Mercedes no longer have big V8s? No, not really, at least not everywhere. While the recent Mercedes-AMG C 63 swapped its eight-cylinder engine for a four-cylinder hybrid, that’s not the case for all models. Some, like the new SL, offer two alternatives: one with a V8, the other with a four-cylinder.

And that’s exactly what’s happening with the new Mercedes-AMG GT, available in V8 for a few months, and now in four cylinders. This, of course, will soften the bill for the client, but the fine should remain quite indigestible.

The most elegant GT?

Aesthetically, the Mercedes-AMG GT has always been a beautiful car, and there’s no reason for that to change with this new version. And that’s a good thing, because in order not to change, it (virtually) doesn’t change this second generation GT. This version of the 43 is generally a little more civilized than the wild 63, especially with a slightly less aggressive front end, narrower front fenders and narrower tracks.
19-, 20- or 21-inch rims emphasize the style, and the rectangular tailpipes of the 63 version give way to the round exhaust ports characteristic of the 53 and 43 Mercedes-AMG models. In terms of dimensions, the four-cylinder model is not much different from its older V8 sister: length 4.73 meters, width 1.93 meters (5 centimeters less) and height 1.35 meters. Porsche 911 in the viewfinder? Barely…
The interior is no less luxurious: as standard, AMG sports seats with electric adjustment, trimmed in Nappa leather, which can be personalized with upholstery in three different colors. The dashboard is the one we already know, with a digital instrument cluster and a large 11.9-inch tilting center screen.

Less powerful, but still effective enough

Now let’s get under the hood. As mentioned above, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a capacity of 585 hp. and 800 Nm disappears in favor of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the same as in the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, with 422 hp at 6750 rpm and 500 Nm of torque between 3250 and 5000 rpm. The most discerning will undoubtedly notice that the range of use is wider than that of a compact car, thanks to the use of a 48-volt mild hybrid system that provides an additional 14 hp. Additionally, a small electric motor is integrated directly into the turbocharger to increase airflow, thus eliminating any turbo lag.
It would be almost as effective as the 63 version, this 43, right? Almost! Power and torque are sent to the rear wheels only through a 9-speed automatic transmission, which is lighter than the V8-powered versions. Announced from 0 to 100 km/h 4.6 seconds, compared to 3.2 for the V8 version. Mercedes-AMG GT 63 develops a maximum speed of 315 km/h. against 280 for 43.
As for the price in France, Mercedes has not announced anything yet. As a reminder, the GT 63 starts at 199,750 euros, excluding options and a penalty of 60,000 euros.

Version 43 should, of course, start at around €140,000, excluding the inevitable fine.