Mercedes Gtc Coupe 2018
Mercedes Gtc Coupe 2018
Mercedes-AMG GT C 2018 Review
When it comes to high-end sports cars, the low-slung, wide-track AMG GT C is hard to look past
What's it all about?
Imagine the Mercedes-AMG GT C as the lovechild of a clinically-focussed Porsche 911 and an all-American NASCAR and you're probably on the right track.
Affalterbach's stunning two-seater combines the brawn of Mercedes-Benz's richly percussive M178-series 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with classic long-hooded coupe proportions and staunch rear-drive dynamics.
A rival to the 911, the identically-powered Aston Martin Vantage and the supercharged Jaguar F-TYPE SVR, the AMG GT is both ballistically quick and strikingly beautiful… and perhaps expectedly, just a little expensive.
How much will it cost?
The GT C sits second from the top of the German-built Mercedes-AMG GT range. Available as a two-seat coupe or roadster the 'C' is priced at $316,500 (plus on-road costs) for the former, with the latter asking a $25,000 premium.
Otherwise, the 350kW/630Nm AMG GT range can be had from $258,711 in self-titled form, passing through $298,711 for the 384kW/670Nm GT S and topping out with the awe-inspiring 430kW/700Nm AMG GT R at $348,711.
Myriad options are of course available; our test example including $5900 Exclusive Nappa leather and DINAMICA Black with red stitch upholstery, $17,500 high-performance six-piston brake callipers clamping 402mm ceramic composite discs, and the $4000 AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package (dynamic engine and transaxle mounts, sports suspension, performance steering wheel, yellow instrument panel highlights).
AMG backs the GT C with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty including roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at a generous 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.
Why should/shouldn't I buy it?
If you plan on taking a Cannonball Run-style cross-country trip, simply love the style and sculpture of the GT's classic proportions (I couldn't help look back at the car each time I parked), or are considering the occasional track day, the low-slung, wide-track GT C is hard to look past.
The effortless acceleration of AMG's high-revving, dry-sump mill and astonishingly intelligent seven-speed SPEEDSHIFT transaxle create an unshakable partnership that's perfect for testing AMG's claims of a 3.7sec dash to 100km/h and 317km/h v-max.
Helped by active rear steering, the directional response of the GT C is unflinchingly accurate in corners and the stopping capacity immense. A shame then the brake pedal is a little abrupt in its initial response.
Ride comfort ranks as better than expected, ditto road noise and fuel consumption. An admittedly gentle week of mostly open-road cruising returned an as-tested average of 15.8L/100km against a claim of 11.5.
If there's a downside to the AMG GT C it's the minor ergonomic quirks for shorter drivers. For me, the gearshift and surrounding switchgear is set too far aft while the top of the (electrically-adjustable) steering wheel obscures the view of the gearshift read-out, high-beam and indicator display panel.
When is it available in Australia?
Now. The C190-series AMG GT range has been on sale since locally since April 2015.
Mercedes-Benz Australia says it's sold more than 200 examples of the AMG GT in that time and that customer availability isn't an issue. In fact, the only AMG GT currently facing a wait time is the flagship GT R, and at only six months we think it's well worth it.
Who will it appeal to?
Realistically, the GT C will appeal to anyone with the means, regardless of how they intend on using it.
With generous seating for two, small hatch levels of cargo space (350 litres), and a modicum of incidental in-cabin storage, the AMG GT C is arguably as useful a weekend tourer as it is a highly-focussed, hard-charging sports car.
A weekend road trip to the central Victorian highlands showed capabilities beyond those experienced on the race track, the GT C a confident and well-equipped distance cruiser with occupant comfort at front of mind.
Diligent dual-zone climate control, cosy (yet also supportive) heated seats and Mercedes' on-line-enabled 8.4-inch COMAND infotainment array help the miles pass with near-oblivious ease, and the attentive adaptive cruise control is a useful tool for preserving one's licence.
If the AMG GT appeals but you need a little more practicality, you'll be pleased to know a four-door version is just around the corner, although it will be based on the E-Class platform not the GT's rear transaxle chassis.
Where does it fit?
The Mercedes-AMG GT C is a formidable Grand Tourer with the soul of a thoroughbred sports car.
A fast, well-mannered and impeccably presented follow-up to the highly successfully Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it competes with the likes of Aston Martin's Vantage, which shares the GT's engine. Jaguar F-TYPE SVR and Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS (see links below for more info).
Fitting of its GT nameplate, the 'C' boasts an extensive array of standard safety equipment, much of it lifted from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Included are adaptive brake, adaptive high-beam, attention assist, blind-spot monitoring, collision prevention assistance, eight airbags, lane-keeping, PARKTRONIC and a reversing camera, to name a few.
So, what do we think?
There's so little to criticise that the AMG GT C could almost be considered a daily driver.
OK, the front-end is pretty low for around-town duties and there are the usual supercar considerations (i.e.: be careful where you park it, you can't do a weekly grocery shop and there's nowhere for the kids to sit, etc.).
But when you view it against some of its aforementioned competitors, the big Merc is a capable and charismatic performer with a broader skill-set than most.
How much does the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C cost?
Price: $316,500 (retail, plus ORCs); $343,900 (as tested, plus ORCs)
Engine: 4.0-litre eight-cylinder twin-turbo-petrol
Output: 410kW/680Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 11.5L/100km (ADR Combined); 15.8L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 261g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: N/A
Source: https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/mercedes-amg-gt-c-2018-review-113597/
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