2022 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series review: track test
Content
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 6/10
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 10/10
- How practical is the interior space? 7/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 10/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 8/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10
- What is it like to drive? 10/10
- Verdict
Listen, I would by no means say that I am a quivering person, I watched Exorcist. as a teenager and managed to get through everything hereditary without looking away, but the thought of piloting a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series around Phillip Island is definitely enough to get me thinking.
Maybe it's because of the strictly limited release of the latest Black Series, only 28 units arriving in Australia?
Or perhaps that's the price of $796,777 before travel expenses?
How about a stunning 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine that sends 567kW and 800Nm of torque to the rear wheels alone?
In truth, it's probably a combination of everything, and if the AMG GT Black Series didn't scare you even a little bit, you're either overestimating your driving ability or having no healthy respect for what the latest Mercedes is capable of. from.
So let's take a bold pill and get out of the pit lane to see how the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series goes.
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT: GT Night Edition | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 4.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 11.5l / 100km |
| Landing | 2 Places |
| Price from | $294,077 |
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 6/10
Priced at $796,777 before road expenses, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series costs more than twice as much as the $373,276 GT R Coupe and an impressive $343,577 more than last year's limited edition GT R Pro.
The GT is only the sixth model in Mercedes' long history to wear the Black Series badge. (Image: Tung Nguyen)
Of course, this is a significant amount of money (however, still not enough to buy a decent house in the center of Melbourne), but in addition to increased productivity, you pay for exclusivity.
The GT is only the sixth model in Mercedes' long history to wear the Black Series badge, and production of the new model will be limited, although it's currently unclear to what extent.
However, only 28 units will make it to Down Under, and everyone is already being talked about.
Ironically, this makes last year's GT R Pro more rare, with only 15 examples in Australia, while the SLS Black Series was also more exclusive, with only seven available locally.
The Black Series equipment list includes a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster and various driving modes. (Image: Tung Nguyen)
So what exactly do you get for the extra cost?
Notably, the Black Series equipment list is largely the same as its GT counterparts, including a flat-bottomed steering wheel, staggered 19-/20-inch wheels, push-button start, a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control. and various driving modes.
Responsible for multimedia functions is a 10.3-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto connectivity, digital radio and an 11-speaker audio system.
However, the Black Series adds a few more touches to the cabin to make it more special, like a microfiber-trimmed steering wheel, fixed-back carbon fiber seats, orange stitching details, a roll cage and a four-point bumper. racing harness.
A 10.3-inch multimedia screen is responsible for multimedia functions. (Image: Tung Nguyen)
While not enough to justify a huge step up from the GT R, as with most special edition models, the engine and mechanics have been extensively redesigned to extract the best performance from the platform (more on that below).
Is there anything interesting about its design? 10/10
Most high-performance brands have their track-oriented hardcore models, from the Porsche 911 GT2 RS to the McLaren 765LT and Ferrari 488 Pista.
For Mercedes-Benz, it's the Black Series, a badge that used to be found on the SLK, CLK, SL-Class, C-Class but in 2021 can now be found on the back of a GT supercar.
To distinguish it from the rest of the "standard" Mercedes-AMG GT range, many race car-like components are added, such as a fixed rear wing (with retractable insert), ventilated front fenders, an extended front splitter, and a fixed rear end. places.
In fact, the Black Series is so different from the GT that the only panel that is inherited from the GT is the roof, which is a carbon fiber component to save weight.
To distinguish it from the rest of the "standard" Mercedes-AMG GT range, many race car-like components are added, such as a fixed rear wing. (Image by Tung Nguyen)
Other carbon fiber details include front fenders, front and rear bumpers, and a rear sunroof.
The most eye-catching addition might be the deep-ventilated hood designed to vent hot air out of the engine bay, while the hero orange "Magma Beam" that combines all the exposed carbon fiber panels really draws attention.
On the outside, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is bold, brash and eye-catching, but that’s how a racing car should be – at least in my opinion.
The orange color of the "Magma Beam" hero, which goes with all the exposed carbon fiber panels, really catches the eye. (Image: Tung Nguyen)
I really love how the Black Series looks like a Need for Speed or Forza Horizon video game car brought to life and will grab attention wherever you go.
Inside, the Black Series is trimmed with soft-touch Dinamica trim and contrasting orange stitching on many touch points such as the dash, steering wheel and door cards.
And with fixed-back bucket seats, racing harness and roll cage, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the AMG GT Black Series is all about function over form, but there are little touches that make life on the road easier. .
The multi-media touchpad controller fits comfortably in your hand, and there are plenty of illuminated buttons flanking the gear lever to adjust settings such as adaptive suspension, exhaust sound and rear spoiler angle.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is bold, bold and defiant. (Image: Tung Nguyen)Overall, the Black Series' cabin is well laid out like a standard AMG GT, with some nice touches that make it stand out.
How practical is the interior space? 7/10
As a two-seater coupe, the AMG GT Black Series isn't the most practical of cars, but then again, it doesn't try to be.
The cabin is big enough to accommodate six-foot passengers like me, though the fixed-back seats are designed to fit even lean bodies.
As a two-seat coupe, the AMG GT Black Series isn't the most practical of cars. (Image: Tung Nguyen)
Storage options inside include two cup holders and a shallow underarm storage compartment, and that's about it.
Unlike the standard GT, the Black Series doors don't have a small storage pocket, likely keeping the weight down.
When you open the trunk, there's enough room for a set of golf clubs or a few weekend bags, but nothing more.
Mercedes doesn't list the volume available in the Black Series, but with the inclusion of a roll cage and special reinforcement components to help transfer rear wing downforce to the chassis, it's safe to assume it's less than the 176 liters offered in the version. AMG GT.
