average commuter car. Expect a three-year-old example to sell with a 20% discount versus its original MSRP.
2019 AMG GT CPO Options
Mercedes offers a comprehensive Certified Pre-owned program. Mercedes CPOs are backed by a four-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited warranty, as well as an additional 12-months of coverage with unlimited miles.
Mercedes only certifies vehicles that are less than six years of age with fewer than 75,000 miles and have been serviced according to the maintenance schedule. These vehicles have been through a rigorous 165-point inspection, extensive on-road testing by dealer technicians. When shopping outside the CPO program, always take the time to check the VIN to look for any red flags.
Three Engine Choices Make for a Fun Grand Tourer
Sure, the flowing lines of the design set it apart from many other vehicles, but it’s the powertrain that makes the AMG GT a true grand tourer car.
AMG GT 53
The entry-level version was dubbed the AMG GT 53 and boasted a 3.0L turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine mated to an electric auxiliary compressor. But this hybrid powertrain was no slouch. Power output was 429 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. of torque. The EQ Boost starter-generator is capable of delivering an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. These carried the vehicle from 0-60 in around 4.4 seconds and allowed for a top speed of around 174 miles per hour.
The regular AMG Performance 4MATIC+ AWD system was offered on the GT 53 and was the upgraded all-time system that was on the 63 and 63s.
AMG GT 63
Stepping into the next class of four-door grand tourers from Mercedes, the AMG GT 63 is powered by a hand-built 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 577 hp. and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. The two turbochargers are actually nestled in the middle of the V-configuration of cylinders, making this a “hot inside V” configuration. There are many benefits to this engineering choice, most notably reducing the size of the engine while allowing a shorter path for exhaust gases to flow from the manifold.
The GT 63 sprints from 0-60 in just 3.3 seconds, 1.1 seconds faster than the 53. What’s more, top speed increased by 19 mph, to 193 mph.
AMG GT 63 S
The top model in Mercedes’ four-door grand tourer lineup is the powerful AMG GT 63 S, which employs the same 4.0L twin-turbocharged engine from the 63, but with more tuning to produce more power. Registering a pavement-curling 630 hp. and 664 lb.-ft. of torque, this is the pinnacle of performance for this vehicle. The GT 63 S turns up the fun factor with a drift mode that allows the rear wheels and tail to step out around the corners.
The 63 S did squeeze 0-60 that was .02 seconds faster and could best the regular 63s top speed by two mph.
How Fuel Efficient is the AMG GT?
The AMG GT will register between 15 and 19 mpg in the city, with 20 to 24 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. No matter the trim selected, the AMG GT vehicles hold their own in the performance arena. The hybrid system employed in the GT 53 not only made it a more fuel-friendly option versus the fire-breathing V8 models, but the EQ Boost system was available for immediate extra power, a trademark benefit of electric vehicles.
Step up to the V8 models and you get active all-wheel steering that responds to driving speed, allowing the vehicle to rotate around corners more easily. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in unison with the front wheels, which noticeably improves driving stability.
Also, AMG’s speed-sensitive sports steering has variable ratios to deliver precise feedback through the AMG-specific rack-and-pinion steering configuration. Preset drive modes are Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.
Stopping power is provided by six-piston brakes. GT 53 models feature internally ventilated brakes and silver-painted calipers. AMG GT 63 and GT 63 S models feature red and yellow-painted calipers, respectively, with the option of high-performance ceramic brakes.
2019 AMG GT: Comfortably Seats 4 & Delivers Ample Cargo Space
The AMG GT prides itself on being a sports car for four adults. Being classified internally as a sports car versus a passenger car means that Mercedes has not released official measurements for passenger space or cargo capacity. There is ample room for adults as well as a large rear hatch that would be able to swallow enough suitcases for a weekend getaway.
How Safe is a 2019 AMG GT?
The limited nature of the AMG GT means that neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA have crash tested any of the three models in the product lineup.
2019 AMG GT’s Technology Features Include Expansive 12.3-inch Display & Burmester Premium Audio
The AMG GT line steals some tech from the acclaimed S-Class sedan. The driver and front passenger are greeted by two landscape 12.3-inch color displays, one behind the wheel displaying the gauges, while the other controls all the other features. The infotainment contained within the two screens is immense, from customizable ambient lighting to dynamic drive modes, even performance data recorders.
The AMG GT boasts all the connectivity and Intelligent Drive functions and options of the best Mercedes-AMG sedan. Add to the list of interior comfort features the likes of heated seats with 12-way power and four-way lumbar, refrigerated glovebox, and Burmester surround sound.
2019 AMG GT: Available in 10 Glorious Exterior & Interior Colors for an Endless Number of Combinations
The 2019 AMG GT was available in 10 different exterior colors: Polar White, Jupiter Red, Obsidian Black Metallic, Cirrus Silver Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Brilliant Blue Metallic, Diamond White Metallic, Selenite Grey Magno, Brilliant Blue Magno, and Graphite Grey Magno.
Interior options were plentiful as well, including combinations of Black, Magma Grey, Auburn Brown, Red Pepper, Saddle Brown, Macchiato Beige, and Magma Grey. Interior trim could be had in black piano lacquer, natural grain brown ash wood, natural grain grey ash wood, AMG carbon fiber, or AMG matte carbon fiber.
