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GT/C192/R192: GT55 Initial Ownership Thoughts

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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 03:55 PM
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Smile GT55 Initial Ownership Thoughts

Hi All - I just picked up my 2025 GT55 after 6 months of waiting and thought I would share my initial impressions after a few days of driving it. Overall I have to say I'm extremely happy with the purchase and look forward to driving it for years to come.

Driving: Incredibly fun to drive. V8 is super responsive, the engine crackles and the handling is amazing with the 4MATIC+ and active suspension. So far I've only enjoyed it in Comfort mode (850 miles to go!) so I can only imagine the difference once I can finally put into Sport+ and manual shifting.
Styling: I had seen various versions at the dealership but the looks still floor me. Say what you will about the GT's competitors, but I think this is one of the best looking cars out there. Nice mix of aggressiveness with an understated elegance. People who know cars definitely stop and look or ask me about it, but I'm also comfortable parking it at the train station without worrying about it getting the wrong kind of attention.
Comfort/Practicality: It's incredible how much storage is in the trunk, even without the rear seats folded down. The car was loaded up for my son's baseball game (folding chairs, gear bag, food) and we didn't even take up half the space. The ride is stiff but not uncomfortable in Comfort mode (though you definitely feel the bumps), and the interior trim is very upscale, especially with the microfiber everywhere including the ceiling. I find the sport seats surprisingly comfortable for what they are although I wouldn't want them for extended trips. The side bolstering is adjustable so you're not too squished in when not on the track, but there just isn't very much padding.
Other Options: The HUD is amazing - I've had it in other cars (not MB) and compared to those the range of functionality is great if you want it, or you can reduce it to just the MPH or turn if off. Love the microfiber steering wheel. Panoramic roof is really nice to add the feeling of extra space plus I like the look of the black roof, and I love the old fashioned manual cover to close/open it vs. the tricky/slow digital slide thing MB uses on other models.
Regrets?: Part of me wishes I had optioned the ceramic brakes since the brake dust is atrocious, but the $9k price tag gave me pause and I like how the yellow calipers match my interior. I'm still not clear if the $5k upgraded 3D sound system was worth it, but I'll keep playing with the settings and overall it sounds great (but so did the standard Burmester on my last AMG).


GT55 Exterior

GT55 Interior

Last edited by philenan78; Oct 21, 2024 at 03:59 PM.
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 04:19 PM
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The AMG Performance seats are actually phenomenal, even on long trips. I've spent up to 12 hours in them, but ultimately it somewhat comes down to personal fitness. Them being firm is actually what makes them less fatiguing on longer drivers, because you don't have to constantly use your muscles to stay in the seat upright. I find less supportive seats much more tiring on long drives. Enjoy the car. I liked driving the GT 63 recently in Germany.
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by philenan78
Hi All - I just picked up my 2025 GT55 after 6 months of waiting and thought I would share my initial impressions after a few days of driving it. Overall I have to say I'm extremely happy with the purchase and look forward to driving it for years to come.

Driving: Incredibly fun to drive. V8 is super responsive, the engine crackles and the handling is amazing with the 4MATIC+ and active suspension. So far I've only enjoyed it in Comfort mode (850 miles to go!) so I can only imagine the difference once I can finally put into Sport+ and manual shifting.
Styling: I had seen various versions at the dealership but the looks still floor me. Say what you will about the GT's competitors, but I think this is one of the best looking cars out there. Nice mix of aggressiveness with an understated elegance. People who know cars definitely stop and look or ask me about it, but I'm also comfortable parking it at the train station without worrying about it getting the wrong kind of attention.
Comfort/Practicality: It's incredible how much storage is in the trunk, even without the rear seats folded down. The car was loaded up for my son's baseball game (folding chairs, gear bag, food) and we didn't even take up half the space. The ride is stiff but not uncomfortable in Comfort mode (though you definitely feel the bumps), and the interior trim is very upscale, especially with the microfiber everywhere including the ceiling. I find the sport seats surprisingly comfortable for what they are although I wouldn't want them for extended trips. The side bolstering is adjustable so you're not too squished in when not on the track, but there just isn't very much padding.
Other Options: The HUD is amazing - I've had it in other cars (not MB) and compared to those the range of functionality is great if you want it, or you can reduce it to just the MPH or turn if off. Love the microfiber steering wheel. Panoramic roof is really nice to add the feeling of extra space plus I like the look of the black roof, and I love the old fashioned manual cover to close/open it vs. the tricky/slow digital slide thing MB uses on other models.
Regrets?: Part of me wishes I had optioned the ceramic brakes since the brake dust is atrocious, but the $9k price tag gave me pause and I like how the yellow calipers match my interior. I'm still not clear if the $5k upgraded 3D sound system was worth it, but I'll keep playing with the settings and overall it sounds great (but so did the standard Burmester on my last AMG).

