Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 7 August 2026
Mercedes-AMG has added a ‘more affordable’ entry point to its new electric GT 4-Door Coupé range, although the GT 53 is still capable of producing 400kW and travelling more than 800km between charges.
The electric fastback uses two motors to deliver all-wheel drive, with combined outputs of 400kW and 800Nm. Mercedes-AMG claims it will reach 100km/h in 3.9 seconds using the conventional measurement, or 3.5 seconds when measured with a one-foot rollout.
Its top speed is electronically limited to 230km/h, rising to 250km/h when the optional AMG Driver’s Package is fitted.
Those figures place the GT 53 below the more powerful GT 55 and GT 63, but it makes a good case as a long-distance grand tourer. Its 106kWh usable battery provides between 682km and 809km of WLTP range, depending on specification, while urban range can reach 880km.
Read more – Mercedes-AMG goes electric with 860kW GT 4-Door Coupe
Energy consumption is rated at between 15.6 and 18.5kWh/100km.
Charging performance is particularly impressive on paper. The 800-volt electrical system supports a maximum DC rate of 600kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in a claimed 11 minutes.
The car can also use 400-volt charging infrastructure, automatically switching its electrical system to suit. AC charging is limited to 11kW.
Two motors and two gears
A permanently excited synchronous motor drives the rear wheels through a two-speed transmission. Its short first gear is intended to improve acceleration and urban efficiency, while the taller second ratio is used at higher speeds.
A second motor powers the front axle and acts as a booster when more performance or traction is required. It can disconnect under lighter loads, leaving the car in rear-wheel drive to reduce energy use.
AMG Ride Control air suspension with adaptive dampers is standard, offering Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings. The 4Matic+ system can continuously vary the amount of torque sent to each axle.
Despite carrying its battery beneath the floor, the new GT sits 40mm lower than its predecessor. It measures 5094mm long, 1959mm wide and 1411mm tall, with a 3040mm wheelbase.
It’s no lightweight, tipping the scales at 2375kg, although a drag coefficient of 0.21 helps its efficiency.
Active aerodynamics include a rear spoiler that remains hidden at speeds below 150km/h before adjusting its angle to improve stability, downforce or efficiency. An active rear diffuser is optional and extends the vehicle’s body contour to reduce drag at higher speeds.
AMG sound without the six-cylinder engine
Although the GT 53 is electric, AMG hasn’t completely abandoned combustion-engine theatrics.
Its AMGForce Sport+ mode introduces simulated gear changes and an artificial soundtrack based on the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine previously used by the AMG E 53 Coupé. Drivers can also change gears manually using paddles behind the steering wheel.
AMG says it recorded the original engine from 16 microphone positions, completing more than 100 measurements to reproduce its sound. Owners can adjust the result using Powerful, Balanced and Minimal settings, along with a slider ranging from classic to futuristic.
The cabin features a 14-inch central display angled towards the driver, digital instruments and an optional passenger screen. Four individual seats are fitted, while a panoramic glass roof can switch between transparent and opaque in separate sections.
Boot capacity is listed at 415 litres using the VDA standard, accompanied by a 41-litre storage compartment beneath the bonnet.
New Zealand availability and pricing haven’t been announced.
