2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 43

Although AMG's sleek GT four-door range arrived in the USA almost ten years ago, the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is still quite new, having only debuted for the 2021 model year as the base offering in the lineup. Given its AMG badge, it's hardly a slow car, base status notwithstanding; with its potent 362-horsepower turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, it can scoot to 60 mph in a scant 4.8 seconds. It still cuts a dashing figure, and its upscale interior is glitzy and tech-forward, with the dual-display MBUX infotainment system taking center stage. The GT 43 is also better value than other GT trims and actually competes well on price with like-minded turbocharged six-cylinder rivals, such as 325-hp Porsche Panamera 4 and the BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe in 335-hp 840i xDrive format. The 444-hp Audi S7 looks like an even better deal, being swifter and cheaper. Does the availability of this more affordable GT 43 option help push the GT to the front of the queue in the sub-$100k mid-size coupe-sedan segment?

Nothing is different on the 2023 AMG GT 43 for the new model year, as all the changes to the 2023 lineup are reserved for the other models. One thing does change, and that is the price of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 43, which increases by $3,400.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 will set you back $95,900, making it the cheapest model in the four-door GT lineup; all the other models cost well over $100k. The above price for the GT 43 is the MSRP and excludes the $1,150 destination fee.

There is just the one trim, and it's already quite expensive, so adding a ton of extras won't make much sense. We'd spec the $2,850 Nappa leather in red and black and the $1,950 Driver Assistance package, which adds all the missing driver assists, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and -change systems, and speed-limit assist.

On the inside, the 2023 AMG GT 43 mostly provides a rich environment with predominantly high-quality materials and a design that is modern. We're disappointed that the seats are covered in a combination of leatherette and faux suede as standard, but at least it's of good quality. The premium impression mostly holds up, and the tech is impressive, with dual 12.3-inch digital displays - one a gauge cluster and the other a touchscreen - dominating the dashboard and sitting above a full-width glossy trim strip that contains four turbine-style air vents before sweeping into the door cards. The Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel take some getting used to, though. The mirrors aren't very big either, and the narrowing glasshouse makes for rear blind spots, but at least a surround-view camera is standard and aids maneuvering, while the car can also park itself.

Interior space is not a particularly strong suit, and while there's enough in front, the second row is rather tight. Thankfully, there are two separate bucket seats at the back, so shoulder space isn't a problem. A three-passenger rear bench is optionally available, but we'd advise against it unless you often transport five passengers - or you want the second row to fold down, which the standard dual seats cannot do. Second-row legroom and headroom are only just adequate for medium-sized adults, and getting into the back is tricky, too, as you have to step over wide sills and duck under the rapidly receding rear roofline.

Despite its large footprint, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 43 four-door coupe doesn't offer much trunk space, with only 12.7 cubic feet available - half of an Audi S7 Sportback's generous 24.6 cu-ft. The standard dual rear seats don't fold down to increase trunk volume either; if you want a 40/20/40-split and folding rear seat, you're forced to pay $1,000 extra for the three-seater bench. Mercedes doesn't provide a figure for the cargo space with the bench folded down.

Cabin stowage is taken care of by a glovebox, two front cupholders, a lidded center-console storage compartment, and door pockets in all doors. There are two cupholders between the two fixed rear seats, and if you opt for the optional Executive Rear Seat package, there's a center-console storage bin and heated/cooled cupholder for both occupants.

Despite its near-$100k price, you get a combination of MB-Tex leatherette and microfiber upholstery in the AMG GT 43, not leather, in black. You can upgrade this to Nappa leather in black for $2,990. Strangely, Exclusive Nappa leather in black, Red Pepper/black, or Titanium Grey/black with yellow accents is cheaper at $2,850, but it does compel you also to take the $1,600 black microfiber headliner. Other interior colors include Saddle Brown/black and Auburn Brown/black Exclusive Nappa leather, but these cost $3,250 and also require the $1,600 headliner.

If you want Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey Style Exclusive Nappa leather, you'll have to pay an extra $3,250, but it's only available with the $3,550 Executive Rear Seat package - and naturally requires the extra-cost black microfiber headliner as well.

Black Piano Black Lacquer trim is standard, but Anthracite open-pore wood or natural-grain Grey Ash wood are no-cost options, while AMG Carbon Fiber will set you back $2,850, either with a glossy or matte finish. Seatbelts can be had in yellow or red for $500, and the microfiber headliner is available as a standalone extra in black or Macchiato Beige for $1,600. The steering wheel is trimmed in Nappa leather.

Standard equipment is not overly generous, but power adjustment and heating are provided for the front seats as standard. Other standard features include a power liftgate, keyless entry and go, dual-zone climate control, a garage-door opener, fixed dual rear seats, a power tilting/sliding sunroof, and 64-color LED interior ambient lighting. Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, three-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel cost extra.