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0cdc877833.jpg
GT55 Exterior
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...4e8fafb661.jpg
GT55 Interior
Vehicle looks good : ) Congrats and thanks for sharing your impressions.
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 04:20 PM
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2025 AMG GT 55; 2022 e53 coupe: 2019 e450 coupe
This was just the post I was looking for. Unfortunately my car showed up unexpectedly the day before I left before a 2.5 week Mediterranean vacation. They couldn't get it prepped and ready for me to pick up first thing in the morning before I left. Needless to say I am excited to pick her up when I return. I did opt for the carbon ceramic brakes for the very reason you mentioned. By the time I get my current E53 back from a wash it is already starting to build up. High price tag but I think it will be worth it for my piece of mind. I am also eager to see if I notice a difference between the 3D system that I didn't option on my E53 and the standard Burmester. The trunk space, beauty and exclusivity is was convinced me on this over the 992. A truly daily able GT
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by superswiss
The AMG Performance seats are actually phenomenal, even on long trips. I've spent up to 12 hours in them, but ultimately it somewhat comes down to personal fitness. Them being firm is actually what makes them less fatiguing on longer drivers, because you don't have to constantly use your muscles to stay in the seat upright. I find less supportive seats much more tiring on long drives. Enjoy the car. I liked driving the GT 63 recently in Germany.
Good to know about the seats! Looking forward to my first long trip.
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Old Oct 25, 2024 | 02:10 PM
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Picked up mine about 5 weeks ago. First impression - can't wait to get past the 1,000-mile break-in and light it up! I'm at almost 700...

More seriously, agree with OP - very fun to drive, responsive throttle, steering, and suspension, even in Comfort mode. I have gotten any number of "thumbs-up" and stares and smiles from other drivers and pedestrians, so the appearance is also great. Interior materials and fit and finish are outstanding. Still learning all of the tricks with MBUX (my prior C 43 had COMAND). I opted for the standard seats having read many comments that the performance seats were awfully stiff and tough on long drives; so far, i am quite happy with that choice. Brake dust is a *****, though, on black wheels, but that's nothing new for MBs.

This is my daily, and i chose it over an Aston Martin Vantage because i thought it was much better suited to my daily driving needs, and so far, i have not been disappointed. The AM seemed more like a weekday garage queen to drive only on weekends, preferably on a track. I want to drive a car more than that in a variety of circumstances and the GT does just what i want! No regrets!
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Old Jan 19, 2025 | 12:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Rebelwon
Picked up mine about 5 weeks ago. First impression - can't wait to get past the 1,000-mile break-in and light it up! I'm at almost 700...

More seriously, agree with OP - very fun to drive, responsive throttle, steering, and suspension, even in Comfort mode. I have gotten any number of "thumbs-up" and stares and smiles from other drivers and pedestrians, so the appearance is also great. Interior materials and fit and finish are outstanding. Still learning all of the tricks with MBUX (my prior C 43 had COMAND). I opted for the standard seats having read many comments that the performance seats were awfully stiff and tough on long drives; so far, i am quite happy with that choice. Brake dust is a *****, though, on black wheels, but that's nothing new for MBs.

This is my daily, and i chose it over an Aston Martin Vantage because i thought it was much better suited to my daily driving needs, and so far, i have not been disappointed. The AM seemed more like a weekday garage queen to drive only on weekends, preferably on a track. I want to drive a car more than that in a variety of circumstances and the GT does just what i want! No regrets!
Hey, just curious how you are still liking your 55? Thinking about getting either a 63 or 55. Mind sharing your favorite things and maybe your dislikes? Thanks
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Old Jan 21, 2025 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by clemsondds
Hey, just curious how you are still liking your 55? Thinking about getting either a 63 or 55. Mind sharing your favorite things and maybe your dislikes? Thanks
Still loving it, just not as frequently with the cold snap we have had in the mid-Atlantic. Therein lies the only two complaints so far - 1) no A/S or winter tires available for the 21" wheels (at least not that i have been able to find), and 2) needs a battery tender/trickle charger (suggest the MB branded one or CTEK) to deal with sitting there in the cold garage. Otherwise, it is great! I was happily impressed when i was finally able to go wot in S+ - stable, tight steering, and goes like the devil! MBUX takes a little getting used to, but overall i like it.
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Old Jan 21, 2025 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Rebelwon
Still loving it, just not as frequently with the cold snap we have had in the mid-Atlantic. Therein lies the only two complaints so far - 1) no A/S or winter tires available for the 21" wheels (at least not that i have been able to find), and 2) needs a battery tender/trickle charger (suggest the MB branded one or CTEK) to deal with sitting there in the cold garage. Otherwise, it is great! I was happily impressed when i was finally able to go wot in S+ - stable, tight steering, and goes like the devil! MBUX takes a little getting used to, but overall i like it.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 winter tires fit the 21" wheels front and rear (no A/S though). For some reason they don't usually come up in searches by car model, but they definitely come in the right sizes. I ultimately decided against getting them given how dirty the car would get with all the salt on the road anyway. Putting the car in "standby" mode allows you up to 7 weeks without using a trickle charger (although mine came with one from the dealership in any case). Like you I love my GT55 - can't really think of anything I would change in terms of handling, power, practicality, etc. Can't wait for things to warm up around here and have a track day booked for April.
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Old Jan 23, 2025 | 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by philenan78
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 winter tires fit the 21" wheels front and rear (no A/S though). For some reason they don't usually come up in searches by car model, but they definitely come in the right sizes. I ultimately decided against getting them given how dirty the car would get with all the salt on the road anyway. Putting the car in "standby" mode allows you up to 7 weeks without using a trickle charger (although mine came with one from the dealership in any case). Like you I love my GT55 - can't really think of anything I would change in terms of handling, power, practicality, etc. Can't wait for things to warm up around here and have a track day booked for April.
At $782 each I doubt if TR sells many of the 305/30-R21 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 winter tires.
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 11:22 AM
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Rear seat fold down

