Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the Mercedes-AMG GT63 4Matic+ Coupe, which joins the four-door GT63S E Performance in the local second-gen C192 range. It’s priced from RM1,882,888, OTR before insurance – same as its convertible sister and some RM200k cheaper than the GT63S E Performance, which has two more doors, 258 more PS and 670 Nm more torque. But it’s definitely no slouch itself – with 585 PS and 800 Nm from its hand-built 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8, and an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G nine-speed auto with a wet multi-disc start-off clutch, the GT63 Coupe does 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds (SL63: 3.6) before reaching a 315 km/h top speed. The AMG Performance 4Matic+ system can switch between rear- and all-wheel drive. I don’t know if I’m the only one who sees more than a passing resemblance in the profile to another (iconic) German sports coupe – especially when viewed from the back – but it’s by no means not a looker, with Digital Light headlamps, active rear spoiler, recessed door handles (this, the four-door doesn’t have), AMG Exterior Carbon and Night packages, and 21-inch cross-spoke forged alloys. Helping aerodynamics is Airpanel, a two-part, active air control system. The first part operates with vertical slats hidden behind the lower air intake in the front apron. The second part is located behind the upper air intake and has horizontal louvres. Normally all slats are closed to reduce drag and direct air towards the underbody, further reducing front lift, but they can open (the second system only from 180 km/h) to cool certain components. An active aerodynamic element hidden in the underbody in front of the engine also contributes to improved handling – this 2 kg carbon profile is an exclusive AMG development and patent-protected, reacting to the position of the AMG drive programmes and automatically lowering by around 40 millimetres at 80 km/h. Also on are AMG Active Ride Control with active anti-roll stabilisation, a locking rear diff and rear-axle steering. The SL-like interior contains four seats, an 11.9-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, AMG Performance seats and a D-shaped steering wheel, while the digital instrument cluster has AMG-specific content and menu items such as AMG Performance and AMG Track Pace. The AMG Performance menu can display lots of stuff including output, torque, lateral acceleration, AWD power distribution, tyre pressures, fluid temperatures, front and rear wheel angles, and even the active roll stabilisation system’s oil pressure. Meanwhile, AMG Track Pace records over 80 pieces of vehicle-specific data (like speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal actuation) 10 times per second while driving over a defined route. 40 parameters can be displayed live in the ‘Telemetry’ screen, up to four of them at the same times. You can choose from Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and Race drive modes. The Mercedes-AMG GT63 4Matic+ Coupe is covered by a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
