Mercedes-AMG GT coupe

Until the introduction of the Mercedes-AMG GT, high-performance Mercedes were typically brutishly fast, but lacking in real driver appeal; exhilarating acceleration and growling engines weren’t really matched by fun in corners. The AMG GT has all the power you’d expect, but it’s also a real sports car.

The AMG GT is the effective replacement for the dramatic Mercedes SLS AMG – a super grand tourer with gullwing doors that retired from the top of the range in 2015. The new car still tops the Mercedes range, but it’s considerably cheaper than the old SLS; it doesn’t have the same dramatic doors, but it’s priced to take on the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type rather than Ferraris and Lamborghinis. It’s still a deeply special car to look at, drive and lust after, however.

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The standard GT is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 470bhp, but there’s also an AMG GT S with 515bhp. Both are rear-wheel drive and come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. If you want even more performance, the GT C is endowed with 549bhp and has performance components from the ultimate, track-focused 577bhp AMG GT R, which is now no longer available. The GT C gets more aggressive bodywork and a titanium exhaust, among other goodies. Although its extreme styling might split opinion, it is certainly the best of the lot in terms of sheer performance.

All GT models strike a good balance between performance, sporty handling and comfort, and all are very quick; the standard model manages 0-62mph in four seconds, the GT S in 3.8 and the GT C in 3.7. All have top speeds of over 180mph, with the GT C stopping just shy of 200mph.

Inside, all models are luxurious and can be filled with gadgets, with options like a 10-speaker Burmester stereo, a panoramic sunroof and keyless entry available on even the sportiest version. Just like its 911 rival, the AMG GT doesn’t make you sacrifice much to enjoy even the most potent model in the range.

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While it’s true that the car is comfortable enough to use regularly, the running costs might put you off actually doing so. Mercedes says an average of 23mpg fuel economy is possible, but drive the GT with any kind of enthusiasm (as you’ll certainly want to do) and you can expect that figure to at least halve. CO2 emissions are relatively reasonable – but in truth, efficiency is neither the point nor the strong suit of any car in this class.

As you’d expect from a Mercedes, particularly one this expensive, the AMG GT comes with plenty of standard equipment, including power-adjustable heated sports seats, internet connectivity, DAB radio and LED headlights.

The 'basic' model costs just over £100,000, the AMG GT S adds another £13,000 and the GT C another £30,000. Whichever model you choose, you won’t be disappointed, as the Mercedes is beautiful to look at inside and out, as well as excellent to drive.