Mercedes-AMG GT | Spotted

£60k buys a new AMG A45 crammed with options; or one of these...

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 8 September 2020 / Loading comments

Look, before you say anything, we know that used versus new shouldn't really be entertained for a whole host of reasons. There's peace of mind, the joy of picking up your actual new car, finance deals, more modern technology and so many more factors. However, it continues as a debate because box fresh against second-hand is often such an irresistible, compelling head-to-head. It's especially so when a car that depreciates reasonably quickly is pitched alongside a new car perceived as poor value.

Welcome, then, to the AMG GT at £59,950, in a sensible specification and with just 6,000 miles. The same money currently buys an Aero Packed AMG A45 S from a dealer just a few miles down the road from the GT. It's representative of the spec many mad A-Classes come with, the CLA45 tested recently having come in at £58,640. And boiled down to just AMG V8 sports car with a few months mileage against AMG hot hatch for the same money, that seems a little bit crazy - doesn't it?

Of course, things are never quite as simple as they sound. The first point of note is that the A45 is a phenomenal performance car, and worthy of its £50k asking price; the concept of a five-door family car at that money might be hard to comprehend, though the drive makes a great deal more sense. Just be careful with that options spend, because £60k is already 20 per cent on the list price. Plus, quite clearly, we aren't suggesting that someone in the market for an A45 might also realistically be considering a two-door sports car. Let's use this example instead as a display of just what value the GT represents.

Now, granted, this base model is arguably the least desirable of the vast GT range, going without the additional power, adaptive dampers and electronically controlled differential of the more commonly seen GT S. But that's like saying this is the least desirable option on a dessert menu, because all of the GTs are great. And going without the equipment of the S means a 460hp V8 AMG coupe, with a mechanical limited slip differential and dampers from Multimatic - hardly the short straw, by anyone's standard.

Moreover, there's so much in this plain Jane GT that makes all of the more senior versions so good: the superb AMG 4.0-litre V8, looks that seem to be getting better with age and an interior that - while lacking a bit compared to new Mercs - still does drama like little else. And it's £60,000, for a GT that's covered just 6,000 miles in four years.

Finally, if the A45 comparison was a little unfair, consider the AMG GT against its closest rivals. Spend £60k on a 911 and it could be as old as this 2012 Carrera S, with less power and another 20,000 miles. Demand one with just 6,000 miles and it could cost £75k, as shown by this (admittedly very nice) Carrera T. Which is where it becomes time to mention the F-Type, right, because it's the GT's closest ideological rival? Well, yes, it's true, £60,000 buys a heck of a lot of V8 F-Type, one newer and more powerful than the GT, but it's also an older design, with a less impressive interior and dynamics that aren't quite as sharp. It seems hard, therefore, to find much argument, rational or otherwise, against the AMG GT - but that's not to say there isn't one. Over to you...

SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-AMG GT

Engine: 3,982cc, turbocharged V8
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 462@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 443@1,600rpm
MPG: 30.4 (NEDC)
CO2: 216g/km (NEDC)
First registered: 2016
Recorded mileage: 6,000
Price new: £97,200 (before options)
Yours for: £59,950