GT 4-Door Coupé (X290) [Official] Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé

[Deleted member 1071]

At the end of the day, automobiles such as the M-B-AMG GT 4 door, BMW M8, Audi RS6/RS7 and Panamera Turbos represent the swan songs of a genre on the threshold of embarking on the path taken by dinosaurs. Sad yet inevitible. Mate Rimac, for example, has given us some very enlightening clues with regard to the future of high-performance automobiles. As is Porsche with the soon-to-be introduced Taycan.

 

[martinbo]

The difference is this car is unique and it's been developed and honed by AMG and is an AMG stand alone model, not a Mercedes model and then AMG version developed later. The 8 series is developed and built by BMW and not M division (that will be the M8 when it comes out) no matter there is platform sharing, there is a difference.

I agree that there is a difference to an extent but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves - everything in the auto industry is relative.

The AMG GT 4 is not developed from the ground up as something entirely unique; very few cars these days are. The AMG gets a unique body over what is a commonly applied platform with shared powertrains and componentry. Yes, it's got a great engine - possibly the best performance engine in the world if ubiquity is a criterion - but it's ostensibly the same engine with the wick turned up as in a C-Class. Same goes for the transmission, driveline, sub-assemblies and so on. It's a badge engineered car and there's nothing that it uniquely features from a mechanical perspective that could not be applied in an E63S and a - theoretical - CLS63 AMG for that matter. That the GT 4 ended up 200 kg heavier is clear testimony to having to work with what you've been given as opposed to realising something truly unique from the outset.

From a product line up perspective the AMG GT 4 is curiosity for me and the fact that there's no CLS63 bears this out. I'd give my eye teeth to see how Daimler structures their financial ledgers because, if I put two n two together, the GT 4 has been developed to not only increase revenues for the Mercedes AMG profit centre but to also relieve a portion of the R&D expenditure borne earlier by Mercedes Benz in the base model development cycle before it becomes an AMG. Again, the lack of a CLS 63 (compared with there being a GT 4 63/53/43) suggests a distribution of costs and revenue into the Mercedes AMG business unit.
It's supposition on my part of course but still a point for discussion. It would be magic if our industry insiders could contribute / shed light here.

In the end, though, it's just the car industry and all undertakings - no matter how philosophically noble they may appear to be - are done with one aim in mind: make more money. Ultimately, cars are only as special as what the marketing portrays which the general public perceives.

So, the AMG GT 4 is special. To an extent.

 

[Rolf]

I guess nowadays the car manufacturers want to maximize profits as much as possible and launch many models on the same platforms so in effect compared to models of yesteryear they are less unique. Many cars from say 30 to 40 years ago would only share engines, gearboxes and interior trim with unique chassis. The bean counters nowadays probably have the first say before any engineer or designer with their creative pens can be let free to do what they want.

 

[klier]

The difference is this car is unique and it's been developed and honed by AMG and is an AMG stand alone model, not a Mercedes model and then AMG version developed later. The 8 series is developed and built by BMW and not M division (that will be the M8 when it comes out) no matter there is platform sharing, there is a difference.

So gullible it's incredible.

And the people who agree with you should hide in shame. Just WOW.

 

[Rolf]

So gullible it's incredible.

And the people who agree with you should hide in shame. Just WOW.

Gullible to what? Does it really matter? Every single brand is platform sharing nowadays. Your beloved brand is a good example, from 3 series up to 8 series using the same new platform. So in future we can say the 8 series is actually a propped up 4 series and then you and all the other BMW fans will say no they not related at all. Just look at the interior of the 8 series, Z4, X5 and G20 they all share the same vents design, gearshifter and surround controls and door handles and infotainment screen design. Does the CEO owner of THE 8 series feel ecstatic that his supervisor has bought a 318i with very much similar interior for half the price?

 

[klier]

Gullible to what? Does it really matter? Every single brand is platform sharing nowadays. Your beloved brand is a good example, from 3 series up to 8 series using the same new platform. So in future we can say the 8 series is actually a propped up 4 series and then you and all the other BMW fans will say no they not related at all. Just look at the interi...

