2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 slots in below the GT 53 and the hardcore V8-powered 63 models. With fewer cylinders, these straight-six, four-door coupes seem to disappear in Mercedes-AMG's convoluted maze of models that grows by the day. The GT 43 is the baby of the GT family and is powered by a detuned version of the turbocharged inline-six engine found in the GT 53. With 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft on tap, the GT 43 is not a slow car at all, providing more power than competitors such as the Porsche Panamera and BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe in base form. The GT 43 is more than just numbers: its interior is an elegant and luxurious space, and the cabin is littered with advanced tech such as Mercedes-Benz's fantastic MBUX infotainment system. This car deserves more time in the spotlight, but Mercedes-AMG has put it in a sticky situation where it competes with its siblings rather than outsiders.

Mercedes-AMG likes to call the GT 43 a coupe despite it having four doors. We get why; this is one sleek car, and its long, low and wide stance looks more coupe than traditional four-door sedan. The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 features unique AMG styling bits and pieces such as a deep front apron with a color-matched front splitter and large side intake, flared side sills, and a black diffuser in the back with four rounded tailpipes. The GT 43 rolls on a set of 19-inch AMG 10-spoke wheels and features full LED lighting, a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, and a multi-stage active rear spoiler. Mercedes-AMG offers its customers a wide range of customization options, including ten wheel options, a panorama roof, and the AMG Night Package, which adds black accents to the exterior.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is classified as an executive car and features a five-door liftback body style. The GT 43 has similar dimensions to that of the Porsche Panamera and measures 199.2 inches in length. The GT 43 is 81.5 inches wide when one includes the wing mirrors and is 57.3 inches tall. This handsome German rolls on a 116.2-inch wheelbase and weighs 4,530 pounds.

This sleek machine is offered in a total of ten exterior paint colors. The two no-cost options on offer are Polar White and Jupiter Red. For an additional $750, you can choose between the following metallics: Obsidian Black, Cirrus Silver, Graphite Grey, or Starling Blue. For $1,750, you can paint your GT 43 in Manufaktur Diamond White metallic, or for $3,250, Mercedes-AMG offers the GT 43 in Manufaktur Selenite Grey Magno, Starling Blue Magno, or Graphite Grey Magno. We'll have ours in Black or Silver, thanks.

Being the baby of the Mercedes-AMG GT range doesn't mean that the GT 43 is an underpowered slow-poke; in fact, this AMG packs a rather serious punch thanks to a detuned version of the GT 53's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. With 362 hp at your disposal, the GT 43 never feels slow, and thanks to Mercedes-AMG's clever EQ Boost system, any sign of turbo lag is virtually eliminated. This 48-volt mild-hybrid system contributes 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and confidently boosts low down power. This combination of hybrid and turbo power results in one seriously smooth engine, and coupled with a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, results in a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.8 seconds and a limited top speed of 168 mph.

Don't let the word "detuned" fool you into thinking that this AMG isn't the real deal. The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4-door coupe is powered by a low-output version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter six found in the 429-hp GT 53. Under the hood of the GT 43, it produces a solid 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. This inline-six is helped along by an electric compressor which contributes 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The one characteristic of this powertrain setup is just how smooth it is. The inline-six configuration has always been considered one of the smoothest in the automotive world, but this unit is otherworldly and adds to the premium luxury feel of the rest of the car. Push down on the throttle, and its character changes from a buzz to a growl, and although you don't get a typical six-cylinder sound, it's still a pleasing cacophony of cylinders and boost. In and around the city, there's plenty of lowdown torque to get you through traffic, and on the highway, this Merc will happily cruise at illegal speeds and overtake other cars as if they're standing still. The GT 53 offers more grunt, but if you're not looking to drag race every second Tesla Model 3 on the road, the GT 43 will be more than enough.

Consider the GT 43 a quick highway cruiser and comfortable city sedan, and you'll be more than pleased. As with any other AMG product, the GT 43 can be set up for a more thrilling driving experience when needed: Comfort Mode makes the GT 43 feel somewhat lazy and unresponsive, which is unbecoming of its heritage, but Sport Plus Mode turns it into a snappy thing that likes to shoot off at the mere mention of any throttle input. We'd suggest settling for Sport Mode, which loads up the steering and makes the suspension just stiff enough for a balanced yet responsive drive. The 19-inch wheels also strike a good balance between grip and comfort, and with AWD by your side, corner exit speeds are impressive. The GT 43 doesn't mind being thrown into a set of corners, but don't expect any drift action. This car is more at home driving fast on the highway or cutting through city traffic.

Don't let the fact that the GT 43 has an electric hybrid powertrain fool you into thinking that this is some sort of German Prius. This is a performance car that has been tuned to deliver power over remarkable gas mileage. In the USA, the EPA rates that the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 will manage 19/25/21 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, which are identical figures to the more powerful GT 53. With a fuel capacity of 21.1 gallons, the GT 43 is good for 443 miles on a single tank.

