Mercedes just announced pricing for the AMG GT 53 four-door.
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT four-door models first emerged with twin-turbo V8 engines, and a truly heartbreaking price tag. Those of us who wanted in on some high-speed, four-door coupe action have to pay at least $137,495 for an AMG GT 63. If you wanted the top-end GT 63 S, you have to pay $159,995. At any rate, it’s way too expensive for my blood. Enter the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT 53, which starts off under $100,000.
Okay, just. The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT 53 four-door coupe kicks off at $99,995, including a $995 destination charge. It’s the next model in Mercedes-AMG’s middling “53” lineup, between its entry-level models and its high-end performance variants. To that end, the GT 53 has just a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine, rather than a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. It also has a slower 0-60 time and a lower electronically-limited top speed.
The engine on the Mercedes-AMG GT 53 manages 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. That’s a far cry from the 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque of the GT 63. However, you do also get Mercedes’ EQ Boost feature on the smaller engine. That allows for 21 extra horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The 3.0-liter’s power is routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Top speed on the Mercedes-AMG GT 53 is limited to 174 mph.
At it’s heart, this is still an AMG model. Like its big brothers, the GT 53 gets Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system. You also get AMG Ride Control sports suspension, beefy 6-piston front brakes, and an electronically-deployable rear spoiler.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 53 will go on sale this spring.
How does it compare to its German rivals?
It’s comforting to see an entry-level Mercedes-AMG GT four-door with pricing on the affordable side of six figures. But that got me thinking: Should you buy the Mercedes over, say, a Porsche or an Audi? This four-door coupe compares favorably to the Porsche Panamera 4S and the Audi RS7.
Porsche Panamera 4S: $104,000 and up
Let’s look at the Porsche first. For about the same money as the Mercedes-AMG GT 53, you can get a mid-range Porsche Panamera 4S. Prices start from $104,000 and you get comparable performance figures. The Porsche produces 440 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. Its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 routes power through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Compared to the Mercedes’ estimated 4.4 second 0-60, Porsche claims the Panamera 4S will do it in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is also very close, with the Porsche managing 179 mph to the AMG GT 53’s 174 mph.
Audi RS 7 (previous generation): $113,900 when new
All right, I’m cheating a bit by mentioning the Audi. This is technically the previous generation model, as the next-generation A7 has already debuted. In due time, a new RS 7 will follow. For now, though, this is the RS 7 you can buy, and odds are it will be a used purchase. New, the RS 7 cost $113,900, which is substantially more than the Porsche or the Mercedes. However, it packs more power — a lot more.
Thanks to that 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, you get 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. While you’re shelling out more cash, you also get a faster 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, according to Audi. Remember, Mercedes posits the AMG GT 53 hits 60 in 4.4 seconds, while Porsche says the Panamera 4S does the sprint in 4.2 seconds.
Add to that Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and what is — to my mind — the best looks of the bunch, and I’m pausing to consider the Audi over the other two.
Which would you choose?
On paper, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT 53 is the least expensive. It’s also quick in its own right, and has attractive styling and an appealing bloodline. The Porsche is a good compromise on speed against the Audi without sacrificing too much money. Styling is a matter of personal taste, but I think the new Panamera is much better looking than the old one as well.
Then there’s the Audi. On paper, it monsters both its rivals here, but it’s also quite a bit more money. Although, on the other hand, you may be able to score a deal as it’s not based on the “new” A7.
But what about the BMW M5?
I’d be neglectful not to mention the BMW M5 here, as well. Although it’s technically a traditional sedan, and not a four-door without the fastback styling of the other three, it does compare on price and performance.
The BMW M5 starts from $102,700 — slightly more than the Mercedes, but less than the Audi and the Porsche. For that, you get a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. That’s much more power than any of the other cars, which results in a minuscule 3.2 second 0-60 time.
But power isn’t everything…is it?
