The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT stands as a testament to the fusion of high-performance engineering and luxurious design that the AMG marque represents. While the coupe and convertible versions have been discontinued for 2022, the striking four-door coupe sedan remains, offering a unique blend of sports car aesthetics and sedan practicality. This review delves into the intricacies of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT, exploring its performance capabilities, interior comforts, technological advancements, and overall value in the competitive luxury sport sedan market. Available in GT 43 and GT 53 trims, the 2022 AMG GT aims to deliver an exhilarating driving experience without compromising on the opulence and sophistication expected from a Mercedes-Benz.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT offers two compelling engine options, each designed to deliver signature AMG power and responsiveness. The GT 43 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the AMG GT 53 elevates performance with an enhanced version of the same inline-six, now churning out 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Both engines benefit from Mercedes-Benz’s mild-hybrid technology, providing an electric boost for smoother acceleration and improved efficiency.
In Edmunds testing, the AMG GT 53 showcased its athletic prowess, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 4.5 seconds. This places it squarely in competition with other six-cylinder sport sedans like the Audi S7 and BMW 840i Gran Coupe. The standard all-wheel-drive system ensures confident traction in various driving conditions, while the 9-speed automatic transmission provides rapid and seamless gear changes.
However, while the engine performance is undeniably strong, the overall driving experience of the 2022 AMG GT faces stiff competition. Although it corners with commendable flatness thanks to its adaptive sport suspension, the steering feel is noted to lack the precision desired in a truly exceptional sport sedan. Furthermore, braking performance in emergency situations was deemed “off the mark” in testing, despite feeling adequate in normal driving scenarios. The wide turning radius also slightly diminishes its agility in tighter urban environments. When considering rivals like the Porsche Panamera and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, the AMG GT, while sporty, doesn’t quite achieve the same level of dynamic sharpness and handling finesse.
Luxurious Interior and Technology
The interior of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT is a showcase of modern luxury and advanced technology. The cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, including refined wood trim and supple leather upholstery, creating an ambiance of premium sophistication. The layout is driver-focused, with a sporty yet elegant design language that is unmistakably Mercedes-Benz.
At the heart of the technology interface is Mercedes-Benz’s acclaimed MBUX infotainment system. This system, while feature-rich and powerful, has a learning curve due to its extensive capabilities. Navigation is intuitive through the touchscreen interface or the center console touchpad. Physical buttons are thoughtfully integrated for quick access to essential functions like navigation and media. Adding a touch of futuristic flair, some center console buttons are actually small screens, though these can suffer from washout when viewed with polarized sunglasses.
The MBUX navigation system stands out for its clarity and ease of use, avoiding the cluttered displays found in some competitors. Voice command functionality is exceptionally advanced, allowing for natural language inputs to control various vehicle functions, from climate settings to radio stations, and even to request jokes. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration provide seamless smartphone connectivity, although wireless connectivity is not offered. A wireless charging pad is included, though its placement within the cupholder area is not ideal. Multiple USB-C ports are available in both the front and rear rows, catering to modern device charging needs.
Comfort and Practicality
While designed as a performance sedan, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT also aims to provide a comfortable and practical driving experience. However, in this aspect, it presents a mixed bag. The AMG GT 53’s suspension is tuned for sportiness, resulting in a firmer ride compared to some rivals like the Audi S7 and BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. While highway cruising on smooth surfaces is pleasant, road imperfections are more noticeable within the cabin. Wind and road noise levels are also higher than ideal for a luxury sedan in this class. The engine note, however, is praised for its pleasingly sporty sound.
The optional AMG Performance seats in the test vehicle were noted to be thinly padded and lacking in adjustability without opting for an additional package. Heated and ventilated seats are available as options, as is a rear bench seat to increase passenger capacity to five. Despite these criticisms, the front seats are generally comfortable, and the rear bucket seats offer good padding.
In terms of practicality, the AMG GT’s “four-door coupe” styling does impact ingress and egress. The low roofline and wide doorsills require occupants to duck and step in awkwardly, a challenge further accentuated by the heavily bolstered Performance seats. Once inside, the low driving position and small windows contribute to limited outward visibility, although the surround-view camera system is a valuable aid in mitigating this.
Despite its coupe-like profile, the 2022 AMG GT offers reasonable storage. The rear hatch design provides a practical cargo area, although at 12.7 cubic feet, it is less spacious than some competitors. The tall rear bumper also makes loading items slightly less convenient. In-cabin storage is average for the class, with adequately sized door pockets and center console storage. However, the cupholders are criticized for being too deep and awkwardly positioned, potentially interfering with the wireless charging pad. Families with young children may find car seat installation slightly challenging due to the sloping roofline and deeply set anchor points within the bucket-style seats.
Fuel Economy and Value
Fuel economy for the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 53 is EPA-estimated at 21 mpg combined (19 city/25 highway). Real-world testing by Edmunds yielded 22.4 mpg on a mixed driving loop. While this is better than V8-powered rivals, it falls short of some six-cylinder competitors, many of which are also more affordable.
From a value perspective, the 2022 AMG GT presents a compelling, yet complex proposition. It embodies the luxurious feel and sophisticated design expected of a Mercedes-Benz, with a well-appointed interior and available high-end features. However, when considering the overall package against competitors, the AMG GT’s value becomes less clear-cut. Rivals from BMW, Audi, and Cadillac offer comparable or even superior performance, including V8 engine options, at a potentially lower price point.
The standard Mercedes-Benz warranty of four years/50,000 miles is typical for the class, including powertrain and corrosion coverage, along with roadside assistance. However, unlike some competitors, complimentary scheduled maintenance is not included, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Quick acceleration, especially in the AMG GT 53 trim
- User-friendly and feature-rich MBUX infotainment system
- Sport seats provide good support without feeling restrictive
Cons:
- Limited interior storage options due to compact size
- Noticeable road noise on less-than-perfect road surfaces
- Blind spots created by large pillars and small mirrors
- Overall driving dynamics not as sharp as some rivals
- Value proposition questionable compared to competitors offering similar or better performance for less
Conclusion
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT is a stylish and potent luxury sport sedan that successfully merges AMG performance with Mercedes-Benz refinement. It offers thrilling acceleration, a technologically advanced and luxurious interior, and a distinctive design. However, in a highly competitive segment, the AMG GT faces challenges in terms of overall driving dynamics, ride comfort, and value compared to key rivals. For buyers prioritizing AMG’s distinctive blend of performance and luxury styling in a four-door coupe format, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT remains an appealing choice, particularly in the more powerful AMG GT 53 guise. However, those seeking the ultimate in driving sharpness or outright value may find more compelling options elsewhere in the luxury sport sedan landscape. For the 2022 model year, the AMG GT 53 is recommended as the better trim, offering a more satisfying power delivery.