Thanks for the great review, Im a long time 911 owner (997,991,992) and drove the GT 55 and I'm impressed. Just what Im looking for now that can be more of a daily (golf clubs and more comfortable), It's a true GT car which in my opinion Porsche does not make. To my question, at the dealer when I folded down the rear seats, I could not get the driver's seat back enough ( Mi 6 feet), Is this the case? It had the standard seats

Thanks

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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by FlyingFinnGT
Thanks for the great review, Im a long time 911 owner (997,991,992) and drove the GT 55 and I'm impressed. Just what Im looking for now that can be more of a daily (golf clubs and more comfortable), It's a true GT car which in my opinion Porsche does not make. To my question, at the dealer when I folded down the rear seats, I could not get the driver's seat back enough ( Mi 6 feet), Is this the case? It had the standard seats

Thanks
Interesting question - I never tried to sit in the car with the seats folded down. Unfortunately the car is up on a lift for winter storage right now, but the next time I take it out I can test that for you. I'm also 6'. I have to say there is a ton of space in the trunk without the seats folded down which is why I've never had to do that.
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by FlyingFinnGT
Thanks for the great review, Im a long time 911 owner (997,991,992) and drove the GT 55 and I'm impressed. Just what Im looking for now that can be more of a daily (golf clubs and more comfortable), It's a true GT car which in my opinion Porsche does not make. To my question, at the dealer when I folded down the rear seats, I could not get the driver's seat back enough ( Mi 6 feet), Is this the case? It had the standard seats

Thanks
Mine has the rear seat deleted, so unfortunately can't answer.
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 01:23 PM
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I’m thinking I’ll get rear seat delete unless I was doing something wrong , seems ridiculous to not be able to fold the rear seats down and NOT get the front seat back .
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 01:52 PM
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Originally Posted by FlyingFinnGT
Thanks for the great review, Im a long time 911 owner (997,991,992) and drove the GT 55 and I'm impressed. Just what Im looking for now that can be more of a daily (golf clubs and more comfortable), It's a true GT car which in my opinion Porsche does not make. To my question, at the dealer when I folded down the rear seats, I could not get the driver's seat back enough ( Mi 6 feet), Is this the case? It had the standard seats

Thanks
I have not tried this in a GT specifically, but I assume it works the same as in the other models. There's a sensor that stops the seat short of whatever is behind it. If somebody is sitting in the rear seat, then the seat automatically stops to leave enough room for their legs. So same happens if you fold down the seats. It can't differentiate between the folded down seat and a person sitting there. I don't know how far the rear headrests stick forward when the seats are folded down, but the sensor will make it stop short of them and not let you crush the seat into them.
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by superswiss
I have not tried this in a GT specifically, but I assume it works the same as in the other models. There's a sensor that stops the seat short of whatever is behind it. If somebody is sitting in the rear seat, then the seat automatically stops to leave enough room for their legs. So same happens if you fold down the seats. It can't differentiate between the folded down seat and a person sitting there. I don't know how far the rear headrests stick forward when the seats are folded down, but the sensor will make it stop short of them and not let you crush the seat into them.
That’s what it appears to be since with rear seats folded , the seat would
not even go back far enough to hit the folded headrest . Seems like they should be able to fix it and at least give you a little extra room
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by FlyingFinnGT
That’s what it appears to be since with rear seats folded , the seat would
not even go back far enough to hit the folded headrest . Seems like they should be able to fix it and at least give you a little extra room
It's sort of a luxury feature. Not sure if it works the same in the GT, but in my C63S Coupe the seat moves back automatically once I flip the seat back and then as said it stops as soon as it senses an obstacle as not to crush it. I don't recall exactly if I can move it further back after that using the seat controls. It's been a minute since I had anybody behind me.
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 03:12 PM
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Does anyone know if the air pressure in the air suspension shocks (bags) can be adjusted to "soften" it in "comfort mode"? Wishing it was a little more compliant...and wondering if i switch to all season Michelin Pilot All Season 4 tires (vs. the Hankook performance rubber that came with car (20 inch wheels; 305/35/20 rear and 295/35/20 front)....if that will make a difference?

