Mercedes-AMG GT 53 arrives as an 800km electric grand tourer

Mercedes-AMG has added a ‘more affordable’ entry point to its new electric GT 4-Door Coupe range, though the GT 53 still produces 400kW and travels more than 800km between charges.

The electric fastback uses two motors for all-wheel drive, with combined outputs of 400kW and 800Nm. Mercedes-AMG says it reaches 100km/h in 3.9 seconds using the conventional measurement, or 3.5 seconds with a one-foot rollout.

Top speed is electronically limited to 230km/h, rising to 250km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

Those figures place the GT 53 below the more powerful GT 55 and GT 63, but it makes a strong case as a long-distance grand tourer. Its 106kWh usable battery provides between 682km and 809km of WLTP range depending on specification, while urban range can reach 880km. Energy consumption is rated at between 15.6 and 18.5kWh/100km.

Charging performance is particularly impressive on paper. The 800-volt electrical system supports a maximum DC rate of 600kW, allowing a 10 to 80% charge in a claimed 11 minutes.

The car can also use 400-volt charging infrastructure, automatically switching its electrical system to suit. AC charging is limited to 11kW.

Two motors and two gears

A permanently excited synchronous motor drives the rear wheels through a two-speed transmission. Its short first gear is intended to improve acceleration and urban efficiency, while the taller second ratio takes over at higher speeds.

A second motor powers the front axle and acts as a booster when more performance or traction is required. It can disconnect under lighter loads, leaving the car in rear-wheel drive to reduce energy use.

AMG Ride Control air suspension with adaptive dampers is standard, offering Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings, and the 4Matic+ system continuously varies the torque sent to each axle.

Despite carrying its battery beneath the floor, the new GT sits 40mm lower than its predecessor. It measures 5094mm long, 1959mm wide and 1411mm tall, on a 3040mm wheelbase.

It is no lightweight at 2375kg, although a drag coefficient of 0.21 helps its efficiency.

Active aerodynamics include a rear spoiler that stays hidden below 150km/h before adjusting its angle to improve stability, downforce or efficiency. An optional active rear diffuser extends the body contour to reduce drag at higher speeds.

AMG sound without the six-cylinder engine

Although the GT 53 is electric, AMG has not completely abandoned combustion-engine theatrics.

Its AMGForce Sport+ mode introduces simulated gear changes and an artificial soundtrack based on the 3.0-litre inline six previously used by the AMG E 53 Coupe. Drivers can change gears manually using paddles behind the steering wheel.

AMG says it recorded the original engine from 16 microphone positions, completing more than 100 measurements to reproduce its sound. Owners can adjust the result using Powerful, Balanced and Minimal settings, along with a slider ranging from classic to futuristic.

The cabin features a 14-inch central display angled towards the driver, digital instruments and an optional passenger screen. Four individual seats are fitted, while a panoramic glass roof can switch between transparent and opaque in separate sections.

Boot capacity is listed at 415 litres using the VDA standard, along with a 41-litre storage compartment beneath the bonnet.

New Zealand availability and pricing are yet to be announced.