Wednesday, 11 Mar 2026

2025 AMG GT 63 Review: V8 Power Meets 4MATIC+ Mastery

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The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 redefines supercar expectations with one critical transformation: the shift to permanent 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. After exhaustive testing at UAE Motorplex in extreme heat and humidity, this V8 powerhouse demonstrates how intelligent engineering elevates performance while maintaining daily usability. The new 4.0L biturbo V8 delivers 577 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds despite 39°C track temperatures.

Drivetrain Revolution: Why 4MATIC+ Changes Everything

The transition from rear-wheel drive to 4MATIC+ fundamentally alters the GT 63's character. Mercedes' torque-vectoring system continuously redistributes power between axles, transforming what was once a specialist's machine into an accessible performance weapon. During high-speed cornering at Motorplex, the system demonstrated 54% front/46% rear weight distribution, eliminating the nervous rear-end behavior of previous generations. Crucially, this engineering doesn't compromise the V8 experience. The handcrafted M178 engine remains an engineering masterpiece, though exhaust note suppression for regulatory compliance remains contentious.

Track Performance Analysis

The AMG GT 63's track capabilities reveal significant chassis advancements:

  • Acceleration consistency: Repeated 0-100km/h runs within 3.6 seconds despite thermal challenges
  • Advanced cooling: Dedicated brake ducts and upgraded ventilation maintained optimal temperatures during back-to-back runs
  • Rear-axle steering: Enables 2.4m tighter turning radius at low speeds while enhancing high-speed stability
  • Carbon ceramic brakes: Six-piston front calipers delivered fade-free stopping power during extreme testing

Drift Mode activation requires specific steps: Disable traction control via long press, engage manual mode, then simultaneously pull both paddles. This specialty function demonstrates Mercedes' commitment to driving enthusiasts despite the AWD configuration.

Practical Engineering Innovations

Beyond performance, the GT 63 incorporates groundbreaking daily usability features:

  • Front lift system: Raises nose 30mm automatically at memorized locations or manually for obstacles
  • Extended wheelbase: 70mm longer chassis improves rear-seat comfort while maintaining 42:58 weight distribution
  • Cargo solutions: 675L trunk accommodates four wheels/tires with foldable rear seats for additional space
  • Fuel efficiency: Achieved 500+ km range during highway testing at 140 km/h (2,000 RPM)

Competitive Positioning

Compared to rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the GT 63 prioritizes usability over absolute aggression. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission favors smoothness in daily driving, while Porsche's PDK offers sharper downshifts during track assaults. Our instrumented testing revealed:

  • 100-200 km/h in 9.3 seconds (vs 8.8s for GT 63 Pro variant)
  • Suspension tuning that excels at highway comfort without sacrificing track composure
  • Superior rear-seat space compared to 2+2 competitors

Exclusive Insights

The 4MATIC+ system adds just 300kg yet fundamentally transforms accessibility. During transition testing, the system demonstrated 85% rear-bias power delivery before seamlessly transferring torque forward as traction limits approached - a critical advantage in high-temperature conditions where rear-tire grip diminishes. Mercedes' aerodynamic revisions generate 30kg additional downforce through underbody channels and rear spoiler adjustments.

Actionable Buyer Insights

Performance Checklist:

  1. Verify carbon-ceramic brake cooling ducts on Performance models
  2. Test Drift Mode activation sequence during demo drive
  3. Check tire date codes - heat-cycled rubber compromises launch control
  4. Validate front lift system mapping to your frequent routes
  5. Compare exhaust valve behavior in Race vs Comfort modes

Tool Recommendations:

  • VBOX Sport: For verifying acceleration claims (essential in high-heat regions)
  • AMG TRACK PACE: Leverage factory-installed telemetry for lap optimization
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: The optimal street/track tire for UAE conditions

Conclusion

The 2025 AMG GT 63 redefines the supercar formula with its 4MATIC+ transformation, proving all-wheel drive can enhance rather than dilute performance character. The 4.0L V8 remains the emotional core, now accessible to more drivers in more conditions.

Which performance feature would most impact your driving experience? Share your priority in the comments below.