2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S Road Test & Review

2016 Mercedes-AMG Engine

As a follow-up to the positively stellar Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the second sports car developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-AMG is a bit less ambitious in terms of power output, sheer exoticism, and price. However, regarding technology and overall performance potential, the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S is just as impressive as anything to ever wear the AMG nameplate.

With that said, the move down market finds the AMG GT S eye to eye with a number of extraordinarily capable competitors. Porsche’s evergreen 911 is newly revised for the 2016 model year, so are Audi’s R8 and Acura’s NSX. Chevrolet’s Corvette Z06 and Jaguar’s F-Type R are both right in there too in terms of performance potential, and can be had for less money.

Models & Pricing

Pricing for the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S starts at $129,000. For now, this is the only trim level offered. However, the company does have plans to introduce a less powerful version of the car, designated Mercedes-AMG GT. Logically, this iteration will have an even lower starting price.

For now, standard features of the AMG GT S include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather seats, an eight-inch monitor with a touchpad and dial controller for the Mercedes COMAND infotainment system, and a 10-speaker Burmester surround audio system. You’ll also find automatic high beam LED headlights, an electronically controlled rear diff, adaptive suspension, a driver adjustable exhaust system, voice activation of key secondary features, front and rear proximity sensor arrays, and keyless entry with pushbutton start.

Among the options are an Alcantara package for the steering wheel and seats, illuminated door-sill trim, carbon fiber door-sill trim, a carbon fiber exterior trim package, a panoramic see-through roof, an even more extraordinary 1000-watt Burmester audio system, carbon ceramic brakes, and smart cruise control.

Exterior Design

In terms of styling, the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S picks up where the SLS left off with the classic Mercedes sports cars’ extremely long nose and short rear deck profile. Just looking at it, you know the car is both rear-wheel drive and capable of outstanding performance. Up front, gigantic air vents tell you this car needs great heaping gulps of the atmosphere for both combustion and ventilation.

Still, the face is classic Mercedes with the prominent three-pointed star and single chrome grill blade (also known as a lamella). The look recalls the classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Gullwing sports cars of the 1950’s. Similarly, the twin power domes in the engine cover, the set-back passenger compartment, and the broad—yet sleekly tapered rear end come straight from the 300 SLR’s styling bible.

The gently arched shoulder line, tastefully sculpted flanks, and the side air outlets add dimension to the profile of the car, while also lightening its appearance. From the rear, at certain angles, the AMG GT S looks remarkably like the Porsche 911. Speaking of which, you may be surprised to learn the 2016 Mercedes AMG GT S is but a mere three inches longer than the Porsche.

Interior Design

If the exterior styling failed to convince, the interior design will unequivocally inform you of the performance potential of the AMG GT S. Its thinly sculpted sport seats with carbon fiber backs, the broad wraparound dash, and the highly arched center console with the prominent circular AMG drive unit controls, all combine to telegraph the outstanding capability of the 2016 Mercedes AMG GT S.

Further, the quality apparent in both the materials and design easily eclipse more prosaic automobiles. Our test car was fitted with alcantara upholstery for the seats and steering wheel, with tastefully glossy carbon fiber trim, and red seatbelts. Taken as a whole, the appearance is classy and sophisticated, while also exceptionally functional.

If there are complaints to be lodged, the steering wheel, while absolutely gorgeous in appearance did block the speedometer and tachometer when adjusted to the preferred position for spirited driving. However, the multifunction display between those two instruments remained perfectly visible, and when set to the “AMG” mode offered readouts for speed and gear selection, as well as oil and coolant temperature.

Comfort & Cargo Capacity

Exceptionally supportive for high-performance driving, we also found the seats to be remarkably comfortable over long distances. The relationship between the driver’s seat and all of the controls (save one) is perfectly executed, with everything you need to operate the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S falling readily to hand.

