More of everything comes with the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Coupé, and that includes size, weight, and luxury. All these newfound attributes left many COTY judges conflicted, with some comparing the GT 63 to its brilliant sports-car predecessor, the Mercedes-AMG GT, and others to the comfy SL Convertible from which the GT 63 takes its chassis. For the first time, the GT 63 is equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive, which adds predictable response but removes the rear-bias, sports-car feel that made the previous AMG GT such a blast to drive. While those dynamics may be gone, the new car offers adaptive damping suspension and rear-axle steering that prioritize handling—and that’s to say nothing of AMG’s wonderful signature handmade V-8 engine.
As for shortcomings, a few judges across multiple sessions shared similar gripes, especially with the car’s nine-speed automatic transmission. We’d like to think this was an anomaly, and in that regard, the jury is out. But our jurors worked with the evidence at hand. James Hefelfinger said “the transmission shifting was very jerky," which irked him to the point that he ranked the vehicle “my least favorite" of the bunch. James Diggs called the brakes “spongy," while Barbie Pressly thought the “handling was a little disappointing." Scott Powell, meanwhile, praised the GT 63 as “very comfortable," while still dinging the vehicle for its “rough gear changing" and slow acceleration. The interior is a bright spot—bigger, more inviting, and better appointed than the outgoing GT. The new car affords its driver and passenger improved outward vision, elbow room, cargo capacity, and spaciousness, such that even optional 2+2 seating is available for the first time. Well pleased with the Silver Star’s latest effort, Lynn Dugas said, “Mercedes-AMG never disappoints." Lauren Burney likewise acknowledged AMG’s success for having delivered, in her words, “a luxury sports car that performs."
Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8
Power: 577 hp
0-60 MPH: 3.1 sec
Top Speed: 196 mph (limited)
Base Price: $175,900
As Tested: $211,700
From the article by Viju Mathew and Robert Ross
