2021 Mercedes-AMG GT43: Entry Level AMG Fun

The GT43 sits in the shadow of its two bigger brothers. The fully chested V8 powered GT63 and the superb inline six powered GT53. The GT43 is offered with the inline six from the GT53 but detuned slightly. This also means that the  GT43 starts at a lower price, making it an affordable entryway into the AMG lineup.

Performance and Handling

The GT43 shares its engine not only with the AMG GT53 but also the CLS 450 and the E450. The 3.0 liter turbocharged engine is assisted by an EQ boost mild hybrid system. The engine outputs 362 hp and 369 pound feet of torque. The only transmission on offer is a 9-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is a standard feature.

In comparison, the same engine in the GT53 gets an electric supercharger on top of the turbo charger to output 429 hp and 384 pound feet of torque. According to Mercedes, it is also quicker with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds against the GT43’s time of 4.8 seconds. The vehicle averages 22 mpg over both highway and city roads.

The AMG is quick off the line, but this rapid acceleration falls away as the vehicle reaches highway speeds. Even though the engine performance fades away at higher speeds, it’s still plenty quick. Where the vehicle really shines is on canyon roads. The engine provides enough torque low down to pull you out of tight corners, and the transmission rations are optimized for such environments. Once you put it into sport+ mode, the suspension stiffens up and offers improved body control through corners.

Riding on 21-inch wheels, the GT43 is quite composed. Riding over potholes and imperfections on the road don’t seem to unsettle the vehicle. While it’s no S-Class, the ride is plenty comfortable and offers a nice balance between comfort and a sporty dynamic erroring on the side of sporty, as it should. 

Interior

The interior of the GT43 is on par with both the GT53 and the GT63s. The interior is futuristic with two massive 12.3 inch screens dominating the dashboard. One for the driver and the other for general purpose entertainment and other vehicle functions.

Despite its design; a sloping roofline, the vehicle offers sufficient headroom. Like the other AMG GT vehicles in the line up, the GT43 is strictly a 4 seater, with 2 body hugging rear seats. In the front it has 41.7 inches of legroom and 35.5 inches in the rear. Paying a little extra gives you Nappa leather for the interior, and optional trims from piano black trim to AMG carbon fiber.

The truck is simply cavernous and spacious with anchor points, and elastic straps that come in handy when securing small objects. If you have longer items like ski’s to carry then the rear seats fold down to offer more interior, but it still falls behind the Porsche Panamera in terms of cargo capacity.

Safety and Tech

Mercedes has packed the GT43 with a lot of safety tech and driver aids. Standard systems include parking sensors, automated emergency braking,  automatic high beams, blind spot warning, Mercedes Pre safe system, and rear cross traffic alert.  Optional extras include adaptive cruise control, with semi autonomous driving mode, active steering assist and lane keeping assist. The heads-up display is also very good. Mercedes has always been a leader in the HUD game, featuring large, clear displays.

Pricing

The base GT43 starts at an MSRP of $89,000. Its competitors include the Porsche Panamera and the Audi S7. The base Panamera starts at $93,150 while the Audi S7 starts at $85,445, undercutting the GT43’s starting price.

Verdict

The GT43 is the entry way into the AMG line up and although it shares some parts with standard Mercedes-Benz cars, it lives up to the AMG reputation, providing fun and a dynamic ride that will make you want to push a bit more at the next corner or in those twisty canyon roads. But If you want more response power you’ll have to settle for its bigger brother the GT53. However, most drivers should be very happy with the GT43’s performance, it’s a great value too offering lots of style and interior features for the cost.