Written by Curtis Moldrich Updated: 23 October 2024

Overview

The second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT 63 is aimed directly at the Porsche 911, so it’s more usable, and easier to live with than before. For a slightly more hardcore minority there’s now this: the GT 63 Pro. Designed to be quicker and grippier, AMG engineers say it keeps the same practicality as before, but with a sharper edge designed for the occasional trackday.  

With that in mind, it’s currently the joint flagship for AMG’s every expanding GT range – and sits next to the even more bonkers 63S E performance hybrid. It’ll defer to the an unhinged GT R Pro whenever that comes along, though. 

To find out just what Pro means to AMG, we went to the Ascari circuit in Spain and but the AMG GT 63 Pro through its paces. Is it up to beating the 911, or the Aston Martin DB12 – or even the Ferrari Roma? You can find out more about how we test on Parkers via our dedicated explainer page. 

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What’s it like inside?  

Pretty similar to the standard AMG GT, and therefore quite similar to the Mercedes-AMG SL convertible this car shares a platform with. That’s not bad thing, though. Front and centre is a 11.9-inch portrait screen in the centre, which is clear and easy to use with Mercedes’ native software – but it’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible too. It’s the same as the infotainment system in the standard 63. 

The driver also gets a 12.3-inch display behind the same five-spoke wheel as other AMG cars though. First the good news; in the Pro the wheel is now finished in exquisite Nappa leather, and it features the same techy dials for powertrain and handling modes among other things. Less good is the fussy layout and haptic buttons you use to navigate through the car’s various functions.  

There’s also an optional Burmester surround system, which features 15 loudspeakers and 1,170 watts of power. But look behind you and you’ll see the more practical, second-gen GT 63 DNA. The Pro can be had with an optional 2+2 seating configuration and impressively sized boot.  

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What’s it like to drive?  

We drove the AMG GT 63 Pro at Spain’s Ascari circuit and found it be grippy and precise – but without losing some real-world pliability. Thanks to the rear-wheel steering, the AMG GT 63 Pro turns with an immediacy and effortlessness.

It rotates much easier than you’d expect but you always feel as confident and connected despite the systems – and that’s partly because of a reassuring weight the Pro has when in the spicier modes. It changes direction with ease and guiding it the Pro from apex to apex becomes isn’t remotely daunting. 

The steering is helped by the brakes, which are ceramic brakes are ideal for track use. In the Pro they’re 420mm on the front axle – the biggest across AMG’s current range – and they also benefit from improved cooing in the Pro. They’re powerful but predictable and easy to modulate too. We were expecting stopping power, but we didn’t expect to find techniques such as trail braking this intuitive in machinery this exotic.  

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The final part of the equation is the acceleration which feels very visceral, especially with the 4.0-litre V8 soundtrack coming from up front. As we swing out of one of Ascari’s quicker turns, we squeeze the power and feel the AMGs 4Matic+ system efficiently 615hp to the tarmac. In Race mode, the ESP is on a slightly freer Sport mode but it’s still planted.  

Switch to manual mode and you can also benefit from a new shift system which plays a high-tone to remind you to change up. AMG bods tell me beforehand that it means you can spend more attention on your driving, and in practice it does help. 

AMG engineers say improved aero means the car has 30kg less lift on the front axle and 15kg more downforce at the rear. It’s impossible to compare the two cars back-to-back when we drive the Pro, but it certainly feels stable in both high- and low-speed corners. Still, while fun to push the Pro isn’t race car stiff. That suggests it’ll be somewhat manageable on the road too, and more refined than an unhinged GT R Pro variant that’ll almost certainly follow. 

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What models and trims are available?  

The standard V8-powered two-door coupe begins with the GT 43, which uses a four-cylinder power unit and powers the rear-wheels along. Of course, those wanting something more practical need just look across the four-door GT, while those wanting something softer can try out the SL this shares a platform with. 

The GT 63 Pro is designed to be the most track-focused of the AMG models so far and gets a moderate power bump over the standard 63 car. It uses the same 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 as before, but some ECU magic brings power up to 615hp. 

The Pro is by no means the most powerful AMG GT you can buy though; that honour goes to the S E Performance. So what’s the deal? AMG says the 805hp plug-in hybrid is for those who want straight-line speed above everything else and the Pro is those who want to do the occasional trackday.

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What else should I know?

AMG is also offering a Motorsport Collectors Edition. It’s limited to 200 units only, and features the same black, silver and Petronas turquoise paint job as the Mercedes F1 car driven by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. And yes, it’s a fully bespoke paint job – there’s no vinyl or wraps here.  

As you’d expect, the F1-inspired interior continues in the interior, and it benefits from options like the Burmester surround sound system fitted as standard. It also gets AMG Track page along with the AMG Night Package II which includes more black chrome trim, for a meaner look.  

Read on for the full, expert verdict on the Mercedes-AMG GT.