SL/R231: AMG GT53 Drive
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
AMG GT53 Drive
Thanks to a friend who is a MB dealer employee, I have spent the past two days with a new AMG GT53 'Coupe', you know the four door version. I must say that I came away a bit impressed with several aspects of the vehicle. The most intriguing to me was the engine. As someone who has revered the BMW 3.0 and 3.5 liter in-line six, this new MB 3.0 is just a torque machine; it supplies a smooth, broad band of torque, and it makes speed effortlessly, while achieving decent mileage. Yes, the interior is a bit hokey to me with some of the colors and patterns, but I found the controls very usable, the seats comfortable, and the adjustability adequate. Visibility is a challenge with the hood bulging up, the size of the side windows, and the angle of the rear glass; but I suppose it would be agreeable once you were spending more time in the vehicle. With the rear buckets, there is good room for four in the car. The chassis was so solid, regardless of mode selected; and drives like on rails. So I shall not run out and trade right away, but my initial impressions of skepticism were swept away by a most competent vehicle. I also spoke with a gent who was taking delivery of the GT63 version with the rear steer. He was like the proverbial child at Christmas. Never say never, and it does have a sun roof. Of course the new SL is likely to have the same engine as the GT53, choices; decisions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,154
Likes: 4,381
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I can’t imagine that most any, upper line MB or AMG model would greatly disappoint and would highly impress. I’m quite sure that the new SL will run rings around our R231 dinosaurs, but as we have discussed here so many times, that really isn’t the point. The point is that most of us just don’t like the way they are getting there, throwing the baby out with the bath water. That’s not to say that some here won’t jump to the new car, as several probably will.............maybe even me. 
All we can do is wait and see what they give us and then decide. As for the AMG GT53 or one of the other 4-door “coupes,” they hold absolutely zero interest to me. For top down, the SL. For four doors and comfort, nothing beats the S Class, but I tend to obey most speed limits. 
All we can do is wait and see what they give us and then decide. As for the AMG GT53 or one of the other 4-door “coupes,” they hold absolutely zero interest to me. For top down, the SL. For four doors and comfort, nothing beats the S Class, but I tend to obey most speed limits. 
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 997
Likes: 260
From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
