Despite the difficult economy, the incessant rise of SUVs, and Mercedes-Benz having committed to only launching new electric platforms (not models) starting in 2025, the carmaker will introduce us to the second-generation (2024) Mercedes-AMG GT later this year. And, for those of you willing to buy a coupe, or at least dreaming about it as I do, this is a big deal.
Prototypes of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT are currently completing the final testing phase, so these test cars reveal plenty of details. So while, especially with a bit of camo still on, the second-generation GT doesn’t look that different from the outgoing model, there are important changes in the powertrain department, as well as on the inside.
The second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT offers 2+2 seating on the aluminum platform of the new SL
While the retiring model was offered both as a Coupe and as a Roadster alongside the ex-gen SL, which also served both roles thanks to its folding metal top, things have changed.
Mercedes developed an all-new aluminum spaceframe platform for the R232 SL introduced last year—this comes with a soft top now—and the upcoming 2024 GT, which will only be offered as a coupe.
As far as the interior goes, both the new SL and the second-gen GT now offer 2+2 seating as standard, a feature that positions them closer to the evergreen German sportscar/supercar that is the Porsche 911, which is getting its fair share of hybridization.
2024 Mercedes-AMG GT engine range, AMG plug-in hybrid magic included
The powertrains offered on the second-gen Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe are expected to be borrowed from the R232 SL. That would involve a GT 43 (M139 2.0L turbo-four with 375 hp and 354 lb-ft) as the entry point, albeit with this probably not offered in the US (as is the case with the SL 43).
Then we’d have a pair of models offering two power levels for the carmaker’s M177 DE40LA twin-turbo 4.0L V8: the GT 55 (469 hp, 516 lb-ft) and GT 63 (577 hp, 590 lb-ft).
However, the automaker has already confirmed that the SL will also be sold with a more powerful hybrid V8 powertrain, and the 2024 GT Coupe should follow suit—expect this to be the muscle of the GT 63 S E Performance four-door coupe (different platform), meaning a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 paired with a rear-mounted electric motor and a 6.1 kWh battery pack for a total of 831 hp and 1,032 lb-ft of twist.
The V8 dedication commended by the status of the GT Coupe, with the said outputs, should mean that the sports car won’t inherit the plug-in hybrid unit introduced by the C 63 S E Performance. This is a 2.0L turbo-four mixed with a rear-mounted electric motor and a 6.1 kWh battery pack for a total of 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.
Pricing-wise, expect the 2024 GT to sit just below the SL Roadster. In North America, the 2023 SL 55 packs an MSRP of $137,400 while the more powerful and feature-loaded SL 63 start at $178,100.
Check out the final-stage prototypes in the spy video below for more clues on the production model
Thanks to multiple 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe prototypes brought together in the CarSpyMedia clip below, we can catch a glimpse of the interior, and (surprise-surprise!) things are looking mighty similar to the R232 SL.
More importantly, when the prototypes are not flying around on the Nurburgring to reinforce the Beast of the Green Hell marketing the outgoing car enjoyed, obvious V8 soundtrack and all, we get to see a charging point on the right side of the rear bumper. Fingers crossed for that 800+ hp plug-in hybrid!
And while we wait for the official unveiling, this leaked image from the beginning of the year should serve as a tasty appetizer.
