Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe

The case for the AMG GT Coupe

The Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe was launched in 2014 as the second car developed entirely by AMG, after the SLS. It uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 mounted at the front, a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and rear-wheel drive. The range spans the GT, GT S, GT C, GT R and GT R Pro, with power from 456 bhp to 577 bhp. The Black Series is the extreme version, with 730 bhp and a huge aero package.

The GT is a classic long-bonnet sports car. The cabin is set far back, the steering is hydraulically assisted on early cars and the V8 makes a wonderful noise. It is more dramatic than a Porsche 911 and less practical. The ride is firm, the visibility is poor and the boot is small. It is a car for weekends and special occasions, not a daily driver.

The GT R is the sweet spot for many enthusiasts. It has more power, rear-wheel steering, a wider track and a more focused chassis. It is still comfortable enough for a long drive, but it is sharper than the standard GT. The Black Series is a track car with a road licence and a price to match.

What it costs to run

A minor service at an AMG specialist is £500 to £800, and a major service is £1,200 to £2,000. The V8 uses expensive oil and spark plugs, and the gearbox fluid should be changed at the recommended intervals. Tyres are £900 to £1,300 for a set of 19-inch or 20-inch rubber. Brake discs and pads are £1,500 to £3,000, and carbon-ceramic brakes are much more expensive.

Fuel consumption is 18 to 22 mpg on a run and the low teens in town. Running costs include expensive insurance and top-rate road tax. The GT is not a cheap car to run, but it is not a supercar either. The biggest risk is a major turbo or gearbox failure outside warranty.

Known weak points

The M178 V8 has a few known issues. Turbo wastegate rattle is common, especially on early cars. Oil leaks from the valve covers and the timing chain covers can develop. The PCV system can fail, and the engine can consume oil. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox can be jerky at low speed, and the mechatronic unit can fail. The rear differential can whine or leak.

Adaptive dampers can leak; inspect each corner for misting and warning lights. The rear-wheel steering on the GT R is complex and expensive to repair. The brakes are a wear item on a heavy car, and carbon-ceramic discs can crack. The infotainment system is dated on early cars, and the battery can drain if the car is left unused. The carbon roof can delaminate, and the exhaust valves can seize.

The GT's long bonnet and low nose make it vulnerable to front-end damage. Check the front bumper, splitter and headlights for stone chips and accident repairs. The rear tyres wear quickly, especially on GT R and Black Series cars, and the wheels are prone to kerb damage. The carbon-ceramic brakes, if fitted, are expensive to replace, so measure the discs carefully.

The GT is also sensitive to kerb damage and poorly repaired bodywork. The long bonnet and wide haunches make it easy to scrape. A paint depth gauge and a careful inspection are essential.

What to check before buying

Start by reading the service invoices. A full Mercedes-AMG or specialist history is essential. Check that the running-in service was done on time and that the gearbox fluid has been changed. Ask for a fault-code scan and a report from an AMG specialist.

Listen to the turbochargers on a cold start and after a hard run. A rattle or a whistle can indicate a wastegate or bearing problem. Check for oil leaks around the valve covers and the timing covers. On a test drive, check the gearbox for smooth shifts and no hesitation. Try the different drive modes and the rear-wheel steering if fitted.

Inspect the brakes and tyres. Check the adaptive dampers for leaks and the suspension for knocking. Check the carbon roof and the paint for damage. Work through the electrical systems one by one, including infotainment, climate and driver aids. Ask for the build sheet and confirm the specification; the GT range is wide, and a car advertised as a GT R without the rear-wheel steering or aero package is not the car it claims to be. Check the VIN and the options codes. Pay more for a car with a good warranty.

Market and depreciation

The AMG GT has depreciated significantly from new. Early GT and GT S cars with 40,000 to 70,000 miles were £45,000 to £60,000 at the time of writing. The GT C was £65,000 to £80,000, and the GT R was £85,000 to £110,000. The Black Series was £200,000 or more.

The market is softening as more cars come out of warranty. A car with a full history, low mileage and a good spec will sell quickly. A cheap car with a patchy history can be a risk. The GT R and the Black Series are the most collectible, but they are also the most expensive to run. The GT R and GT R Pro are the enthusiast cars, with rear-wheel steering and more power. The Black Series is the collector car, with a limited run and a huge price. The standard GT is the value pick, but it is the least powerful and the least sought after.

Who it suits

The AMG GT suits the owner who wants a dramatic V8 sports car with a long bonnet and a loud exhaust. It is not a daily driver, and it is not a practical car. It suits someone with a garage, a second car and a maintenance budget. It also suits a collector who wants the GT R or the Black Series.

If you want a more usable sports car, the Porsche 911 is the obvious alternative. If you want more drama, the Audi R8 is a different kind of supercar. If you want a convertible, the AMG GT Roadster is worth a look.

Alternatives

The Porsche 911 Carrera S is more practical, more reliable and easier to live with, but it lacks the AMG's drama. The Audi R8 V10 is more exotic and has a better soundtrack, but it is less comfortable. The Jaguar F-Type SVR is a similar concept, with a supercharged V8 and a more affordable price. The BMW M4 Competition is cheaper and more usable, but it is not as special.

The AMG GT is a character car. It is not the best all-rounder, but it is one of the most memorable cars in its class.

How this review was compiled

This review is based on Mercedes-AMG's published technical and service information, owner reports from MBWorld and AMG Private Lounge, UK AMG specialist servicing guides and current Auto Trader listings. Guide prices only; specification and condition can shift them.