As I approached a near 90 degree curve with the exhaust note howling from Mercedes’ AMG GT 53 in Super Sport mode, it was as if the car knew my adrenaline was pumping and felt obliged to keep it that way. Upon exiting the curve, I gleefully paddle-shifted into third, then fourth, and I couldn’t help but grin at the refined, luxurious driving experience the 2020 Mercedes GT 53 AMG delivers. All this while my seat’s massage mode worked my lower and upper back.
First introduced in 2014, the Mercedes AMG GT and GT S laid the groundwork for this first-ever four-door variant. For 2020, the AMG GT 53 is powered by a smaller 3.0L turbo inline 6 compared to the larger V8 found in the original AMG GT and GT S; however, its EQ Boost powertrain still produces a boastful 429hp and 384 lb.-ft torque, plenty of power whether driving around town, heading out on the open road, or spending a day at the track. In my case, I spent one week cruising around town and toggling between the car’s four driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Sport +, and Slippery) and taking every corner I could as if I were chasing Lewis Hamilton at the Australian Grand Prix. Needless to say, it’s true driving pleasure with the car’s drive program selector adjusting throttle response and shift points.
The car’s design is elegant with a bold yet tasteful front fascia and side profile highlighted by a stance that suggests confidence. This confidence translates to the driver while behind the wheel as the interior is lavish, intelligently laid out, and down right gorgeous. My test vehicle was loaded with nearly every option available including carbon fiber throughout the dash and door panels, a performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather with navigable functionality integrated with a single panel high resolution central display which also features the finest navigation layout I’ve ever used (featured in all 2020 Mercedes vehicles) along with a digital instrument cluster that’s customizable, multi-contour front seats with my favorite feature - massage mode - along with a myriad of driver assistance features designed to maximize the cars autonomy and safety, an air purification and fragrance system that emits an aroma that’s pleasant and not overbearing, and an executive rear seat package with a fixed center business console with 3-zone climate control, wireless charging, a high resolution touchscreen, and heated seats. And to top it off, a 64-color ambient LED lighting system compliments the engrossing Burmeister Surround Sound audio system featuring 14, yes 14, high quality speakers and a 640 watt, 10-channel digital amplifier that fills the cabin with exquisite sound. I often found myself making excuses to drive in the evening just to listen to the AMG GT 53’s sound system with Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra providing a concert hall experience. It was exhilarating!
On the outside, a set of 21” AMG forged cross spoke wheels in black, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport S tires, keep the AMG GT 53 firmly planted on the pavement. An electronic, multi-stage active rear spoiler can be lowered or raised at the push of a button, and the car utilizes a specially engineered version of 4Matic which provides all-wheel drive but can instantly vary the front to rear torque distribution in response to driver feedback. The system works so precisely and quickly that it truly rounds out the driving experience of the AMG GT 53.
Regarding safety, the AMG GT 53 is at the forefront with a Car-to-X communication system designed to eventually communicate with other cars as autonomous driving becomes the future, automatically alerting a central notification system of varying dangers or features being used while driving including hazard lights, windshield wipers, etc. There’s also an Attention Assist that monitors up to 70 parameters of driving behavior while the car is in motion to keep the driver and occupants alert with both visual and audible warnings. Additionally, a heads-up display and a myriad of additional features round out the quality of engineering you expect coming from Deutschland.
With a starting price at $99,950 the AMG GT 53 is firmly rooted in the luxury segment. Of course, when fully optioned the cost balloons to well over $130,000. That’s a lot of coin but for a car designed from the ground up to not only perform but also provide the ultimate in luxury with the highest quality of materials and a design that’s nearly flawless with my only complaint being the wireless phone charger in the front center console area isn’t large enough to fit the newest phones when wearing a protective case, I’d say the 2020 Mercedes AMG GT 53 is worth its cost of admission and a stunning compliment to the AMG GT model line-up. Now if only I can get the chance to drive it with Lewis Hamilton in my rear view mirror.
View an overview of the Mercedes AMG GT 53 while idling in the video below: