Mercedes AMG GT S launched in India at Rs 2.4 crore

Mercedes Benz India has introduced its range-topping, 911-rivaling sportscar – the Mercedes AMG GT – in the country. Only available in the ‘GT S’ version, the car goes on sale at Rs 2.4 crore, ex-showroom.

It will occupy the same position in the Mercedes Benz India’s line-up as the SLS AMG, but the cars aren’t exactly Xerox copies of each other. Made by Mercedes’ AMG performance division, the AMG GT S, largely made of aluminium, is powered by a 4-litre twin turbocharged V8 engine (510 PS and 650 Nm producing monster; same as the one that you find in the new C 63 S AMG saloon), comes with standard (read not Gullwing) doors, gets a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, mated to an electronically controlled rear differential (because it’s RWD – thank God for that!), and can do a 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds.

On the outside, the Mercedes AMG GT, although without the Gullwing doors, does a great job in presenting itself with an amalgamation of the very likeable curves and the representation of the powerful character of the vehicle. The long bonnet, the low stance, various AMG bits, and the side fins add character to the car. On the inside, it has its intentions clear – much like on the exterior, there’ a clear statement being made here. The interior quality is clearly worth making this a benchmark, while the V8-shaped button arrangement, the quad central blowers, and the combination of shiny bits with leather ensures that the cabin looks and feels special.

In terms of competition, and keeping the price in mind, the Porsche 911 Turbo starts at Rs 2.14 crore, while the Turbo S is about 17 lakhs more expensive than the AMG GT at Rs 2.57 crores. Leaving the compatriot aside, there’s the Jaguar F-Type that offers the largest engine (5-litre supercharged V8) and is equally beautiful to look at. The upcoming (not available in India yet) 2016 Audi R8 is no longer available in the V8 guise, and will certainly be an interesting competitor, when launched in India.