Mercedes-AMG has been known for its powerful V8 engines and growling exhaust notes. We consider them to be cars for the extrovert, and certainly not for the faint-hearted. But well before it was established as an semi-independent performance wing for the making of all Merc-AMG models today, it started out independently as a tuning firm that tweaked and fiddled with a range of cars in the past. It was founded by three German engineers who had a soft-spot for tuning Merc’s cars. And over the years, the two, having partnered, have given the world some exotic machines. We shortlist some of their best offerings in India.
1) Mercedes-AMG GT-R
This is no ordinary GT S Coupe; this is hardcore version, so you’ll notice a wider front-end and rear-end, a massive rear diffuser, lightweight forged alloy wheels, a fixed win, outrageous bodywork, titanium exhausts, forged alloy wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes. Staring you in the face is the huge ‘Panamericana’ grille that boasts of vertical chrome slats and an angrier-looking front bumper.
Inside, the cockpit looks familiar, but is all-black, along with yellow seat belts and contrast stitching, while you will also notice some Alcantara in some places. Additional options include a four-point belt harness, a fire-extinguisher, sports seats and a roll cage, of all things. But these fittings make it a bit too extreme for road use.
The AMG GT-R is loud and angry in every possible way. It growls when you fire it up, particularly in Race and Sport+ mode. It is powered by a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 that makes 576bhp and 700Nm of torque. Engine responses are terrific and it just darts ahead in unimaginable urgency, feeling almost muscle car-like. Lots of pops and crackles can be heard on the overrun. It stays glued to the tarmac and is far more serious when cornering. It’s one of the ultimate Mercedes-benz cars on sale in India.
2) Mercedes-AMG E63 S
The E63 is based on the regular E-Class sedan sold overseas, and we love how much angrier, lighter and muscular the E63 is to behold. It get receives a nice design touch, in the form of a coupe-like bonnet opening on top. And then you get the sportier bits, like the more aggressive-looking bumpers, gorgeous 20-inch rims, quad exhausts at the rear and a two-slat grille up-front. There’s no mistaking it for anything other than an E-Class; albeit, a muscled-up version.
The overall layout of the dashboard is just like the one on the E-Class, but the instrument cluster is fully digital, which looks fitting on a car of this type. AMG buyers are sure to love it, and it features ventilation and heating for the front seats. Space at the rear is, comparatively, lesser than what you get on the long-wheelbase E-Class, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be fighting for room. But it doesn’t get recline feature from its long-wheelbase sibling.
The E63 sounds wonderful, to say the least. The rumble picks up in tone as you rev the engine, and it’s really, really quick. It can sprint from 0-100kph in just 3.4 seconds, and pushes you back into your seat in doing so. And the 9-speed transmission is always willing to shift quickly. The steering has good weight to it and provides massive amounts of grip around corners. Buyers also have the option of having ceramic discs bolted-on.
3) Mercedes-AMG G63
Despite its boxy proportions, it is still a dream machine for many, including children. It looks tough, rugged and ready to talk on whatever comes in its way. The silhouette hasn’t changed, but the detailing has. It now features a new grille, multi-beam LED headlights, with an LED ring around. And the softer-edged bumpers get a matte-silver kick plate. Those 22-inch wheels make it stand tall and the side-exit exhausts are the coolest things on this AMG. The tail-mounted spare wheel remains, but the tail lights are new LED units.
You’ve got to climb in to the G-Wagen, giving you the feeling of a truck driver. Once seated, you sit high up, with visibility that’ll have you looking over almost every car’s roof. The interior, though simple in appeal, is beautifully built with leather and carbon fibre details. There are lots of buttons and controls to fidget with and the 12.3-inch screens look modern. Everything feels expensive, and the seats are wide and well bolstered. There’s also lots of room in the boot, for if and when, you sent out on a road trip.
Under the bonnet resides a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that produces 576bhp and a whopping 850Nm of torque. It charges ahead from 0-100kph in just 4.5 seconds and sounds really loud while at it. Also, grab the latest info on Kia Seltos, only at autoX.
