2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

While most exotic sports cars wear their bodywork like kinetic advertisements for the wealth, power and virility—or occasionally lack thereof–of the driver, the Mercedes-AMG GT offers a slightly less ostentatious alternative. With its performance credentials unassailable, it instead focuses on restrained style—fully modern but channeling the brand’s celebrated legacy. Sure, it looks like a hyper-focused beast in apex-hunting black series trim, but the Roadster version would be right at home on the French Riviera circa 1969—and that’s by design. 

The AMG GT echoes two milestone Mercedes that raced in the 1930s and 1950s. The very long hood, the rounded and stubby rear-end with thin horizontal taillights, and the front grille slats all harken back to the 1938 W154 and the 1954 300SL. Both of these vehicles were decades ahead of their time.

All the 2021 AMG GT variants share two fundamental traits: the basic design of the twin-turbo V8 engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and rear-wheel drive. And though that barking V8 engine is mounted up front, it’s technically in the middle, as all the engine’s metal bits sit behind the front axle. Plus, the transmission itself is in the rear, along with the differential.

It comes as a two-door coupe or soft-top roadster convertible. The base GT ($119,650 base price; $131,750 for the Roadster, both including $1050 destination fee) is equipped with a handcrafted 4.0-liter AMG V8 Biturbo engine with more output than 2020: 523 horsepower (up 54) and 494 pound-feet of torque (up 29). Also standard for 2021 on the base GT is an electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, the upgraded “composite” brakes, a lithium-ion battery, and a “RACE” drive mode. Some of these features were exclusively on the higher-output cars.

The GT C ($154,550 including destination) boasts 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque and drops the zero to 60 mph sprint time from 3.7 seconds to 3.6, increases the top speed from 194 mph to 196 mph and has a wider stance than the GT. The GT R produces 577 horsepower with a maximum torque of 516 pound-feet and sits lower than the GT and GT C variants. And for 2021, the GT Black Series is the most extreme road-going Mercedes ever sold in the U.S. At $326,050 (including $1,050 destination charge), it’s no kid’s toy. This car is a street-legal version of the AMG GT3 race car, but even faster. That’s because this V8 uses a flat-plane crankshaft that helps it reach 720 horsepower and 590 pound-feet. If the humongous wing, the front splitter held by two cords, or the grille that looks like the Joker’s smile aren’t a dead giveaway, the thunderous exhaust and 202-mph top speed should suffice.

Mercedes offers a narrow band of upholstery and trim options. The focal point of the cockpit is a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch display that supports the COMAND Touch infotainment system. This is not a touchscreen, but it can be controlled by one of two thumbpads on the steering wheel.  The latest MBUX infotainment on other new Mercedes models is much easier to use.

While the AMG GT comes well-equipped to tear up the open road, some amenities such as ventilated seats are extra. A new Stealth Edition includes the AMG Exterior Night Package (which darkens the chrome grille, bumper chin, headlights, window trim, and mirrors for $750), new black Y-spoke wheels, a striped carbon-fiber roof, and an all-black interior with microsuede and piano black accents. The AMG GT C adds more horsepower and equipment improvements, including rear-wheel steering and the optional weight-saving ceramic composite braking system. 

The GT R is designed for well-heeled amateur racers who want to take on the Porsche Club on open track days. It’s lighter, faster (it goes zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds) and more aerodynamic than the other variants, thanks to carbon fiber throughout the body structure. The roof, front air dam/splitter, front fenders, rear wing, rear air diffuser, several braces under the car and the tube tying the engine and transaxle together are all made from carbon fiber. Those carbon-fiber front fenders also allow bigger wheels and tires for even more grip and handling agility.

Because the GT R was born for enthusiasts, it’s hard to live with on the street. The smallest grooves and ruts in the highway cause it to juke from side to side. None of these traits are evident in the GT and GT C models. Those are better choices for buyers with no intention of having a go at the local racing circuit. At 3,500 pounds, the GT R is no flyweight, but despite this fact, the steering is more responsive than any car that heavy has a right to be. The vehicle simply shrinks in size and weight on track or when taking to twisty roads. 

As for magic, GT buyers will need some to fit lots of cargo in the shallow hatch area, despite its notable width. Mercedes claims two golf bags will fit in the 10.1 cubic-foot cargo space–that’s more rear storage than in the Acura NSX or Audi R8, but not as much as the Chevrolet Corvette.