2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe gets AWD, optional rear seats

When Mercedes-AMG stopped producing the first-generation GT sports car, we all thought it was the end for Silver Arrows' flagship high-performance machine. But less than a year after, it turns out Mercedes was just busy morphing it to becoming more.... practical.

Say hello to the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe. The second generation has turned from a two-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car to a 2+2, all-wheel-drive performance vehicle. And yes, it's still packing a V8 under the hood, but more on that later.

For starters, the all-new GT Coupe design-wise is more of an evolution of the familiar GT silhouette. Mercedes-AMG has also cleaned up the curves and lines of the all-new GT Coupe, and appears much more pleasing to the eyes than its predecessor.

While that's the case for the body, underneath is where the magic happens. There are active aerodynamic devices in the front underbody as well as the rear spoiler. Buyers will also have the option of adding a front air deflector, a more pronounced rear diffuser, plus a fixed rear wing.

Now that the rear has been stretched, we can't help but notice the GT Coupe looks more like a 911 with a Silver Arrow badge, especially when viewed from the rear quarter.

The all-new GT Coupe was developed alongside the SL-Class roadster, which is why they share similar dashboard layouts, along with turbine-like circular air vents and digital screens. As mentioned earlier, it can now seat four, but these will still come as an option.

Initially, the GT Coupe is being offered in GT63 and GT55 variants; both are powered by a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8. The lower variant puts out 469 PS and 700 Nm of torque while the range-topping GT63 produces 577 PS and 800 Nm. Both variants get Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission with a wet start-off clutch that replaces the torque converter.

The sport suspension features semi-active and adaptive shock absorbers that aid in roll stabilization. It also has a front lift system that raises the nose by 1.18 inches to clear speed bumps. There's also an electronically-controlled LSD, rear-wheel steering, and composite disc brakes that come as a standard feature for the all-new GT Coupe. On a later date, AMG will introduce optional ceramic brake discs with bigger rotors.

With a greater focus on everyday usability, the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe is poised to compete directly with the Porsche 911 Turbo. Pricing is yet to be announced, but we should expect those to be revealed before it goes on sale by Q1 2024.