Exactly, so why did you put up that nonsense above about standalone AMG models and whatever? You and me both know that crazy named car is just a taxi in drag clothing.

In the one story you tell A and in the next it's B. Stick to one.

 

[Rolf]

Exactly, so why did you put up that nonsense above about standalone AMG models and whatever? You and me both know that crazy named car is just a taxi in drag clothing.

In the one story you tell A and in the next it's B. Stick to one.

Well I get what you coming at, but this car is built and developed/honed by AMG and not Mercedes, if it was a Mercedes then it will be badged that way. Technically its based on an E-class chassis, but AMG has done many changes to the mechanicals that are unique to this model. It has 4WS and other parts, etc. which are not shared with any E-class including the AMG E63. That does make it unique in some ways.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

In my opinion the biggest difference between the AMG GT 4 door and E class AMG is the exterior design and I doubt that the exterior of the GT4 door is designed by AMG, but rather by Wagener's team.

 

[klier]

Well I get what you coming at, but this car is built and developed/honed by AMG and not Mercedes, if it was a Mercedes then it will be badged that way.

E class in drag, like I said.

 

[Wolfgang]

In my opinion the biggest difference between the AMG GT 4 door and E class AMG is the exterior design and I doubt that the exterior of the GT4 door is designed by AMG, but rather by Wagener's team.

This gentleman might have had a hand in it?

https://www.germancarforum.com/threads/mercedes-amg-project-one.57526/page-22#post-869009

 

[Merc1]

GT43 at Paris:

M

 

[Centurion]

It good to see the car in colours and I hope we'll soon no longer seen it on the matte black that makes it resemble an oversized hog.

 

[Laurent T]

It good to see the car in colours and I hope we'll soon no longer seen it on the matte black that makes it resemble an oversized hog.

Very good point. Press pictures seem not to do any justice to the car, in particular with matt paint. It does look better in those Motor Show shots...

 

[Deleted member 1071]

It amazes me just how much my perception of this car has changed. From unconditional dislike...to cautious scepticism...to acceptance...and now...I love this outrageous, crazy monster of a car. As long as it doesn't sport black rims and matte paint, that is.

 

[Pagani]

It amazes me just how much my perception of this car has changed. From unconditional dislike...to cautious scepticism...to acceptance...and now...I love this outrageous, crazy monster of a car. As long as it doesn't sport black rims and matte paint, that is.

Same for me. It is now my favorite Mercedes. It replaced the AMG GT two-seater. The fact it is based on a station wagon no longer bothers me.

 

[Merc1]

They just used the E wagon because it is the strongest out of the E-Class group. It's a non issue, only a benefit in reality.

M

 

[Amat46]

Same for me. It is now my favorite Mercedes. It replaced the AMG GT two-seater. The fact it is based on a station wagon no longer bothers me.

It is not based an any station wagon!!

This car is built on a Modular Rear Architecture platform which underpins the E class Range too

 

[Deleted member 1071]

It is not based an any station wagon!!

This car is built on a Modular Rear Architecture platform which underpins the E class Range too

I do believe that certain components from the S213-specific MRA matrix were adapted in order to ensure the X290s' increased torsional rigidity. Perhaps one of our resident industry professionals can confirm this.

 

[Monster]

I do believe that certain components from the S213-specific MRA matrix were adapted in order to ensure the X290s' increased torsional rigidity. Perhaps one of our resident industry professionals can confirm this.

If I remember correctly the S213 has reinforced rear structure to cope with the wagon shape and load carrying capacity. It is mentioned in a few reviews but not specifically.

 

[Centurion]

Very good point. Press pictures seem not to do any justice to the car, in particular with matt paint. It does look better in those Motor Show shots...

Many people here will be surprised by the sheer presence of this car. It's huge and don't drive passed you unnoticed like an E-Class or CLS.