2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S Review

In the sports car market, models equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine are not uncommon, but there are few options that can balance daily driving with track performance. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S is one such car aimed at the high-end sports car niche market. Its core selling points include a robust power output of 517 horsepower, precise handling feedback, and Mercedes-Benz's signature luxury quality. In this test drive, we’ll see whether its on-road performance lives up to the "AMG" badge while also evaluating its feasibility as a daily driver.

From the exterior, the AMG GT S is designed to fully look the part of a high-performance sports car. The oversized vertical-bar grille at the front, paired with the AMG-exclusive badge, is highly recognizable; the sharp LED headlights on both sides extend downward and seamlessly integrate with the aerodynamic components on the front bumper, enhancing the sporty vibe while optimizing airflow at high speeds. The side profile of the car features smooth lines, with the fastback design stretching from the A-pillar to the rear. This creates the classic “long-hood, short-tail” proportions typical of sports cars. The 20-inch rear wheels paired with 295/30 R20 wide tires further emphasize its rear-wheel-drive performance orientation. The rear design is relatively simple, with the signature AMG quad-round exhaust layout on either side. The LED taillight clusters display a distinctive geometric pattern when lit up, maximizing its recognition during nighttime driving. Overall, the car's design eliminates unnecessary embellishments, with every line serving the purpose of aerodynamics or visual impact, making it a design you won’t easily forget after seeing it once.

Sitting inside, the interior of the AMG GT S strikes a balance between sportiness and luxury. The center console features a generous use of Alcantara materials and metal trim, with most of the touchpoints made of soft materials, providing a tactile feel far superior to some purely track-focused sports cars in the same class. The instrument cluster uses a traditional mechanical design but incorporates an electronic display module that can show real-time information such as RPM, gear position, and vehicle status. The center display is of moderate size, and its user interface is consistent with other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, making it easy to use. As a key feature, the front seats are electrically adjustable with memory functionality and offer excellent support. The lumbar and thigh supports completely conform to the body, ensuring comfort even on long drives. Standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/start, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera provide all the convenience for daily use. However, due to the structure of the car being a sports coupe, the interior storage space is relatively limited. The door storage compartments and the center armrest box are small and can only hold some personal items.

In terms of space, as a two-door, two-seater sports car, the AMG GT S naturally does not have a rear row; all the space is dedicated to the front passengers. The wheelbase of 2630mm ensures sufficient legroom for the front seats, and the width of 1939mm provides ample lateral space. Even for passengers up to 185 cm tall, there is still some headroom and legroom to spare. The 350L trunk capacity, while not large, can fit two 20-inch carry-on suitcases, which meets the basic storage needs for short trips. It’s worth mentioning that the interior is well-designed with small practical details, such as hooks behind the front seats, USB ports, and a 220V power outlet under the center console. These features enhance the practicality for daily use.

The performance is the core advantage of the AMG GT S. The 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers 517 horsepower and 650 N·m of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The official 0-100km/h acceleration takes only 3.7 seconds. During actual driving, when you press the accelerator hard at the start, the rear wheels may experience slight slipping (especially on wet roads), but the stability control system quickly intervenes to manage it, delivering power in a very direct manner. When switched to Sport+ mode, the transmission's shifting logic becomes more aggressive, downshifting with automatic rev-matching, and the exhaust sound becomes more robust. When overtaking, power can be unleashed instantly with a light flick of the paddle shifters, and the high-speed acceleration remains strong. However, in Comfort mode, the engine maintains lower RPMs, and gear shifts are smoother, making the driving experience closer to that of a regular luxury sedan, which makes it fully suitable for everyday commuting.

In terms of handling, the AMG GT S delivers remarkable precision. The double wishbone suspension structure at both the front and rear is standard for a sports car. The suspension stiffness can be adjusted through the driving modes—under Comfort mode, it filters out most of the minor road bumps, avoiding the uncomfortable jolts typical of pure track cars. In Sport mode, the suspension immediately stiffens, body roll is very well controlled, and cornering support is excellent. The steering wheel feels heavier, but it offers almost no play. The car responds precisely to how much you turn the wheel, giving the driver great confidence. The braking system also performs excellently. The combination of front ventilated discs and rear ventilated discs provides substantial braking force. The brake pedal feels linear, and the car maintains stability during hard braking with no significant nosedive.

As for fuel consumption, being a high-displacement sports car, the AMG GT S is naturally not fuel-efficient. In mixed road conditions (50% city, 50% highway), we tested an actual fuel consumption of about 12L/100km. On highways, it drops to around 9L, while in congested city traffic, it can exceed 15L. This data meets the expectations for a 4.0T V8 engine. Regarding range, the 65L fuel tank allows it to cover approximately 500 kilometers under mixed conditions, making frequent refueling unnecessary for short trips.

In terms of ride comfort, the AMG GT S exceeds expectations. Despite being a performance sports car, the cabin offers excellent sound insulation. The wind and tire noise are kept within an acceptable range during high-speed driving and do not interfere with conversations inside the car. The seats, as mentioned earlier, strike a great balance between support and cushioning. The only minor issue is the slight jerkiness of the transmission at low-speed crawling, but this is a common trait of dual-clutch transmissions and becomes negligible once you're used to it.

In summary, the 2018 AMG GT S's core advantage lies in its "versatility"—it offers the powerful dynamics and precise handling of 517 horsepower to fulfill your pursuit of speed, while also boasting the luxurious quality and comprehensive features of Mercedes-Benz, ensuring a comfortable daily driving experience. Compared to its peer, the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the AMG GT S boasts superior power specifications and a more luxurious interior. Compared to the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, it holds the edge in brand value and comfort-oriented features.

If you are a consumer who wants a performance sports car capable of track racing while also needing it for occasional daily commuting, the AMG GT S would be a very suitable choice. It does not require you to sacrifice comfort for performance, nor compromise power for luxury. It is truly a "daily drivable sports car."

To summarize: the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S is an all-purpose sports car that combines passion and practicality. Its power, handling, luxury, and practicality are all leading in its class. If you are looking for a "not so extreme" performance car, it is definitely worth considering.