2015 Mercedes-AMG GT S | new car sales price

Mercedes confirms Australian pricing and details for the new Mercedes-AMG GT S.

Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 10,000 AMG performance models in this country since the iconic brand arrived here 20 years ago.

AMG comfortably outsells local performance outfit Holden Special Vehicles and BMW's M-Sport division and Audi's RS brand do not come close. Australia is one of the largest AMG markets.

The fact AMG until recently produced only V8-powered cars struck a chord with well-heeled Aussie punters looking for something sporty and loud. A dozen dedicated AMG Performance Centres will cater to such buyers around the country and the opening of the first in Brisbane coincided with the sale of the 10,000th AMG — an S63 model to a local customer.

AMG boss Tobias Moers flew from Germany to open the outlet and mark the arrival of the newest model, the sensational AMG GT S. Moers says the centres will give buyers direct access for technical assistance to global HQ in Affalterbach, Germany. "Our centres will be staffed by highly motivated people, experts who live and breathe AMG," he says.

It's considerably faster around the Nurburgring than the SLS despite having less power

"We already have around 400 of these Performance Centres in 27 countries." There are more than 20 AMG models available here and more are on the way including four- cylinder and V6 powered vehicles. Moers says all will have the AMG feel and sporty performance.

The AMG GT S, priced from $295,000, is aimed directly at the Porsche Carrera, in particular the GT models, as well as the F-Type Jag, Audi R8 and others. It's a long, sleek, coupe-style car with a distinct profile, the two-seater cabin set virtually over the rear axle.

A limited number of Edition One spec GT Ss will be available from launch, which for $315,000 includes additional body aerodynamic kit, carbon roof, specific forged wheels, blacked out body panels and more. There are GT and GT S variants overseas but initially only the S comes here.

Benz says the GT S is not a replacement for the SLS Gullwing — but, with other models on the GT S platform under development, that can be taken with a grain of salt. It's considerably faster around the Nurburgring than the SLS despite having less power. The GT S's V8 is nestled in behind the front axle and the gearbox and limited-slip diff are mounted at the rear, transaxle-style, endowing weight distribution of 47-53 front to rear. 

Performance is astonishing with the 0-100kmh sprint clocked in 3.8 seconds

The engine, shared with the C63 AMG sedan and wagon in slightly different tune, passes stringent Euro6 emissions regulations and can consume as little as 9.4L/100km.

Weight is kept to about 1540kg (80kg lighter than the SLS) thanks to the "hybrid" construction that uses aluminium, steel, magnesium and carbon-fibre. Exhaust flaps open to emit a strident V8 "blat" under full throttle and on overrun. Performance is astonishing with the 0-100kmh sprint clocked in 3.8 seconds.

Styling is striking, complete with a wide stance and family style Benz front face. The cabin features a large infotainment screen, premium audio, numerous driver assist features and gorgeous leather-trimmed race seats. 

Mercedes-AMG GT S
Price: from $295,000
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin turbo, 375kW/650Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual; RWD
Thirst: 9.4L/100km
0-100KM/H:  3.8 secs
Weight: 1540kg