Mercedes builds some of the best interiors in this corner of the market, and we love how it incorporates emotion and flair into its cabins, unlike some other German competitors who think that straight lines and multiple displays equate to luxury. The GT 43 feels like a luxury vehicle, and even though you have to pay extra for basics such as leather seats, the overall experience is rather glamorous. The standard tech is comprehensive, and the new MBUX infotainment system looks futuristic, to say the least. Despite being listed under the coupe section on the Mercedes website, this is a GT four-door and will seat no more than four adults, mainly because in the rear, the GT 43 offers two bucket seats instead of a bench. Mercedes does offer a five-seater option, but it will cost you an additional $1,000.

In standard configuration, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 will seat four adults in regal comfort. The front sports seats can feel a bit snug to some, but they offer enough adjustability for most to find a comfy position. Although Mercedes-AMG does not list head or shoulder room, we found that even taller adults could easily fit in the front and back. The GT 43 offers a generous 41.7 inches of front legroom, while those in the rear get a tighter 35.5 inches of leg space. The driving position is on point and offers good frontal views, and we appreciate the freedom of movement the four-way power lumbar control and four-way power steering column give the driver. Those sitting in the front are also treated to a gorgeous dashboard design featuring classic aeronautical-style air vents and sleek info displays. We did find that the gearshift is positioned further back than taller drivers would like, but this is a minor inconvenience.

The plush interior of the GT 43 is offered in a wide range of colors and materials, but they come at a cost. The GT 43 comes with black MB-Tex and microfiber seats in standard form. Going for black Nappa leather will cost you an extra $2,990, and combinations such as Red Pepper/Black or Titanium Grey/Black with yellow accents cost $2,850. Style Exclusive Nappa leather options such as Saddle Brown/Black, Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey, and Auburn Brown/Black will set you back $3,250. In terms of finishes, new owners can select between three no-cost options: Black Piano Lacquer, Anthracite open-pore wood, and Natural Grain Grey Ash wood. For an additional $2,850, Mercedes-AMG offers carbon fiber or matte carbon fiber.

Other options include a black or Macchiato Beige microfiber headliner for $1,600 and silver or red seat belts for $500. An AMG Performance steering wheel in a Nappa leather/microfiber combination goes for $500.

Despite its executive car designation, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 does not offer much cargo space. Pop the trunk lid, and you'll be greeted by a conservative 12.7 cubic feet of space. To put that figure into perspective, the Porsche Panamera has 17.6 cubic feet. The Mercedes GT 43 does not come with foldable rear seats in standard guise, but 40/40-split-folidng rear seats can be specified. Inside the cabin, occupants can store their belongings in the glove box, the center console storage bin, two cup holders, and door pockets. Those in the back get two cup holders, and the Executive Seat package adds an armrest with added storage space.

There are no surprises here: the GT 43 is a true luxury car and comes standard with an impressive array of standard features. Those in front get heated power seats with memory, four-way lumbar support, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Entering the GT 43, you're greeted by an illuminated entry system, AMG illuminated front door sills, and a 64-color LED ambient light system. A power liftgate, remote start, and keyless go add to the practicality of this German sports car. Mercedes-AMG didn't skimp on driver assistance features either. Standard on the GT 43 are active brake assist, attention assist, adaptive high beam assist, crosswind assist, speed limit assist, blind-spot assist, active parking assist, a surround-view system, and rear cross-traffic alert. Mercedes offers optional extras such as ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control, soft-close doors, and active lane change assist.

The latest MBUX infotainment system is one serious piece of kit and features two 12.3-inch displays stacked next to each other. One is used as a driver cluster display, while the other takes care of things like infotainment, navigation, and radio controls. This massive black mirror is controlled via touchpad, steering wheel controls, voice, or by touching the screen. Either way you approach it, the MBUX system is responsive and easy to use. Other standard infotainment features include navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, NFC technology, wireless charging, Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 14-speaker Burmester sound system. Optional extras include in-car Wi-Fi, an AMG head-up display, and a Burmester high-end 3D sound system with 25 speakers and a 1,450-watt amp. If you often carry passengers at the back, you may want to consider rear wireless charging and rear USB-C ports at an additional cost.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 has a clean track record but the 2021 model faced multiple recalls. The issues included side impact crash sensor connectors that may loosen, a seat belt locking retractor malfunction, a faulty rearview camera, a problematic front seat position switch, and an inaccurate eCall system that could send out the wrong location in an emergency.

Mercedes-AMG covers the GT 43 with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty that also covers the powertrain, a four-year/50,000-mile corrosion warranty, and roadside assistance for four years or 50,000 miles.

No AMG GT 43 safety review has been conducted in the US by the NHTSA and IIHS. That said, the E-Class on which the GT 43 is based is one of the safest cars on the road, having scored a perfect five-out-of-five stars from the NHTSA, and a Top Safety Pick Plus award from the IIHS (only when fitted with the optional Driver Assistance package).

