Super Star Destroyer: Mercedes-AMG GT S Review and Video

The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S (with Car DVD) is the kind of car that hurts when you have to let it go. Thankfully, that pain is a long way off when the keys are still yours, the roads are empty, and you’re in the mood for donuts – of the burnt rubber variety, hold the sprinkles.

The Daily News Autos team was there when the AMG GT first launched roughly one year ago. But for one of us, this week-long test drive would be an official ‘first encounter’ with the new performance face of AMG. For the other, it would be a lesson in what life is like with Mercedes’ super sports car outside the confines of racetracks and sinuous California highways.

So, how does this 503-horsepower, twin-turbo V-8 coupe handle driving conditions in and around New York City? Does the track-tuned suspension cope as well with the New Jersey Turnpike as it did in Monterey, at the Laguna Seca racetrack?

And what’s it like to park a car finished in a bright-yellow paintjob that costs almost $10-grand? Come to think of it, all totaled, the options on this $171,900 Mercedes (including $925 destination charge) came to a staggering $41,000.

Nick: Make no mistake about it: the Mercedes-AMG GT S is one of the best looking and most beautifully proportioned cars out there, in any price range. There is definitely a hint of Porsche in the tapering tail-end, but that's not exactly what I'd call a scathing criticism. I do miss the gullwing-style doors of the discontinued SLS AMG. Several times, onlookers asked "where's the doors?" when I'd pull up. They’re there, but they don't swing upwards anymore. The expansive hood is perfectly proportioned and does an excellent job of making the 179-inch AMG GT appear longer than it really is. Classy yet understated – at least when not finished in yellow – this Mercedes is a class act.

Brian: I mentioned in our video review that Mercedes may have succeeded in building a truer version of the Jaguar E-Type than Jaguar has with their own gorgeous two-seater, and I stand by that claim. The impossibly long hood, haunched front end, and tapered rear make for one of the purest sports car profiles I’ve seen in a very long time. I, too, miss the gullwing doors, but when the rest of the car looks this good, it’s hard to complain. And while the very costly Solarbeam Yellow paint may be thoroughly un-Mercedes, it’s the one that I’d have without a doubt. Leave it to the stodgy Germans to build the most exciting-looking car in its class. What about install Android Car Gps?

Nick: You can tell Mercedes had fun with this cabin. A Porsche 911 and Aston Martin Vantage are much more subdued and business-like, in comparison. I respect that approach, though I don't mind the extra glitz, carbon fiber highlights, and metallic flourishes in the AMG GT. Take note, the center console is absolutely massive and the ride is much firmer than you might expect from a car wearing a three-pointed star on the nose (more on this point later). Then again, the 12.3 cu. ft. of trunk space is surprisingly good, at least for a lithe two-seat sports car. I was also very pleased with the infotainment system, not to mention the immensely powerful Burmester sound system. Too bad the gearlever looks so precious and is located way, way back on the center console. Its awkward placement is one of the few things I’d chance in the cabin.

Brian: When your one complaint is the inconvenient placement of the shifter, you know things really aren’t so bad. As surprising as the GT’s exterior is, its interior is almost equally brash. Chrome, aluminum, bright lights and screens line the cabin, and feel more like the starship Enterprise than a 300 SL. Things can get a bit tight inside if you’re larger than most, but if that’s truly an issue, Mercedes would be happy to direct you to the nearest SL63 AMG. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!