Let’s play a game: You have a pile of money to spend on a car–and let’s assume you already have plenty of beaters, projects and $2000 Challenge cars. Could you spend nearly $200,000 on a new car?
It sounds excessive until you realize that the AMG GT 63 Coupe’s $175,900 starting price nearly ties that of the Porsche Carrera GTS. Not the Turbo, not the GT3, not the GT3 RS.
Premium cars can have premium prices, and the AMG GT Coupe is premium. How so?
It’s wicked fast–zero to 60 in about 3 seconds–courtesy of its twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8: 577 horsepower along with 590 lb.-ft. of torque. There is no lag, there is no waiting. There are only two things: go and then go some more.
It’s all backed by a nine-speed automatic that, like the others from the brand, operates seamlessly. You want a stick? Enjoy this automatic. It’ll make a believer out of you. Keep the manual in the Miata, of course.
The car is comfortable, as expected, bathing its occupants in supple leather and all the niceties expected in a car of this class. No creaks, no rattles and, yes, it has USB plugs.
Can we call the AMG GT 63 Coupe practical, too? While the doors are big and the seat low for some, you could daily this. Or, I would. Pretty sizable rear cargo hold, too. Our tester had the optional back seat–no charge to add it–but note that the space is about BRZ-sized.
And the AMG GT 63 Coupe is sure-footed as it has all-wheel drive. Not sure if this is your next rallycross car, but even with optional 305/30R21 rear tires, it never felt nervous in the rain. By the way, a fresh set of OE-grade Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 in that optional size runs a little north of $2400, but before you freak out, note that you’ll pay more than that to put a set of Bridgestone Potenza Race tires on a new Corvette Z51.
So, back to price. We drove a 2024 model, with the Mercedes-Benz currently showing a starting price of $179,050. I’m in the middle of building my own, in fact, because it’s good to dream: Obsidian Black metallic (no upcharge) over Red Pepper/Black Nappa leather (also no upcharge). I think I want the Night Package that blacks out some trim.
Do I want the optional AMG Performance front seats? That’s another $2500. Our car had the standard two-piece buckets, and they were plenty supportive. Maybe I'll pass on the upgrade. I’m also forgoing the $110 AMG fuel cap. (I’m not that bougie.)
I think I will do the front-axle lift system, calling it $1800 in insurance. It will lift the front end up to 1.2 inches and, the coolest part, can store those locations for you.
Our car replaced the standard 20-inch wheels with 21s. I was all set on the 20s until I saw the optional 21-inch AMG forged split-spoke wheels in gold. They add an even $4000 to the price. I just said yes.
Our car had the upgraded Burmester sound system ($4500), the aero package ($2850) and the fixed panorama roof ($2100). While they were all very, very nice, I’m going to skip those, putting me at $185,500.
Now, excuse me while I build a comparable 911 because, let’s be honest, this is fun.
Comments
Here's how I specced my AMG GT 63:
Sun Yellow paint
AMG Night Package ($750)
AMG Extended Night Package ($550)
20-inch AMG multispoke wheels
Red Pepper/Black Nappa leather interior
AMG Aluminum trim ($750)
Driver Assistance Package ($1950)
Front-axle lift system ($1800)
Grand total: $186,000
(And as far as the Porsche 911: go for the most powerful/fast one can afford, keep the options limited as possible- aside from driver assistance and a front- axle lift system-and paint it in paint-to-sample Moon Gem)
STM317
PowerDork
9/12/25 1:44 p.m.
I prefer the first Gen cars that are a bit smaller, lighter, and had a rear mounted transaxle for better weight distribution. It was like a baby SLS without the gullwing doors. The current gen is more like the now-dead SL's replacement as a grand tourer.
You can find low mile examples of the first gen cars in the $50k's:
Can and have in the past adjusted for inflation. Would I do that on a Mercedes, never in a million years due to the depreciation and just general crap dealers we have here.
Also this exists and I should have gone this way over the R8 if I am being honest with how I actually us my cars.
In reply to Colin Wood :
I was all into the “base” wheels until I saw the gold ones. Then I had to have them.
The car looks good in that yellow, too.
I know this car doesn't hold a record for horsepower per whatever measurement of displacement, but for whatever reason I'm just stepping back for a moment in wonderment about a 244ci motor, under the added pressure of two turbochargers, that produces just under 600 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque... on pump gas...with a warranty.
I'm just amazed at how strong the rods, crankshaft and other internals are these days.
Back to the question posed in the article, sure, I could spend someone else's money on that car. Heck, I could spend someone else’s money on a lot of cars.
In reply to STM317 :
FWIW, I do miss the S-class AMG coupe. Totally the chef’s kiss. Not sure I’m cool enough to rock gullwing doors, though. Maybe?
In reply to Coniglio Rampante :
And when cold, it behaves like a new Corolla. Just start and go.
No to answer your question but, damn, that is a good looking car!
In reply to dyintorace :
Thanks. This is what we drove to Gainesville for the photo show. (Yes, I purposely parked it on the end.)
It's certainly attractive. 😊
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