We Took a Test Drive in a Used 2019 AMG GT 63 and Find it to Be a Comfortable Daily Driver that’s a Joy to Drive (but to Truly Unleash its Potential, Switch to Sport+ Mode)
I was recently invited to review a used 2019 AMG GT 63 for my GT: Garage Talk channel on YouTube, where I quickly discovered the Jekyll and Hyde personality of this vehicle. Grand tourer vehicles are supposed to be powerful with great handling by design but are usually two-door cars. This four-door coupe made the backseat not only usable but comfortable too.
Cargo space under the large, wide-opening rear hatch provides plenty of room for luggage but does not rival a GLE or GLS SUV. The front seats were firm and supportive, but not uncomfortable. But luxury features like ventilation and massage functionality were missing.
In comfort mode, the softer suspension, quieter exhaust note, and calmer demeanor of the AMG GT 63 make it a good candidate as a daily driver. Visibility through the sloping rear roofline is compromised but exceeds that of many traditional coupes.
That was Dr. Jekyll, with Mr. Hyde lurking underneath and unleashed when I turned the drive mode dial on the steering wheel to Sport+. This stiffened the suspension, raised the rear wing for added downforce, and opened the exhaust to its true roar, among other performance enhancements. Each of the enhancements could be manually selected à la carte via the color touchscreen flanking the center control stack.
The sound of the exhaust was the most notable immediate change from the driver’s seat. A quick dip of the throttle greeted anyone within a quarter-mile with the glorious sound of the BiTurbo V8 lurking under the long, sloping hood of the GT. A harmonious mixture of burbles and pops made for the perfect soundtrack while exploring the outskirts of Tyler, Texas. Accentuated by the subtle “whoosh” of the twin turbochargers under the hood, I found myself constantly blipping the throttle on my journey.
The ride did stiffen to a noticeable degree, especially when driving around on public roads, but was just right for carving corners in the East Texas countryside, and those corners were less of an issue when carved by the AWD and four-wheel steering.
The twin 12.3-inch screen cockpit made finding the information I needed quick, including diving into my performance results from different acceleration, braking, or cornering maneuvers. Using the onboard calculations, I was able to nail a 3.2 second 0-60 mph run and a 7.7 second 0-100 mph run, which is an unofficial result but still on par with the manufacturer’s estimate.
2019 AMG GT: Maintenance Costs, Reliability Ratings & Safety Recalls
Overall, Vehicle History owners are very satisfied with their AMG GT, sharing a 4.83 rating with 83% five-star reviews.
2019 AMG GT 4-door Coupe Known Issues
The limited nature of the AMG GT means that most complaints are handled directly by the dealer who sold the car. There are no issued complaints on Car Complaints or Repair Pal.
2019 AMG GT 4-door Coupe Recalls
According to the NHTSA, the AMG GT has one active safety recall that reports that on some models, the hub cap may detach while driving, becoming a hazard for other motorists. Notifications went out in May 2021, with M-B offering to replace the affected parts.
2019 AMG GT vs BMW M6 Gran Coupe & Porsche Panamera GTS
The Germans have really been perfecting the four-door coupe over the past few years, meaning the AMG GT Coupe is not the only choice for shoppers.
2019 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Lacks AWD but Offers Optional Manual Transmission
Mercedes’ most obvious rival is BMW. The last of the third-generation M6, the 2019 model came exclusively in their Gran Coupe guise, which matches the four-door coupe theme with our AMG GT line.
Powered by a 4.4L TwinPower Turbocharged V8, the M6 Gran Coupe made 560 hp. and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. Ask any BMW aficionado and they will tell you that the official numbers from BMW are almost assuredly downrated from reality. Add to that the option for a true six-speed manual, and many enthusiasts would gladly flock to BMW over the Mercedes.
The M6 lacked the Merc’s AWD and four-wheel steering but made up for it with the ability to drift, something only specially equipped GT 63s and all GT 63 S models could do. Acceleration to 60 mph from a stop came in the mid-four-second range.
According to Kelley Blue Book, prices range from $92,054-$98,329 for the 2019 BMW M6 Gran Coupe.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Porsche Panamera GTS Competes with AMG GT on Most Marks, a True Competitor to Consider
Sticking with German performance vehicles with four doors and a hatch, the Porsche Panamera GTS would be another logical competitor to the AMG GT. Featuring AWD, a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8, and a large rear hatch, the Panamera seems to be the same car on paper. In reality, the Porsche’s V8 only produces 453 hp. and 457 lb.-ft. of torque, seemingly putting it more in line with the AMG GT 53 than the AMG GT 63 or AMG GT 63 S. Mash the throttle and the GTS rockets to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, and to the quarter-mile at 11.6 seconds and 117 miles per hour.
Pricing ranged from $128,300 – $138,500 brand new for the 2019 Panamera GTS, making it a logical competitor on price as well as form and function.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Is the AMG GT the Perfect Daily Driver Adventure Vehicle?
Choosing a vehicle to fit many needs usually results in finding that it does most of them to a mediocre degree, not excelling in any one thing. That is hardly the case with the AMG GT. The dual personality of the coupe means that it’s perfectly capable as a daily commuter, shuttling its four occupants around in typical Mercedes-level luxury. However, switch the drive mode to a more aggressive setting like Sport or Sport+ and awaken the beast within. Opt for a V8 and you will have over 500 horsepower on tap, routed through a nine-speed wet-clutch transmission to all four tires. The AMG GT is perhaps the best all-around sports car for modern daily life.
Photos: Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, and GT: Garage Talk
