Each week our team of experienced senior road testers pick out a new model from the world of innovative, premium and performance badges, and put it through its paces.
Mercedes’ first real sportscar was the legendary 300SL Gullwing, launched in 1954 and inspired by competition success at Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana by the racing coupe of the same name. But the SL quickly evolved into something more mature and comfortable, meaning we had to wait until 2009 and AMG’s Gullwing-referencing SLS before there was a true Mercedes sportscar back in the range.
The SLS was AMG’s first ground-up car (as opposed to a souped-up regular Mercedes) and evolved into the more conventional GT in 2014, the new car based on the same aluminium structure but ditching roof-hinged doors for conventional ones and launching AMG’s all-new twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The range has expanded and been updated, latest versions wearing a grille inspired by that Panamericana-winning 300SL of 1952.
All GT’s share the same basic front/mid-engine, dual-clutch transmission and rear-wheel drive layout in the classic transaxle configuration for perfect weight distribution. There are coupe and roadster variants and four states of tune to choose from. While it may seemingly overlap with the SL range in many respects the GT is a very, very different car that wears its sporting breeding on its sleeve.
The range progresses from GT to GT S and then GT C, with the track focused GT R at the top of the pile. With its more rounded character but some of the extra performance, attitude and technical features of the GT R, the GT C is arguably the pick of the range, the widebody shape giving it a more muscular stance while rear-wheel steering brings a new level of agility.
Standard features include the Premium Equipment Line (optional on lesser models and comprising Keyless-Go, Burmester surround sound, Parking Assist Parktronic with reversing camera and power mirrors), Comand infotainment with navigation, Adaptive Brake Assist, automated LED headlights and a switchable Performance Exhaust. An optional Driving Assistance package costing £1,695 adds Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Distronic radar cruise control and the Pre-Safe system, items you’d reasonably argue should really be standard at this level.
In the GT C the trademark 4.0-litre V8 – shared in basic form with a multitude of AMG models – has a thumping 557PS (549bhp) and 679Nm (501lb ft) of torque, enough to blitz 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds and top out at 197mph. Make no mistake, this is a very, very fast car indeed and the muscular power delivery – and sound – are key character traits AMG wants every GT customer to enjoy to the full.
Rear-wheel steering can meanwhile tune the chassis for faster response in the corners but increased stability at high speeds, this best of both worlds ability intended to make the GT C perform as well on back roads as it does on long-distance blasts. The rear-set driving position takes some getting used to, especially with the noticeable rear-axle steering effect, and it’s stiff and noisy for a GT. But it feels properly exotic and its rarity adds a sense of exclusivity not found in rivals.
The GT C might distil AMG’s macho character into one hard-hitting package but its real job is to offer an alternative to the all-conquering Porsche 911 Turbo. And while they may be chalk and cheese when it comes to looks, mechanical layout and character Mercedes has come closer than most to challenging the 911’s dominance. It also offers an interesting comparison with the new Aston Martin Vantage, with which it shares its engine, fundamental mechanical layout and price point.
The GT C is defiantly old-school in looks, sound and driving character but it’s also luxuriously appointed and, brittle ride aside, comes close to challenging Porsche’s mastery of supercar performance in a package you can enjoy every day. And the GT C is, as promised, the pick of the bunch with a well-honed combination of attitude, blistering performance and charisma.
Cost of our car: £129,260 (£141,945 with options).
Mercedes
AMG GT
Book tickets
For our big events, to the small ones too
Book event hospitality
Enjoy with loved ones, colleagues or clients
Buy an experience
For yourself, a loved one, or both!
Book a table
Choose from three of our restaurants
Book your stay
Stay at our hotel, cottages or Hound Lodge
Become a member
Join the family and get exclusive rewards
Book tickets Change
Choose event
From elite motorsport to historic horse racing, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Book event hospitality Change
Choose event
Festival of Speed is our longest-standing Motorsport event, starting in 1993 when it opened to 25,00 people. We were expecting 2000!
Experience ultimate access to our exceptional events with our all inclusive hospitality packages.
Buy an experience Change
Choose experience
We have been host to many incredible film crews using Goodwood as a backdrop for shows like Downton Abbey, Hollywood Blockbusters like Venom: let there be Carnage and the Man from U.N.C.L.E.
From driving and flying to golf and dining, experiences at Goodwood are simply unforgettable.
Book a table Change
Choose restaurant
Choose from three of our restaurants, all serving our award-winning organic produce.
Book your stay Change
Find availability
Henry Cavill, Hugh Grant, Armie Hammer and Guy Ritchie filmed scenes at our very own Motor Circuit
We’re already looking forward to seeing you.
Become a member Change
Choose a membership
Whatever your passion, there is a Goodwood membership to make you feel at home.
Sign in below to access your account and benefits
Don't have an account?Create your account by entering your details below...
Already have an account