Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Welcome to the highly-lauded world of Mercedes-AMG, rightfully dubbed Another Magnificent German by the enthusiast staff at Automotive Rhythms. This past week we were entertained with harmonious grand touring for four by way of the athletic 2021 AMG GT 43 4C (4-door coupe) presented in a Cirrus Silver metallic exterior hue and a stunning Red Pepper and Black Exclusive Nappa Leather interior outlined with Black Piano Lacquer.
Built like Olympians, the GT 43 is as powerful as shotputters, agile like swimmers, explosive similar to sprinters, and quite efficient like distant runners. These athletic aspirations can be attributed to AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, AMG RIDE CONTROL Sport Suspension, and 20” AMG multispoke rims in black that are wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The only issue is that the brake and rim package accumulate large amounts of brake dusk so prepare to clean your wheels every few days. Its front fascia and AMG grille are dominant, resembling great white sharks. The rear has a deployable Multistage Active Spoiler and a quartet of black exhaust tips to go along with its Active Exhaust system. The automatic tailgate opens to a significant amount of trunk space as well.
Today’s AMG gameday performers are well-built, energetic, and digitally savvy. For the 2021 model, patrons can expect the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, aerodynamics, engine efficiency with electric power boosts, and advanced safety systems that make you wonder who is in control, you or your AMG. The AMG 43 features a 3-liter Inline-6 Turbo engine with electric EQ Boost that distributes 362-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 – 4,500 rpm. The impactful motor is paired with the well-respected AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission. For ultimate performance, you can upgrade to the 4-liter AMG V8 twin-turbo, which is custom built by one master craftsman to offer 577-horsepower in the AMG GT 63 and 630-horsepower in the AMG GT 63 S, the most potent 4-door AMG on the streets.
Knowing what AMGs are capable of, I flew around bends at higher speeds with my nerves at ease. AMG Performance 4MATIC+ instills confidence and lets you explore the vehicle’s handling capabilities. 4MATIC+ allocates torque to each rim for quick accelerations and proper cornering techniques. But I had the most fun with AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, which allowed me to adjust throttle, shifting, handling, and exhaust preferences from the switches on either the center console or the AMG DRIVE UNIT located on the racing-inspired AMG Performance steering wheel. There is also a manual mode for the transmission, which puts shifting in the driver’s control. Acuate sport mode and manual mode simultaneously, and your AMG 43 will never upshift until you utilize the paddle shifters.
Take a peek inside, and you will be astounded by the sporty yet opulent interior designed with divine inspiration in mind. Once seated in the AMG seats with adjustable side bolsters and in-depth massage capabilities, I immediately felt like racing GOAT Lewis Hamilton and became inextricably bound to the new wheel. Unfortunately, the cupholders are in the wrong place. A spill would cause significant trouble since they are positioned in front of electronic controls.
The latest Mercedes-Bez (M-B) vehicles use artificial intelligence from MBUX, operated by an advanced touch controller, and displayed on dual 12.3″ widescreen displays. LINGUATRONIC voice control and augmented video for navigation are two critical attributes of MBUX. I am not a fan of touchpads, especially those featured in Lexus, Acura, and Audi, but M-B has perfected it. Scrolling through the right-side screen, I was impressed by the active multi-contour seat app with bolster adjustments and various massages. In addition, the Multicolor Ambient Lighting app offers different hues to set the proper mood, like Ocean Blue, Red Moon, and Purple Sky, my daughter’s favorite. Also, remember that MBUX is learning your habits, such as who you called at a specific time on a particular day, and may appropriately suggest the same the following week. Are you ready for such?
What can I say? The 2021 AMG GT 43 4C is nearly flawless and fulfills all expectations. It’s the first four-seater developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG to offer graceful but comfortable drives to a family or friendship of four. Starting at $89,900 and topping out at $106,545 for my specific test model, the 4-door coupe comes in a constellation of colors from designo Brilliant Blue Magno and Jupiter Red to Polar White and Obsidian Black metallic. The choice is yours.
