2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe Review Test Drive

The new Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe may not be the hottest version of the AMG coupe that rivals the Porsche 911 (that honor goes to the GT 63), but it’s still a potent and gorgeously styled sports coupe. The 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 doles out 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in this application, enough for a 3.8-second 0-60 sprint. The character of the V8 should once again separate the GT from its competitors. Other changes for this generation of the GT 55 include a more practical 2+2 seating layout and the latest MBUX infotainment system. The lavish interior mirrors the SL’s, which is no bad thing. Is the GT 55 the pick of the bunch or should you spend more on the 63?
 

When Is The Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe Coming Out?
The release date for the Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe has been set for the first half of 2024. It will be coming out at the same time as the more powerful GT 63 Coupe.
 
2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe Price And Competition
We expect the price of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe to start at around $125,000 before options, around $50,000 less than the GT 63. We can only confirm this information closer to the on-sale date, however, when the manufacturer releases the MSRP.
 
As before, one of the main rivals for the AMG will be the Porsche 911. Since the SL 55 now has standard all-wheel drive, a direct match for it would be the 911 Carrera 4, which starts at $121,700. The Porsche only has 379 hp in this guise, but it nearly matches the GT 55 to 60 mph. For something more luxurious that also has a V8, the Lexus LC is a fine choice at a cost of just under $100k. It’s not as quick as the Mercedes since the Lexus does without forced induction, but the LC 500’s V8 sounds wonderful, the car is a stunner, and the interior has a warmth not found in the German alternatives.
 
New Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe Exterior And Colors
An evolution of the previous GT, the exterior of the Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe has gained a touch more muscularity. The new AMG-specific grille is larger than ever, while the headlights have a similar design to the outgoing model’s. The headlights have new Digital Light technology and updated internal graphics.
 
The rear side windows resemble those on the 911, but the overall look of the AMG GT is generally more aggressive than the Porsche. The AMG also has a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a steeply raked windshield. At the back, there are new LED taillights with a three-dimensional “light dots” signet and an active rear spoiler with an intelligent operating strategy for optimal aerodynamics and safe handling. Quad tailpipes and a large rear diffuser complete the racy look.
 

20-inch wheels are standard, but 21s will be available as part of the selection of eight new wheel designs. There are also five exterior packages and 11 paint colors for the Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe. The GT 63 is pictured here, and it’s finished in Manufaktur Starling Blue Magno; we can expect other shades like Cirrus Silver and Patagonia Red. We don’t see any exterior differences between the available two models.
 
Another option on the AMG GT is an Aerodynamics Package that can lower front-axle lift and boost downforce at the back. It includes extra air deflectors on the outer air intakes and wheel arches, a bigger rear diffuser attachment, and a fixed rear wing.
 
Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe Dimensions
Since it now has rear seats, the dimensions of the Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe had to be increased. The 106.3-inch wheelbase is up by nearly three inches and the total body length of 186.1 inches is over six inches longer than before. Height is 53.3 inches and width is 78.1.
 
The weight of the new Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe has increased substantially. Mercedes USA did not disclose the coupe’s curb weight, but the global release indicates a figure of 4,343 pounds. That is over 600 lbs more than the previous V8 model.
 

Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe Engine And Performance
The engine in the Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe will make enthusiasts breathe a sigh of relief. For now, all GTs will have a V8, starting with the 469-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the GT 55. That goes with a meaty 516 lb-ft of torque. The car has a standard AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission with a wet multi-disc clutch and a fully variable AMG performance 4Matic+ AWD system.
 
Considering the car’s weight gain, it’s no surprise that it’s marginally slower than before, taking 3.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. The top speed is 183 mph, and we’re sure getting there will still be accompanied by a lovely V8 roar.
 
For a sportier experience, drivers can assume manual control of the transmission using paddle shifters, and the new nine-speeder is said to deliver short shift times. While the previous rear-wheel-drive setup is gone, the variable 4Matic+ AWD system can operate in RWD under certain conditions, while up to 50% of its power can go to the front. Unsprung mass is lower, which is always a good thing, but it’s hard to see how that balances out the car’s overall increase in mass.
 
The AMG Active Ride Control suspension with roll stabilization is standard, and you don’t pay extra for a rear limited-slip differential and rear-axle steering, either.
 
Drivers can choose from six drive programs for the 2024 GT 55 Coupe: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and Race.
 
Gas Mileage
The outgoing AMG GT could return 17 mpg combined, but with so much more weight to lug around, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the new one fail to match that.
 
If it gets about 16 mpg, the range of the GT 55 will be just under 300 miles when the 18.5-gallon gas tank is full.
 
We’ll update this section as soon as EPA specs become available.
 

Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe Interior And Cargo
Modern and stylish, the interior of the Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe features bright displays, high-quality materials, and enough trim choices to make it your own. Main infotainment duties are handled via the 11.9-inch portrait-style display in the center of the dashboard, while key driver information is found on a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with selectable layouts.
 
The general operation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) will be familiar to anyone who has used a similar system in other modern Mercs, but you do get a couple of extra AMG functions here. In the AMG Performance menu, you can view data like lateral acceleration and view the power distribution between the axles. With AMG Track Pace, you can record and store lap times. A head-up display is optional, but the car comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 64-color ambient lighting system, and AMG Drive Unit buttons on the steering wheel.
 
There are now four seats in the Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe, but those in the second row will only be suitable for small children. In front, the AMG sports seats are power-adjustable, while optional AMG Performance seats have ventilation openings and side bolsters that narrow when the sportier driving modes are selected, helping to keep occupants from rolling around too much.
 
Single and two-tone Nappa leather is available, and contrasting topstitching in yellow or red can add a touch of brightness to the environment.
 
Besides a full house of available luxury equipment, the driver-assistance suite has been improved, relying on a combination of cameras, sensors, and radar to guide the GT in lanes, including steering assistance.
 
The cargo space in the Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe measures 11.3 cubic feet or 23.8 cu-ft when the rear seats are folded. A hatch-style trunk lid combines with hands-free access to make loading cargo more convenient.