The GT 43 is related to one of the safest cars on the road, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, so you're guaranteed all the best that Mercedes has to offer. The sleek four-door coupe comes standard with a seven-airbag system, including driver knee protection. For added safety, Mercedes-AMG provides optional rear-seat side airbags. Other industry standards include traction and stability control, ABS brakes, and a tire-pressure monitor. In terms of driver assistance features, the GT 43 features attention assist, a surround-view camera system, crosswind assist, active brake assist, adaptive high beam assist, speed limit assist, blind spot assist, active parking assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite the high specification, it's easy to drive the final price up with extras like adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and congestion emergency braking.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 might be the baby of the GT four-door range, but it makes it no less of an AMG product. Unfortunately, it gets lost in the maze that is the current lineup; with the CLS 450 in the mix, the GT 43 struggles to find its own identity, especially when one considers the fact that the CLS provides as much power as the GT 43 for much less money. Be that as it may, the GT 43 is still a stunning vehicle packed with tons of tech, an opulent interior, and enough punch to keep most happy. It will eat up the miles on the highway and, thanks to a bit of hybrid wizardry, feels like a rocket ship when called upon at lower speeds. Mercedes-AMG's available options that turn the GT 43 into a serial luxury machine, but we'd be careful of the price creep. With competitors such as the Porsche Panamera, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and even the CLS to contend with, we'd shop around first.

Slap an AMG badge on any Mercedes-Benz, and pricing will increase dramatically. With an MSRP of $92,500, the GT 43 is more expensive than an entry-level Porsche Panamera, which starts at $88,400, and the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Coupe is even cheaper at $85,000. Fully loaded, the GT 43 can cost close to $130,000. These AMG GT 43's price excludes tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,050.

There's one model on offer for 2022, and it comes packing a turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 engine with a bit of hybrid assistance. A total of 362 hp and 369 lb-ft is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The exterior features LED headlights, aggressive AMG styling, a power liftgate, and 19-inch AMG 10-spoke wheels.

The interior is lit up by illuminated side sills, an illuminated entry system, and a 64-color LED ambient lighting system. Once inside, you're met with heated front power seats and a dual-zone automatic climate system. Keyless entry, remote engine start, and keyless go make life easier for the driver. The MBUX infotainment system consists of two 12.3-inch screens and features standard navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Standard driver assistance features include blind-spot assist, active parking assist, a surround-view system, active brake assist, attention assist, adaptive high beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, crosswind assist, and speed limit assist.

Mercedes-AMG offers an awesome selection of optional extras that can turn the price of the GT 43 up far beyond the $100k mark. On the exterior side, new owners get to select from an AMG Night Package, which for $750, adds Jet-black elements to the front splitter, front fenders, side mirror covers, and side window surrounds. Black chrome tailpipes are also included. Inside, the $3,550 Executive Rear Seat Package transforms the GT 43 into a luxury limo with heated and cooled cupholders, three-zone automatic climate control, rear cabin wireless charging, a ton of power sockets, and a rear-cabin touchscreen display. The $500 AMG Performance steering wheel is another tasty option that we'd recommend. Individual options include ventilated front seats, AMG performance front seats, an AMG head-up display, and a Burmester 3D high-end sound system. For added safety, we'd recommend going with the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package, which adds safety tech such as congestion emergency braking, active emergency stop assist, active speed limit assist, active blind spot assist, and adaptive cruise control.

There's only one model on offer, but with such a vast selection of optional extras on hand, we'd recommend adding a few extras to the GT 43 to make it yours. If we were buying, we'd add a few small extras such as the panorama roof, the Driver Assistance Package, and the AMG performance exhaust system, because why not be loud and obnoxious? With all of these options added to the bill, the GT 43 still comes in at under $100k.

The Porsche Panamera has been sitting at the top of the German executive sports car throne for a while and continues to blow us away with its sheer capability and balanced approach to fast driving. The catch is that you have to pay to play, and in base form, the Panamera isn't all that impressive. In base configuration, its 2.9-liter engine produces 325 hp from 5,400 rpm and 331 lb-ft from 1,800 rpm, and you'll have to pay extra to get it in AWD guise. On the road, the Porsche is still a better car to drive, but the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 comes awfully close. The Porsche lags slightly behind in terms of standard features, and the MBUX infotainment system in the GT 43 absolutely blows the Porsche's system out of the water. The GT 43 also offers more driver assistance tech but fails to match the Panamera for overall practicality. If you want fun and space, get the Panamera. If you're a tech geek, go for the GT 43.

With a price difference of only $10,100, buyers have two options: go for the GT 43 and add $10k with extras, or go for the base GT 53 and enjoy the superior performance specs. The GT 53 is powered by the same engine but produces a stronger 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, making it four-tenths quicker to 60 mph and quicker through the gears at speed. Both cars even have identical EPA ratings, both have AWD, and both use the same nine-speed automatic. With the rest of the package being so similar, and real-world performance not much different, we'd suggest opting for the GT 43 and spending the extra cash on some of the optional extras that appeal to you most.