2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63 PRO [UK] - The Flagship Sports Car

The arrival of the second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT in the UK has been a fascinating pivot for Affalterbach’s flagship sports car. No longer the uncompromising, two-seat track warrior it once was, the new GT has matured into a formidable grand tourer, embracing luxury, technology, and—most controversially practicality. For the enthusiast concerned that this shift has softened the AMG soul, Mercedes offers a potent antidote: the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 PRO 4MATIC+.

Priced in the UK starting from around £176,605, the GT63 PRO is the most track-capable iteration of the new GT, yet it is designed to be the fastest and most forgiving machine an enthusiast can drive on both the road and the circuit. It represents a subtle but comprehensive re-engineering effort, taking the already potent GT63 and turning up the dials on durability, downforce, and dynamic precision. This is the new GT’s ultimate form, but the question remains: does its dual personality truly work on British roads?

The Roar of the V8: Power and Performance

At the heart of the GT63 PRO is the celebrated, hand-built AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine. In this PRO specification, the twin-turbo unit receives an ECU adaptation to deliver a stunning 612 PS (603 bhp) and a mountain of torque peaking at 850 Nm (627 lb-ft). This is a noticeable increase over the standard GT63, translating the engine’s brute force into even sharper performance.

While the new generation boasts the option of a four-cylinder entry model and a ballistic plug-in hybrid (the GT63 S E Performance), the GT63 PRO stands as the purest, most highly-tuned celebration of combustion-era AMG. That thumping, bass-heavy V8 soundtrack, which pulls aggressively from just 2,500 rpm and screams toward its redline, remains the car's definitive character marker.

The resulting performance figures are predictably brutal: 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is dispatched in just 3.2 seconds, with top speed climbing to 197 mph (317 km/h). Paired with the ultra-quick AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed sports automatic transmission, the powertrain is a masterclass in controlled aggression. The power is managed seamlessly by the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, providing both launch stability and the option of a playful, rear-biased drift mode for those feeling particularly hooligan-minded.

The PRO Difference: Engineered for the Circuit

The "PRO" badge is not just a trim level; it signifies deep engineering changes focused on sustaining extreme performance over multiple track laps—a vital distinction from the standard GT63.

The most significant enhancements are centred on heat management and aerodynamics:

Reinforced Cooling: AMG has extensively reinforced both the high- and low-temperature cooling circuits. This includes two additional radiators cleverly positioned in the front wheel arches, a robust cooler package, and, crucially, active water cooling for all three differential units (front, rear, and transfer case). This ensures the drivetrain can endure high loads, crucial for longevity during prolonged track sessions.
Aerodynamics Package: The GT63 PRO features a comprehensive aero package as standard. This includes a more dominant, redesigned front apron with visible carbon fibre air deflectors and fins on the underbody (similar in concept to the AMG ONE hypercar). The active aerodynamic profile in the underbody, combined with the fixed carbon fibre rear wing, reduces front-axle lift by over 30 kilograms while simultaneously increasing rear downforce. The result is more precise steering and superior high-speed stability.
Braking System: Stopping power is handled by the standard-fit AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system, featuring massive 420mm front discs—currently the largest standard ceramic brake discs offered by AMG. Not only do these save significant unsprung mass, aiding agility, but their resistance to fade is absolute, ensuring consistent braking performance lap after lap.
Track-Spec Tyres: For the dedicated track driver, Mercedes-AMG offers the aggressive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R extreme performance tyres as a highly compelling no-cost option, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 5s. This demonstrates AMG's clear intent for the PRO model.

Mastering Mass: Driving Dynamics on the Edge

The most persistent elephant in the room for the new GT is its weight. At approximately 1,950 kg (kerb weight), it is significantly heavier than its predecessor and key rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo S. However, the true technical marvel of the GT63 PRO lies in how effectively it disguises this mass.

The secret is the advanced chassis technology, headlined by the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension. This revolutionary system ditches traditional anti-roll bars in favour of hydraulic cross-linked dampers at all four corners. This hydraulic network instantly varies suspension stiffness and actively counters body roll in corners, keeping the car remarkably flat and composed. When attacking a corner, the car feels tight, planted, and tracks with almost surgical precision, with the active rear-axle steering seamlessly aiding agility at lower speeds and enhancing stability at high speeds.

Despite this technical wizardry, the steering, while precise and meaty, remains somewhat muted compared to the telepathic connection offered by a 911. The GT63 PRO inspires tremendous confidence and security, particularly under power, but that ultimate layer of intimate feedback is slightly filtered out by the sheer complexity of the electronics working beneath you.

The UK Road Trade-Off: Grand Tourer vs. Track Hardcore

While the GT63 PRO excels on smooth tarmac, its calibration faces a stern test on the patchwork surfaces of the UK’s A and B roads. Several UK road test impressions suggest that while the new chassis is brilliant at masking weight, it can be restless and occasionally discombobulated by the sharp undulations and broken bitumen endemic to British roads. Even in its most comfortable setting, the damping can feel too firm, betraying its ultimate setup for the high-speed smoothness of the Autobahn or a racetrack.

However, this occasional rigidity is the trade-off for its newfound Grand Tourer credentials. The cabin, inspired by the SL, is high-quality, lavishly trimmed in Nappa leather, and stacked with the latest MBUX technology accessed via the reclining 11.9-inch central touchscreen. Crucially for daily usability, the new architecture introduces a spacious boot (321 litres, expanding to 675 litres with the rear seats folded) and the practical option of a 2+2 seating configuration (perfect for pre-teen children). Moreover, the standard front-axle lift system is a lifesaver for navigating steep driveways or challenging speed bumps that plague urban UK environments.

Verdict: The Pinnacle of the New AMG GT

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT63 PRO is a technological triumph. It successfully delivers on the new GT mandate: a more practical, forgiving, and high-tech sports car that retains the thunderous character of the V8.

It is arguably the ultimate do-it-all performance coupe, sitting in a unique space between the clinical efficiency of a Porsche 911 Turbo S and the muscular grand touring appeal of an Aston Martin Vantage. The PRO model appeals specifically to the affluent driver who wants to take their £176k machine to a track day and drive lap after confident lap, safe in the knowledge that the immense cooling and braking systems will endure the abuse, before folding the rear seats back up to carry the weekly shop.

While its ride quality on broken British tarmac is its most notable concession, the sheer capability, speed, and drama of the GT63 PRO make it a profoundly compelling and expertly engineered package. It is an iron fist wrapped in a high-tech velvet glove, and a potent reminder that the internal combustion V8 has plenty of life left in it yet.