There are dual 2.3-inch digital displays - one a gauge cluster ahead of the driver and the other an infotainment touchscreen adjacent to it. The MBUX system incorporates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, voice control and "Hey, Mercedes" keyword activation, the AMG Track Pace app, Bluetooth audio streaming, a wireless charging pad, SiriusXM, HD Radio, front-cabin USB ports, and a 14-speaker Burmester audio system. The $3,550 Executive Rear Seat package adds wireless device charging and USB ports to the rear cabin as well. MBUX can be expanded with in-car Wi-Fi, a head-up display, the MBUX Interior Assistant, and a 25-speaker Burmester audio system at extra cost.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43's engine is the familiar turbocharged and 48V mild-hybrid 3.0-liter inline-six found in various other Mercedes products, here tuned to deliver 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. By itself, the electric motor contributes 21 hp and 184 lb-ft, and in the low and mid rev range, effectively torque-filling any gaps in the power delivery and eliminating turbo lag. The drivetrain comprises an AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, but the GT 63 models' RWD mode is not available here. AMG Dynamic Select provides Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Slippery driving modes, while the AMG Drive Unit that provides steering-mounted shortcut controls for the adaptive AMG Ride Control suspension, ESP, and exhaust is standard equipment too. All of this provides strong performance, and the Mercedes-AMG GT 43's 0-60 sprint takes only 4.8 seconds, thanks to lots of launch grip from the all-wheel-drive system, on its way to a limited top speed of 168 mph.

It never feels short of punch and is a smidge quicker than the 840i xDrive, though the S7's 4.5-second sprint to 60 mph still beats both. Power delivery is velvety smooth and lag-free, and the nine-speed Speedshift transmission is quick-shifting and responsive. Comfort mode dials back the enthusiasm and turns the GT 43 into a comfortable and quiet cruiser, while Sport+ mode's hair-trigger throttle response can make smooth driving a tricky affair as the GT 43 bolts forward at the merest brush of the accelerator. Sport mode is best, making the car feel alert and responsive and adding just enough weight to the steering. The suspension firms up appreciably in the sportier modes but never becomes punishing and delivers the type of ride expected of a performance sedan - firm but comfortable. We reckon it strikes just the right balance for an entry-level AMG.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43's mpg figures are unimpressive, despite its mild-hybrid tech, with the EPA's gas mileage estimates for the city/highway/combined cycles being 19/24/21 mpg. For comparison's sake, both the gas 840i xDrive and the more powerful S7 beat it with figures of 21/29/24 mpg and 19/26/22 mpg, respectively.

With a fuel tank capacity of 21.1 gallons, expect a range of around 443 miles on a full tank.

There is no NHTSA safety review of the Mercedes-AMG GT 43, and the IIHS hasn't tested it either. The GT should be as safe as the E-Class, on which it is mechanically based - that car scored highly in safety reviews.

Seven airbags are fitted, but these exclude rear side airbags - which you'll pay $700 extra for. Naturally, ABS, stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, and a rearview camera are standard too. Standard driver assists include forward-collision warning, automatic braking initiation, a surround-view camera, driver-alertness monitoring, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic LED headlights, automatic parking, and rain-sensing wipers. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and an active speed-limit assistant cost extra.

J.D. Power doesn't have enough data to give the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 a reliability rating, but we have no reason to believe that the AMG GT will stray from the brand's excellent reputation. This seems to be underscored by the GT lineup's recent recall history as well, with the 2023 GT so far only being recalled for a malfunctioning fuel pump that may cause a loss of drive power. This recall also applies to the 2022 GT, in addition to two more - a misrouted wiring harness that may short-circuit and a steering-wheel hands-off software problem that may cause the optional adaptive cruise control to work incorrectly.

The basic warranty of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is valid for four years/50,000 miles - the same as the powertrain warranty, the corrosion warranty, and the roadside assistance.

The AMG GT four-door sits on a wheelbase that's half an inch longer than that of the E-Class. It's a good five inches longer than the more humdrum sedan, too. It is sleeky and attractive, with the front and rear gently sloping away on either side of an arched, coupe-style roofline. Even the GT 43's stance is wide and aggressive, but the standard 19-inch ten-spoke AMG alloy wheels don't fill out the wheel arches quite as well as some of the many extra-cost 20s and 21s on offer.

AMG exterior treatment includes flared sills, a color-coded front splitter, big air intakes in the front bumper, quad exhausts in the rear diffuser insert, and a multi-stage electrically deploying decklid spoiler. It also comes with all-LED exterior lighting, and a power tilting/sliding sunroof, which can be upgraded to a panoramic roof. The exterior brightwork can be blacked out via an optional AMG Night package.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is an accomplished entry-level AMG product, but it doesn't quite stand out in any particular area. It's fair value compared to other GT models and the competing BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, but it looks expensive next to its far cheaper CLS 450 4Matic stablemate - the same applies to the quicker and more powerful Audi S7, which comfortably undercuts the Merc on price even in its most expensive Prestige trim. The AMG GT 43 is not very generously equipped either, leaving items such as leather upholstery and adaptive cruise control on the options list, which is a bit cheeky at this price level. Consider also that a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing costs about the same and is an absolute riot to drive with 668 hp and an available manual transmission. The GT 43 doesn't do enough to make an impression in this esteemed company.