US — Ars Technica

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe first drive: Where tech and fun collide

MobilityNovember 5, 20261 min read

Mercedes-AMG has launched the GT 4-Door Coupe, its first AMG car that runs only on batteries. A reviewer says it handles well on both the road and the race track.

A battery-only AMG that handles well

Ars Technica's reviewer test-drove the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe in Spain. It is the first true AMG car powered only by batteries, with no gas engine. The reviewer says it grips the road firmly and corners well, both on normal roads and on a race track. Mercedes paid for the reviewer's flights and hotel, and Ars says it does not accept paid editorial content.

Why heavy batteries are a problem

Electric cars need big batteries, and batteries are heavy. Heavy cars are harder to steer quickly around corners. Mercedes used several technologies to fight this extra weight, so the car feels more nimble than its weight would suggest.

Key facts about the motors and power

The car has three motors. Two are at the back and one is at the front.
The rear motors are 3.1 inches (79 mm) wide. The front motor is 3.5 inches (89 mm) wide.
Mercedes bought Yasa, the company that makes the motors, in 2021.
The top AMG GT 63 model makes up to 1,153 hp (860 kW) at peak.
Its normal output is 711 hp (530 kW) and 1,475 lb-ft (2,000 Nm) of torque.

Why it matters

Many people think car makers are playing it safe. This car shows that an electric car can still be fun to drive, with sharp handling and strong power. It also shows that new motor designs can make electric cars lighter and more capable.

What to watch

How the car performs over time, including how well the battery holds up under hard driving.
Whether the new axial flux motors appear in other Mercedes or AMG models.
How the car is priced and when it reaches buyers.

Glossary

AMG: Mercedes-Benz's high-performance car division, known for fast, powerful cars.
Yasa: A British motor maker that Mercedes bought in 2021 to build its electric motors.

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