Not content with dominating the race tracks of the world with their World Championship winning Formula 1 car, Mercedes-AMG has now turned their attention to the fabled Nurburgring, where they have achieved a new record with their Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4MATIC+.
In the hands of Mercedes-AMG Development Engineer Demian Schaffert, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ is now officially the fastest fully-fledged four-seater production car to ever lap the Green Hell.
You might have to read a little closer, because Mercedes said “four-seater” and not “four-door”. If you are a little confused, we don’t blame you, because the outright record by a ‘four-door’ is actually held by the Jaguar XE SV Project 8.
Back in 2017, the limited-edition British sedan blitzed the ‘Ring with a lap time of 7:21.23. However, while having a four-door body shape, the 441kw Project 8 was fitted with the optional ‘Track Option’. This means it gains a roll-cage but loses its rear seats, meaning it is essentially a two-seater four-door.
The Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4MATIC+ was a standard production car, meaning, it had four seats. Powered by the biturbo 4.0-litre V8, the GT63 S has 470kw and 900nm, whilst all that power is sent to all corners via an AMG-tuned 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system – a system almost identical to that seen on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S.
While the Jaguar proved quicker than the 2 ton AMG around the 20km+ race track, the XE based Project 8 is actually a Mercedes-AMG C63 S rival in the real world, meaning it does not compete against the big GT63 S.
Compared against its real world rivals, the GT63 S proved quicker than both the BMW M5 and the highly modified AC Schnitzer M5, with 441kw and 515kw respectively. The standard M5 managed a best time of 7:38, while the specially prepared AC Schnitzer could only manage a 7:29. No lap time has been released for the 460kw M5 Competition, but expect it to be significantly quicker than the regular BMW M5.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa plan on launching the AMG GT four-door Coupe range early in 2019, with pricing released closer to its local launch.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4MATIC+ starts at around R2,850,000 in South Africa, making it a proper investment for those who want Nurburgring-proven performance with four proper seats.
Q: How much power does the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S have?
The GT63 S packs a serious punch with 470kW and 900Nm from its biturbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, all channelled through AMG's clever 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S faster than the BMW M5?
Absolutely, the GT63 S demolished the BMW M5 around the Nurburgring with a lap time that's 9 seconds quicker than the standard M5's 7:38 time, proving AMG's bragging rights on track.
Q: What makes the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S special compared to other super sedans?
The GT63 S holds the official Nurburgring record for the fastest four-seater production car, combining genuine supercar performance with the practicality of four proper seats and everyday usability.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S worth buying over its rivals?
If you've got nearly R3 million burning a hole in your pocket and want the ultimate bragging rights plus genuine track-day capability, the GT63 S delivers performance that puts BMW and Audi's best efforts to shame.
Should You Buy It?
The best track-focused luxury sedan under R3,000,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4MATIC+ at R2,850,000. With its Nurburgring record-breaking credentials, 470kW of biturbo V8 fury, and the rare combination of supercar performance with four proper seats, this AMG monster delivers on every promise. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if you want the ultimate super sedan that can embarrass supercars on track while still ferrying the family in supreme comfort. Just make sure your fuel budget can handle feeding that thirsty 4.0-litre beast.