Always curious why mic's have so little "range" between suspension settings....like in airplane seats...like a a few degrees of recline makes a big difference

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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Jparsons
Does anyone know if the air pressure in the air suspension shocks (bags) can be adjusted to "soften" it in "comfort mode"? Wishing it was a little more compliant...and wondering if i switch to all season Michelin Pilot All Season 4 tires (vs. the Hankook performance rubber that came with car (20 inch wheels; 305/35/20 rear and 295/35/20 front)....if that will make a difference?

Always curious why mic's have so little "range" between suspension settings....like in airplane seats...like a a few degrees of recline makes a big difference
The GT coupe doesn't have air suspension. It's an active coil spring suspension that instead of sway bars has hydraulic links from side to side. So the answer is no. The spring rate cannot be adjusted, only the damping and amount of roll. In Comfort mode it has softer damping and allows more roll, whereas in Sport+ the damping is the stiffest and body roll is minimal. The reason why the range is limited is because the springs are what they are. They can't be made softer. An air suspension on the other hand can also adjust the spring rate via the air pressure. However, the active nature of the roll stabilization allows for a wider range. When driving in a straight line the roll stabilization relaxes and allows the individual wheels to move independent of each other, but then when cornering it tightens. So you should feel that it is more compliant in straight line driving, but tightens up when you make turns.
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 04:15 PM
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In my Porsches I always run Comfort Air Pressures and it made the ride much better, not sure if the GT has this as an option in the settings.
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by FlyingFinnGT
In my Porsches I always run Comfort Air Pressures and it made the ride much better, not sure if the GT has this as an option in the settings.
He is talking about the suspension, but I think you are talking about tire pressures. Absolutely, AMGs have different recommended tire pressures based on load and speed. They are on a sticker on the inside of the fuel door. Many don't know about this and run the tire pressure listed on the door sticker which is way too high for normal driving by yourself and no cargo and makes for a punishing ride. Should run what's known as the normal load tire pressure for speeds up to 155 mph. Pressure needs to be higher for speeds above 155 mph.
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 05:07 PM
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Quick question to all. you owners...Do you regret not getting the 63? I assume you all drove the 63 and went with the 55. I'm just trying to narrow things down. Also, several of you said you are/were 911 owners...would love to hear how it compares. As many of you are/were...struggling to decide between 911 and gt. I HATE losing a ton of depreciation right off the bat...so that's a major pro for the 911. But the amg has the V8, which is a major pro for the merc. Just would love to hear all your thoughts. I've had two 911's before...sold both of the them for more than I bought them for. But I sold the last one bc it was just a little boring. To be fair though, it was a base 992. So thinking either a GTS 911 or GT63 used. Thanks for your thoughts!
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Old Jan 27, 2025 | 06:45 PM
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As a multiple 911 owner, I don’t think the current situation will last with being able to sell for more than we bought them for unless you have a GT3 or Targa. You can find a certified GT4 and Spyder RS for less than sticker , I know cause I was offered either but passed cause they were too radical for the street for me . But given that I do think the GT will depreciate more than a 911. What do u think the 4 year depreciation on GT will be?

Last edited by FlyingFinnGT; Jan 27, 2025 at 06:48 PM.
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Old Jan 28, 2025 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by FlyingFinnGT
As a multiple 911 owner, I don’t think the current situation will last with being able to sell for more than we bought them for unless you have a GT3 or Targa. You can find a certified GT4 and Spyder RS for less than sticker , I know cause I was offered either but passed cause they were too radical for the street for me . But given that I do think the GT will depreciate more than a 911. What do u think the 4 year depreciation on GT will be?
No idea...but I do know that you can find several GT63's in the 150-160k range and GT55's in the $120-130k range. So that's $40k off msrp just driving off the lot. I do think they will slow down quite a bit. I wouldn't be surprised if in 4 years, they are holding around $100-115k. It's a lot of car for the money...e specially the GT55!
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Old Jan 28, 2025 | 01:30 PM
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It’s an incredible amount of car considering a normal 911 carrera will easily spec out to 155k now. I’m actually surprised it’s not more popular , maybe marketing is lacking ?
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