2 years ago

2022 Mercedes-AMG GT43/GT53
Starting at: $93,550

Pros Fast paced, bold style, more tech than Best Buy. Cons Complex infotainment system, eye-popping price tag, limited rear headroom. Verdict This ballistic sedan is not to be confused with a run-of-the-mill Mercedes no matter what engine it has under the hood.

Overview
If you love the idea of riding a Mercedes-AMG GT sports car but need a back seat to justify losing that kind of money, let us suggest the 2022 GT sedan. It combines the performance and smile-inducing handling of a GT with a rear seat – your choice of a triple seat or two bucket seats – so you can share your high-speed adventures with friends and family. The base transmission GT43 develops 362 hp; The GT53 develops 429 hp. Once you've made your mark on the race track or finished racing down your favorite local back road, the GT sedan can almost emulate other Mercedes luxury vehicles thanks to its adjustable comfort-mode suspension and plenty of luxury and convenience. Features to pamper both driver and passengers.

What's new for 2022?

Mercedes-AMG offers a wider range of personalization options for 2022 with more wheel choices, additional upholstery combinations, new interior trim and more affordable exterior colors including new shades of Starling Blue and Cashmere White. They have retuned the suspension to suit both riders looking for extra sport and those who prefer comfort. Speaking of comfort, the car's rear bucket seats can now be replaced with an extra bench. Mercedes-AMG has told Car and Driver that some 2022 models normally offered with V-8 engines will not be available. This lineup change may affect the GT63 and GT63 S models, but Mercedes-AMG representatives do not comment or confirm this information to the press.
Prices and which one to buy
GT43: $93,550
GT53: 103,650N USD

Since V-8 models may not be available this year, we suggest sticking with the mid-range GT53, which offers plenty of horsepower and a satisfying driving experience. We'd add the Warmth and Comfort package, which adds a heated steering wheel, heated front armrests, and quick heat elements for the front seats. The Driver Assistance package is also attractive as it adds a host of technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring.

Engine, transmission and performance
Under the hood of both the GT43 and GT53 is a robust inline-six engine with a turbocharger, intercooler, electric supercharger and a small electric motor. After stopping, the electric motor and supercharger fill a short period of time before the turbocharger gives full boost. The 3.0-liter engine, which makes 429 horsepower in the GT53, breaks necks whenever you touch the accelerator. In our testing, the GT53 with the conventional nine-speed automatic sprinted to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and its sports suspension provided smooth, responsive cornering and sports car levels of grip. We haven't tested the new 2021 GT43, however.

Fuel economy and real MPG
With such extreme performance, it's no wonder the Mercedes-AMG GT sedan is thirsty, but its EPA fuel economy ratings aren't as terrible as you might expect, rated at 19/24 mpg city/highway. For more information on GT fuel economy, visit the EPA website.

Interior, comfort and cargo

While much of the GT's interior is the same as Mercedes' other four-door coupe, the CLS, the large console between its seats appears to have been taken from a GT sports car. It's a little intrusive, but it gives the feel of a sporty cockpit. The interior design is overall futuristic and visually exciting, but some of the ergonomics take some getting used to. It's also a four-seater, which can be a problem for some families. Aggressively padded sport seats are standard and comfortable, while a thick flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum trim and a digital instrument cluster are in keeping with the sedan's high-performance mission. Build quality is exceptional and materials are in line with AMG prices. It's a hatchback, and the GT coupe's rear seats fold down for more cargo space.

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