When you open the trunk, there's enough room for a set of golf clubs or a few weekend bags, but nothing more. (Image: Tung Nguyen)
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 10/10
At the heart of the GT Black Series is AMG's ubiquitous 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with a few modifications.
First, the V8 uses a flat crank for improved throttle response, lighter weight, and a different firing order, making it looser than a stock engine.
In fact, the engine is so different that Mercedes-AMG has assigned its own internal code to the Black Series powerplant, and only three technicians in Affalterbach are authorized to assemble it.
At the heart of the GT Black Series is AMG's ubiquitous 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. (Image: Tung Nguyen)
As a result, peak power of 537kW is available at 6700-6900rpm and peak torque reaches 800Nm at 2000-6000rpm.
For those watching, that's 107kW/100Nm more than the GT R.
Transferring drive exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the AMG GT Black Series accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 325 km/h.
How much fuel does it consume? 8/10
Officially, the GT Black Series will consume 13.2 liters per 100 km, making it more power hungry than the GT R, which returns 11.4 l/100 km.
The GT Black Series will require 98 octane gasoline, which, combined with high average fuel consumption, will mean a high gas bill.
However, for the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, fuel economy is not as important as a charismatic and dynamic engine.
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series has not yet been assessed by ANCAP or Euro NCAP and does not have an official crash test rating.
While the AMG GT Black Series doesn't have the usual set of safety features, it does offer more track-focused safety components. Image: Thung Nguyen)
Standard safety features include automatic wipers, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, driver warning, traffic sign recognition and tire pressure monitoring.
While the AMG GT Black Series lacks the usual array of safety features you might find in a more mainstream vehicle, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), it does offer more track-focused safety components.
First, the seats are fitted with four-point harnesses that secure you securely in the fixed-back seats. This means you won't move an inch even when turning at absurd speeds.
There is also a roll cage to protect the passenger compartment in the event of a serious accident. And five airbags installed.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
5 years / unlimited mileage
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10
Like all new Mercedes models sold in 2021, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance during that period.
Mercedes' warranty easily outperforms other premium brands such as BMW, Porsche and Audi, all of which offer three-year/unlimited mileage coverage, and Lexus (four years/100,000 km), while still matching Jaguar and the newcomer Genesis.
Scheduled service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000 km, whichever comes first.
Maintenance costs for the Black Series were out of reach for us at the time of publishing, but maintenance for the GT coupe will cost $4750 over three years.
What is it like to drive? 10/10
We've driven very fast cars before, so don't be mistaken if we say that the AMG GT Black Series is very fast.
The right pedal might as well be a warp drive on, Starship Enterprise, because as soon as you step on the gas pedal, you are pressed against the back of the racing seat, and the only reprise comes from the liftoff.
With 537kW/800Nm, you have to rely on suspension and aerodynamics to keep the AMG GT Black Series on the track.
In addition to the tremendous speed, what is surprisingly noticeable is the noise or its absence.
The different firing order of the flat-grip V8 engine means it doesn't have the same bubbling notes as the standard AMG GT, it's more of a racing tone. It's not bad, mind you, just another remark.
And while the V8's flat crank changes the note of the exhaust, it also makes the engine feel freer and more alive.
With 537kW/800Nm, you have to rely on suspension and aerodynamics to keep the AMG GT Black Series on the track, and this is where I think Mercedes-AMG has worked its magic of sorts.
The GT Black Series is so sociable that it makes drivers feel like a hero on the race track. (Image: Tung Nguyen)
The combination of adaptive dampers, active aerodynamics, heavy-duty anti-roll bars and a unique Michelin Pilotsport Cup 2 R tire (with a Black Series silhouette laser-etched on the sidewall) results in a terrifyingly capable car on Phillip Island.
I'm the first to admit that I'm not a Lewis Hamilton at the wheel, I often hit the gas pedal too early, I can never hit the double apex and my heel-toe technique could have taken more effort, but driving a GT Black Series I felt that the spirit of Ayrton Senna got behind the wheel instead of me.
Cornering in the Black Series felt like nothing else, and no matter what the speedometer said, the nose of the ferocious GT flagship just pointed where I wanted it to.
Luckily, the braking system is up to par, too, thanks to carbon-ceramic blocks as standard, as well as unique pads and discs.
The brakes bite almost immediately, giving you the confidence to hit the brake pedal at the last moment before tipping over into a corner.
I think the biggest compliment I can give the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is that it increases that narrow streak of fun you can get from a supercar.
Of course, a more experienced driver could pilot the AMG GT Black Series with more finesse and take corners a little faster, but the availability of performance on offer is astounding.
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series expands the enjoyment you can get from a supercar.
Nothing seems intimidating, nothing seems inaccessible. The GT Black Series is so sociable that it makes drivers feel like a hero on the race track.
If there's any criticism of the car, it's that its limits are so high that it's hard to explore, even on a track like Phillip Island, but maybe it takes more skill than me, or more. than just a few laps behind. wheel.
Of particular note, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series engine is at the front.
There's a reason why some exotic supercars opt for a mid- or rear-engined layout, but Mercedes has managed to create a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive car that will keep up with the best the world has to offer.
Verdict
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is a rare beast; in the sense that it is both unattainable and makes you feel like a superhero behind the wheel.
There's more performance on offer than most can hope to use, but the best thing about Mercedes' latest supercar is its affordability.
In my experience, the more expensive a car gets, the more stressful it becomes to drive, but the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series does something I didn't think was possible and turns a $1 million supercar into something fun.
