FACT put the 2024 Mercedes AMG GT 43 through its paces on Bahrain’s roads, showcasing its remarkable blend of high standards, coupled with innovation and functionality.

Mercedes-Benz is one of the most recognised and sought-after car brands in the world, and for good reason. Over the decades they have constantly been at the forefront of innovation and functionality while still maintaining an outstanding standard for craftsmanship and luxury. This month, thanks to the team at Al Haddad Motors, we were privileged enough to get behind the wheel of the 2024 Mercedes AMG GT 43 four-door coupe which boasts a 3.0L inline-six turbo engine with hybrid assist.

Dynamic Exterior Design

The moment the GT 43 came into view we were immediately captivated by its effortless sense of luxury and refinement. Coloured in a stunning Spectral Blue Metallic, the vehicle’s bold design language from bonnet to boot left an indelible impression. At the front end, the eyes are drawn to the beautifully sculpted bonnet and the large AMG-specific radiator grille exhibiting the esteemed Mercedes-Benz three-point star emblem sitting proudly at its centre, stylishly framed by slim Intelligent Multibeam LED front headlights.

Turning our gaze to the flanks, the sleek yet powerful proportions are highlighted by the sloping roofline which is a defining characteristic of the AMG GT 43’s dynamic look. The sides are underscored by the robust shoulders and the notable 20-inch AMG multi-spoke, light-alloy wheels that hint at the model’s performance capabilities.

At the rear, full-length wraparound LED taillights feature a distinctive edge-lit outline and illuminate in a pleasing fashion. Stealthily laying flush in the trunk lid is the retractable rear spoiler which can assume five different angles to optimise downforce or minimise drag depending on the driving situation. Finally, twin dual exhaust tips coated in chrome wrap up the external design elements in style.

Luxurious Interior

Once inside, the premium nature of the AMG GT 43 was fully revealed. We were welcomed by sculptured and ultracomfortable AMG performance front seating with integrated headrests, increased lateral support and racing-inspired bright-red seat belts. Upholstered in premium leather, the seats gave us the perfect vantage point from which to appreciate the fine-detailing of the cabin of which there were many instances, such as the highly responsive four-way power adjustable seats, AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, leather upholstery, soft-touch finishes, 64-colour LED ambient lighting and more. Additionally, the performance steering wheel has contoured side grips, a flat-bottom design and aluminium AMG shift paddles. If that wasn’t enough, it also boasts the Mercedes-Benz AMG Drive Unit located on the steering wheel that can efficiently control different performance functions, such as drive mode, rear spoiler and exhaust. Also, with the touch of a button, the tinted glass sunroof tilts up at the rear for ventilation or slides open for a breezy view of the sky. There is plenty of head, shoulder and leg room for the front seats, as well as for those in the rear. Storage-wise, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 456 litres.

High-End Infotainment & Technology

Since the gear selector is situated beside the steering wheel, the space between the front seats has been efficiently used for a large V-shaped console with high-tech controls that support advanced performance. It houses a touchpad controller that operates the in-dash central touchscreen as you rest your hands comfortably at your side. The touchpad includes multitouch gestures such as swiping through menus, pinching to zoom and mainly the dedicated Back, Skip and Home virtual keys, that were handy when driving. Additionally, eight touchpad switches with integrated colour readouts offer individual control of the three-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP), shifting, suspension, exhaust, Eco Start/Stop and active rear spoiler.

The centre console handily flows into the lower section of the instrument panel. Then there’s the dual 12.3-inch displays that include a central multimedia touchscreen and a reconfigurable instrument cluster in front of the driver. Both displays feature clear graphics, texts and are satisfactorily user friendly and super responsive. This setup also includes voice recognition thanks to the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system that’s very intuitive to use and capable of learning. It offers extensive AMG-specific content in five display styles, as well as exclusive menu items such as AMG Performance or AMG Track Pace that underlines the AMG GT 43’s sporty character. It is also compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 14-speaker, high-end Burmester surround-sound system, that looks stunning with its detailed aluminium speaker grilles, is among the array of additional high-end features we discovered.

Imposing Power & Performance

As you would expect, our favourite part of this experience was when we took the AMG GT 43 out on the road and put it through its paces. The seamless power and natural balance of the robust 3.0-litre, inline-six-cylinder engine with hybrid assist manages to capably produce 367hp and 500Nm of torque. This setup, coupled with the AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed transmission, meant the AMG GT 43 could surge from 0-100km/h in around five seconds and can produce a top speed of 270km/h. As we switched from Comfort, to Sport and then to Sport+ driving modes, the model effortlessly showed off its highly responsive and refined driving performance that put a smile on our faces. Also, we must highlight that the cornering and braking capabilities were second to none and we always felt in complete control throughout our drive.

“The moment the GT 43 came into view we were immediately captivated by its effortless sense of luxury and refinement.”

Our Verdict

Offering excellent day-to-day practicality in the four-door configuration, the AMG GT 43 smoothly provides an exceptionally upscale and luxury focused experience, be it while accessing its advanced features or while cruising through the city. ✤

GO: CALL 1778 5454 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE.