Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 2018 Review

In the local high-performance sports car market, there are not many choices within a six-figure budget, but the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S has always been the "dream car" for many enthusiasts—it retains AMG's racing DNA while balancing daily driving practicality. Its 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine with 517 horsepower is a rare configuration at this price level. This time, we got our hands on the real car, and the main purpose is to verify whether it truly balances "passionate driving" and "daily commuting," while also assessing whether its value for money stands out compared to the more expensive GT C and GT R.

From a distance, the proportions of the AMG GT S give it a very aggressive stance: a 4546mm body length combined with a low height of 1288mm, along with a 2630mm wheelbase, forming the typical front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car posture. The most striking element of the front fascia is the large-sized vertical-slatted grille, outlined with chrome trim, complemented by sharp LED headlights (with daytime running lights) on both sides, offering maximum recognizability. The waistline on the side of the body runs from the fenders to the rear, paired with 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels (front tires: 265/35R19, rear tires: 295/30R20), creating a visually powerful impression. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged LED tail lights, and the quad exhaust pipes at the bottom unequivocally proclaim its performance-oriented identity.

Opening the door and stepping inside, the interior delivers a good blend of luxury and sportiness. The center console tilts slightly toward the driver for ease of operation; in terms of materials, it uses large areas of soft-touch surfaces, with metal trim detailing in places, offering a solid tactile feel. The instrument panel features traditional illuminated analog gauges, which may lack the technological appeal of a fully digital display but provide clear readings that align with the mechanical essence of a sports car. The central control area has a well-organized button layout, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a solid grip. In terms of configuration, keyless entry/start, electrically adjustable front seats (with memory function), and dual-zone automatic air conditioning come as standard, and even a 220V power supply is available, ensuring no compromise in daily utility.

As a two-seater sports car, the AMG GT S actually offers more space than expected. A 180cm tall passenger can sit inside with a fist-width of headroom left, and legroom does not feel cramped either; the seat provides excellent cushioning and enough support to handle spirited driving. When it comes to storage capacity, the trunk has a volume of 350L, which can easily fit two carry-on suitcases and is more practical than many two-seater sports cars. Additionally, the front row features cup holders and door storage pockets, which are sufficient for everyday items like phones and wallets.

The real highlight of the AMG GT S lies in its power response when you start driving. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine unleashes its maximum torque at just 1750rpm. A light press on the accelerator during startup makes you feel a strong push-back sensation. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 3.7 seconds, and the actual experience feels just as aggressive as the numbers suggest. The 9-speed dual-clutch transmission offers very fast gear shifts, especially when switched to Sport+ mode, where downshifting is accompanied by exhaust pops, igniting the desire to drive. For daily commuting, the Comfort mode smooths out the power delivery, ensuring less abrupt movements, making it suitable for stop-and-go city driving.

In terms of handling, the performance of the front and rear double-wishbone independent suspension is very stable. The body leans very little when cornering, the steering wheel has precise alignment, and the road feedback is clear, allowing the driver to clearly understand the tire grip status. When encountering bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the minor vibrations, unlike pure track cars that feel uncomfortably stiff. However, as it is still a sports car, extra caution should be taken to avoid scraping the undercarriage when passing speed bumps at low speeds. The braking system performs linearly as well, delivering stopping power proportionally to the pedal input. The body remains stable during emergency braking, providing solid confidence.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined consumption is 9.4L/100km. In actual tests, city traffic conditions resulted in roughly 13-14L, while cruising on highways reduced it to around 8L. For a 4.0T V8 engine, this is considered reasonable. Noise control is well-executed; at 120km/h on highways, wind and tire noise remain within an acceptable range. The engine noise is not overly intrusive in comfort mode, only producing a rich roar when the accelerator is deeply pressed.

To summarize, the core advantages of the 2018 AMG GT S are very clear: the 517PS 4.0T V8 powertrain faces almost no competition in its price range, while also considering daily driving comfort and practicality. Compared to the more expensive GT C (1.49 million yuan), it lacks the sunroof and some features, but its power is only slightly weaker (565PS), the acceleration performance is identical, and the price is 360,000 yuan lower. Meanwhile, although the GT R has more horsepower (593PS), its seats are manually adjusted, making it less convenient for daily use than the GT S.

This car is ideal for those who want the excitement of a sports car but also need to occasionally drive it to work or go shopping—a player-friendly option that’s more practical than the GT R, which is more "track-biased," and more down-to-earth than many supercars. If your budget is around 1.1 million yuan and you want an AMG that can both "turn heads on the streets" and "perform on the track," the GT S is definitely a top-priority choice. Its existence proves that high-performance sports cars don’t need to be overly "pretentious."