We did find it odd to have to dig into the menu structure for an operation as simple as dimming the lighting for the instrumentation. Further, the placement of the transmission selector at the trailing edge of the center console was a bit awkward. However, given the paddle shifters for gear changes, this was but a minor glitch in an otherwise brilliant execution.

We particularly appreciated the prominent push-buttons for the AMG drive unit controls, as we found ourselves frequently punching up different variations of exhaust system output, suspension firmness, as well as manual and automatic transmission operation. In addition to the buttons, there is a dial with pre-selected Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Race and Individual settings.

As you’d expect for a car of this nature, cargo capacity isn’t really treated with a great deal of emphasis. While the rear hatch makes loading and unloading relatively easy, the shallow compartment is good for but 12.4 cubic feet of cargo. And frankly, this number sounds larger than the reality of the situation. You’ll need soft bags, and for two, you’ll pack only for the weekend.

Safety & Crash Test Ratings

One of the guiding tenets of the Mercedes-Benz brand is that every single aspect of its cars operates in balance with all of the others. Thus, an extremely fast Mercedes-Benz stops exceptionally well and corners adroitly, while offering commensurate levels of luxury, comfort, and safety.

Standard safety features include ABS, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Frontal collision warning and mitigation, a rearview camera, and front and rear proximity sensor arrays also number among the standard safety features of this exceptionally capable high-performance coupe.

Optional safety kit includes automatic crash notification, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and a carbon ceramic brake package.

Neither NHTSA nor the IIHS have conducted crash testing of the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT-S.

Engine & Powertrain

At the core of the ferocious performance potential of the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S is a handbuilt 4.0-liter twin turbocharged V8 engine capable of delivering 503 horsepower and 479 ft-lbs of torque. Figures released by Mercedes-Benz claim a top speed of 193 miles per hour and a zero to 60 of 3.7 seconds.

The compact and lightweight engine design finds both turbochargers mounted beneath an aluminum shroud, nestled within the ‘V” formed by the two banks of cylinders. Known as a “hot inside V” configuration, this setup optimizes flow characteristics—substantially enhancing the responsiveness of the engine.

Dry sump lubrication enables the engine to be mounted lower in the body, and ensures a constant supply of oil during extreme cornering maneuvers. The rear-drive powertrain employs a seven-speed automated manual transmission.

Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg in the city, 22 on the highway, and 18 combined.

Performance

With the engine mounted slightly behind the front wheels and the gearbox at the rear of the car, weight distribution is far more balanced than its exterior proportions suggest. In fact the AMG GT S enjoys a 53/47 front to rear ratio. As you might imagine, this contributes to outstanding turn-in and resolute cornering.

The steering returns excellent feel, the brakes operate with confidence inspiring determination, and grip is incredible. You’d have to be doing something stupefyingly ignorant to find the limits of the GT S on the street. The Mercedes super sports car is more than capable of delivering stratospheric speed, otherworldly handling, and surprisingly sumptuous comfort.

Yes, it does ride a bit more stiffly than you’d expect for a car wearing the three-pointed star, but the handling tradeoff makes up for this. Particularly when you bear in mind this is a performance car of the first order.

The lightweight aluminum spaceframe and extensive use of carbon fiber keep the Mercedes light on its feet, even with all of the luxury features the car brings to the equation. And OMG, the sound of the engine at full throttle is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Final Thoughts

As we mentioned at the top of this posting, the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S, while exceptionally capable in every measure, does exist in a highly competitive atmosphere. When all was said and done, our test car came in at $153,000 with the options fitted.

For similar money, there are a number of other incredibly thrilling automobiles you can buy. All offer performance commensurate to the Mercedes, and all bring their own personalities and characteristics. In its favor, the Mercedes has highly distinctive styling, a brilliantly finished interior, and a wow factor only a couple of the competing models can claim.

Pros & Cons

The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S boasts outstanding fit and finish, stellar performance, and unquestionable presence. However, it also rides a bit stiffly, and offers limited cargo capacity.