Mercedes-AMG GT opens for ordering in the UK from £97,195

The Mercedes-AMG GT is opened for ordering in the UK, with prices starting from £97,195. The first batch of cars that are set to arrive in the UK in April 2015 are the GT S and GT S Edition 1 variants, both powered by an all-new 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine delivering 510hp (375KW) and 650Nm of torque, allowing the GT S to blitz from 0 – 62mph (0-100km/h) in 3.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 193mph.

The GT is set to arrive later in the year and uses the same dry sump V8, albeit tuned to produce 462 hp (340kW) and 600Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate to 62mph in 4.0 seconds before hitting a top speed of 189mph.

Every GT will be comprehensively specified – 19 inch wheels (front and rear) are joined by a mechanical limited slip differential, a switchable AMG performance exhaust, COMAND Online (complete with an 8.4-inch screen), AMG sports suspension and an adjustable electronic rear wing.

The GT S adds 20 inch rear wheels, red brake callipers clamping enlarged discs, an electronically-controlled rear differential and AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with three selectable modes.

The GT S Edition 1 brings with it even greater visual presence – from the fixed rear wing and accompanying deep front splitter extending up to the airdams, just ahead of aerodynamic flicks on the front wings. High-gloss silver and black 19 inch (front) and 20 inch (rear) wheels, a carbon roof, a set of black mirror surrounds with matching window surrounds and rear diffuser and black exhaust tips complete the enhancements. Inside, red contrast stitching is joined by a leather and suede finish for the special AMG performance seats and the steering wheel and a centre console in ‘Black Diamond’ textured finish.

The Mercedes-AMG GT can be specified to the exacting requirements of the customer. Across the range there are two non-metallic, four metallic and five designo paint choices – from a subtle black to a vivid AMG Solarbeam yellow – accompanied by four wheel designs to choose from on the GT, three on the GT S and two on the GT S Edition 1.

Inside, there are 14 leather and five centre console colour combinations and finishes to choose from – as well as two different styles of seats, from the AMG sport seats to the more track-orientated AMG performance seats (£1,895 – standard on the GT S Edition1). For those intending to take their GT on track, there’s the option of an AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system – £5,995 – providing even greater stopping power than the AMG high-performance steel composite brake system which is fitted as standard.

Useful additions on a day-to-day basis include the Premium Pack (£4,195) – encompassing a reversing camera, a mirror package, a fixed panoramic sunroof, a powerful 640W Burmester sound system and keyless-go.

The GT is the second car entirely engineered by Mercedes-AMG – the first being the SLS AMG – with which it shares a similarly acute level of driver-focus. For instance, the AMG Dynamic Plus Package (£1,795) on the GT S and GT S Edition 1, features cutting-edge dynamic engine mounts to deliver greater steering feel and refinement when desired through either stiffening or softening the engine and transmission mounts. The result is said to enable the GT to strike a balance between being driven hard, and being viable for everyday use.